Microbiome for early cancer prediction before the onset of disease

The HORIZON-MISS opportunity focuses on using the microbiome for early cancer prediction prior to the disease's onset, representing a €15 million funding initiative under the EU's Horizon Europe program, particularly the Cancer Mission. This grant will support the development of innovative tools aimed at predicting cancer risk and facilitating its prevention through understanding microbiome dynamics. Eligible applicants include a consortium of research organizations and universities, along with private enterprises capable of contributing to this research area. Specific requirements highlight the importance of collaboration with entities that have access to large cohorts, registries, and microbiome biobanks. The estimated funding amount per project is around €15 million, with only one project expected to be awarded, making competition intense. The call encourages a range of research focuses such as diagnostics in oncology, the development of personalized medicine approaches, and applications of artificial intelligence in risk assessment. Applicants must emphasize validation of microbiome tools against existing minimally invasive diagnostic tests and address clinical guidelines derived from research outcomes. The expected project stage is primarily focused on research and validation, with proposals directed at assessing predispositions, utilizing longitudinal data, and engaging with citizens for data collection and education. The application process is a single-stage procedure, requiring submission by September 15, 2026, with direct financial assistance categorized under a lump sum grant. Participation is limited to EU Member States and Associated Countries, although provisions exist for the inclusion of non-EU countries under specific conditions. Given the highly specialized nature of cancer research and the competition expected, success rates are likely below 10%, with estimates in the 3-5% range. Co-funding is generally anticipated, though not explicitly mandated in this instance, and all proposals must align with strict evaluation criteria focusing on excellence, impact, and implementation. This funding opportunity strives to leverage microbiome research to enhance cancer prevention and early detection strategies, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes across Europe.

This is a Horizon Europe call supporting the implementation of the Cancer Mission, specifically focusing on "Microbiome for early cancer prediction before the onset of disease". The call aims to contribute to the EU Cancer Mission’s objective of improved cancer prevention and early detection. The core focus is on developing validated microbiome tools, assessing predispositions, comparing these tools with other predictive methods, and employing risk modelling approaches.

The expected outcomes of successful proposals include:

1. Development of microbiome tools for earlier, better, and personalised prediction and prevention of cancer, ideally two years before the onset of the disease, covering multiple cancer types.

2. Assessments of predispositions, AI-driven risk modelling, and organ/body simulations.

3. Collaboration with large cohorts/registries, utilising existing microbiome and clinical data, and generating new data, including predictive signs like fatigue, pain, or weight loss.

4. Citizen engagement through data and sample collections, and educational programs.

5. Comparison with minimally invasive liquid biopsy and other tests regarding predictive power, simplicity, cost-benefits, and commercial potential.

6. Validation of tests in independent cohorts and development of guidelines for managing risk factors like lifestyle or diet.

7. Consideration of outcomes from EU and international initiatives, including the International Cancer Microbiome Consortium, and addressing age, sex, and gender differences.

The scope of the call emphasizes the correlation between the human microbiome and oncogenesis, advocating for monitoring microbiome dysbiosis as an early predictive biomarker. It aims to translate microbiome knowledge into personalised tools for cancer prediction and prevention, aligning with the EU Cancer Mission's goal of improving lives through earlier treatment.

Proposals should address the following:

1. Development of microbiome tools for earlier, better and personalised prediction and prevention of cancer before the onset of the disease; if possible 2 years before the onset of the disease. Proposals should deal with several types of cancer if possible.

2. Assessments of predispositions, AI risk modelling approaches and organ/body simulations.

3. Collaboration with large cohorts/registries from different communities, usage of existing microbiome and clinical data in combination with and generation of new data. These data could include other predictive signs such as sensations of fatigue, unusual pain, weight loss or other body changes.

4. Citizen engagement could be included with data and sample collections as well as educational programmes.

5. Comparison with other minimally invasive liquid biopsy and other tests concerning their predictive power, simplicity, cost-benefits and potential for commercialisation.

6. Validation of the tests in an independent cohort.

7. Development of guidelines that help to manage risk factors such as lifestyle or diet. The outcome and expertise of ongoing EU and International initatives and the International Cancer Microbiome Consortium could be considered for the reliability of the tests and guidelines to be developed. Age, sex and gender differences should be duly considered.

Successful proposals are expected to build on resources from the Knowledge Centre on Cancer (KCC) and join the 'Prevention and Early Detection' project cluster of the EU Cancer Mission, including a budget for networking and joint activities.

