Pillar II: Strengthening ecosystems for open, ethical, and sustainable ERA
Overview
The HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03 is an open grant opportunity under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targeting Coordination and Support Actions with a total budget of €6 million. The call aims to enhance the European Research Area by promoting the adoption of policies and practices related to research ethics, open science, and environmental sustainability. The application window opens on December 10, 2025, and closes on March 12, 2026.
Eligible applicants include research organizations, universities, research infrastructures, service providers, industry partners, and government entities. Applicants must form a consortium comprising at least three independent legal entities established in different EU Member States or Associated Countries, with a requirement that at least two of them be from an EU Member State. While entities from non-associated third countries may join as associated partners, they can't receive direct funding.
The funding type is structured as a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, providing a fixed budget rather than requiring detailed cost reimbursements. Each funded project can receive up to €2 million, with the expectation of three grants being awarded. The nature of support includes monetary grants supplemented by non-monetary services like administrative assistance, access to various resources, and guidance from National Contact Points.
The projects should focus on three defined areas: research ethics and integrity, open science, and environmental sustainability. The aim is to foster large-scale collaborative ecosystems that advance systemic change within these sectors, contributing to sustainable research practices, ethical governance, and open data sharing aligned with the European Open Science Cloud.
Applications will undergo a single-stage evaluation process where compliance with consortium requirements and quality of the proposal will be assessed. Success rates for similar grants are typically competitive, with estimations around 10-15%. While there are no formal co-funding requirements, applicants must demonstrate plans for self-sustainability after the grant period.
Overall, this grant opportunity is designed for established research consortia dedicated to enhancing and transforming research governance across Europe, focusing on ethical considerations, open science, and environmental awareness in research.
Eligible applicants include research organizations, universities, research infrastructures, service providers, industry partners, and government entities. Applicants must form a consortium comprising at least three independent legal entities established in different EU Member States or Associated Countries, with a requirement that at least two of them be from an EU Member State. While entities from non-associated third countries may join as associated partners, they can't receive direct funding.
The funding type is structured as a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, providing a fixed budget rather than requiring detailed cost reimbursements. Each funded project can receive up to €2 million, with the expectation of three grants being awarded. The nature of support includes monetary grants supplemented by non-monetary services like administrative assistance, access to various resources, and guidance from National Contact Points.
The projects should focus on three defined areas: research ethics and integrity, open science, and environmental sustainability. The aim is to foster large-scale collaborative ecosystems that advance systemic change within these sectors, contributing to sustainable research practices, ethical governance, and open data sharing aligned with the European Open Science Cloud.
Applications will undergo a single-stage evaluation process where compliance with consortium requirements and quality of the proposal will be assessed. Success rates for similar grants are typically competitive, with estimations around 10-15%. While there are no formal co-funding requirements, applicants must demonstrate plans for self-sustainability after the grant period.
Overall, this grant opportunity is designed for established research consortia dedicated to enhancing and transforming research governance across Europe, focusing on ethical considerations, open science, and environmental awareness in research.
Detail
This is a Horizon Europe call for proposals under the Enhancing the European R&I system (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06) with the topic "Pillar II: Strengthening ecosystems for open, ethical, and sustainable ERA" (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03). It is a HORIZON Coordination and Support Action (HORIZON-CSA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] model grant agreement. The call is currently open for submission with a single-stage deadline. The opening date was December 10, 2025, and the deadline is March 12, 2026, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.
The scope of this topic is to promote the adoption of ERA policies and practices, contributing to sustainable ecosystems established around ERA priorities through enhanced cooperation, coordination, and alignment. It aims to help create new or enhance existing ecosystems through activities such as networking, cooperative action, knowledge exchange and dissemination, tools, training, and policy advice.
Applicants are required to select and clearly identify one of the following three areas to address, each designed to contribute toward the implementation of an ERA policy:
Area 1 ERA Action A coordinated framework responding to emerging challenges for ethics and integrity in R&I
Area 2 ERA Structural Policy Enabling open science via sharing and re-use of data, including through EOSC
Area 3 Green transition, as set out in the Pact for R&I in Europe
Proposals should develop activities outlined for the selected area and propose additional activities to achieve the expected outcomes. Project activities should reach large communities of stakeholders, engaging those beyond academia, ensuring wide geographical coverage, inclusivity, broad participation, and accessibility. Proposals should describe the target group in terms of its scope and size. International cooperation is welcomed, and the involvement of entities from non-associated third countries in the consortium must be clearly explained and justified.
Project activities should promote inclusive gender equality and address gender-specific challenges. Where relevant, proposals should consider the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and the TRUST Code. Applicants must demonstrate a viable plan for achieving self-sustainability after the end of the grant agreement. The expected project duration is up to 3 years.
Area 1: Equitable, sustainable, and ethical research
Expected outcome: A research ethics and integrity ecosystem continuously enhanced with robust methodologies and knowledge that encourage benefit sharing and prevent ethics dumping, contributing to the ERA Action A coordinated framework responding to emerging challenges for ethics and integrity in R&I. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
A reinforced research ethics and integrity ecosystem that supports sustainable and equitable research partnerships across lower- and high-income settings, based on the values of the TRUST Code.
Enhanced expertise in benefit sharing and practical and effective methods to prevent ethics dumping.
Creation of an international community of practice to promote ethics-by-design in support of researchers, research participants, local communities, local/national ethics and research integrity bodies, and other key stakeholders.
Scope: Area 1 promotes research ethics and integrity principles in an increasingly digitalised world to prevent breaches and address barriers to implementing ethical guidelines in the EU and beyond. The objectives are twofold: first, to reinforce an ecosystem that supports a long-lasting approach to benefit sharing, also accounting for the growing prevalence of AI; and second, to address imbalances in research, especially in high-risk or highly contingent settings, by incorporating due diligence and beneficence for research participants and local communities.
Proposals should build on the results of relevant past or ongoing projects at European and/or national level. Structured cooperation with the Embassy of Good Science should be included. Cooperation with university or research networks to enrich ethics-related curricula is desirable. Project activities should target researchers, local/national research integrity and ethics committees, European networks of (early career