The call is structured as a single-stage HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) with a lump sum grant. The planned opening date is 10 February 2026, and the deadline for submission is 15 September 2026, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

General conditions for participation include:

1. Admissibility Conditions:Proposal page limit and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form.

2. Eligible Countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries.

3. Other Eligible Conditions:Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks, as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion as described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

5a. Evaluation and award:Award criteria, scoring and thresholds as described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.

€5B. Evaluation and award:Submission and evaluation processes with thresholds of 4 for Excellence, Impact, and Implementation, and a cumulative threshold of 12, as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

5c. Evaluation and award:Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.

6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants:Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. The granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results up to 4 years after the action's end, as set out in Annex 5.

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and evaluation forms, as well as the model grant agreement (MGA), are available in the Submission System. Guidance documents include the HE Programme Guide, Lump Sum MGA, call-specific instructions, detailed budget table, information on clinical studies, and guidance on lump sums.

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, and the EU Grants AGA.

The budget overview indicates that the call includes several topics with varying budgets and indicative numbers of grants. For example, HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-01 has a budget of €35,000,000 and aims to award 4 grants with contributions ranging from €8,000,000 to €9,000,000. HORIZON-MISS has a budget of €15,000,000 and aims to award 1 grant of around €15,000,000.

Partner search announcements are available for those seeking collaboration, and the submission system will open on the date stated on the topic header.

This funding opportunity is designed to bolster the EU Cancer Mission by leveraging microbiome research to develop innovative tools for early cancer prediction and prevention. It calls for collaborative projects that integrate microbiome analysis, AI, and clinical data to create personalised strategies for identifying and managing cancer risks before the disease fully manifests. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals, physicians, and policymakers with the means to detect cancer earlier, implement effective interventions, and improve overall cancer prevention efforts across Europe.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but based on the "General conditions" and "Specific conditions" sections, it can be inferred that the opportunity is open to a range of entities involved in research and innovation. This likely includes universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other relevant organizations. The call is a Horizon Research and Innovation Action, so it is expected that the applicants are research and innovation driven.

Funding Type:The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a "HORIZON Lump Sum Grant" under the Horizon Europe Programme. There are different types of actions available, including Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).

Consortium Requirement:The information does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required, but it is implied that collaborative projects are encouraged, especially given the emphasis on joining project clusters and networking activities. Partner search announcements are available.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The geographic eligibility is described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector:The primary target sector is health, specifically cancer research and early detection. The program also targets sectors related to microbiome research, AI, biotechnology, and healthcare.

Mentioned Countries:The opportunity is at the EU level, with eligibility extending to non-EU and associated countries as defined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Project Stage:The project stage targets research, development, and validation, with an emphasis on translating microbiome knowledge into practical tools for cancer prediction and prevention. The projects should aim to develop tools that can predict cancer, if possible, two years before the onset of the disease.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call.

HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-01:€35,000,000 (Contributions: €8,000,000 to €9,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 4)

HORIZON-MISS:€15,000,000 (Contributions: around €15,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 1)

HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-03:€22,186,000 (Contributions: €7,000,000 to €8,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 3)

HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-04:€15,000,000 (Contributions: around €5,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 3)

HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-05:€7,000,000 (Contributions: around €7,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 1)

HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-06:€5,000,000 (Contributions: around €5,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 1)

HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-07:€25,000,000 (Contributions: €5,000,000 to €6,000,000; Indicative number of grants: 5)

Application Type:The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support:The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages:The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates:The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight into the potential success rate.

Co-funding Requirement:The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary:

This Horizon Europe call, "Microbiome for early cancer prediction before the onset of disease," aims to improve cancer prevention and early detection by developing and validating microbiome tools. The call is part of the EU Cancer Mission and seeks to translate microbiome knowledge into personalized approaches for predicting cancer before it develops. Projects should focus on creating tools based on longitudinal sample collections, AI-supported risk modeling, and comparison with liquid biopsy tests. The call encourages collaboration with large cohorts and registries, citizen engagement, and adherence to ethical considerations. Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and successful projects are expected to join the 'Prevention and Early Detection' project cluster of the EU Cancer Mission. The call is open to entities involved in research and innovation, including universities, research institutes, SMEs, and large enterprises, from EU member states, associated countries and non-EU countries. The submission deadline is September 15, 2026.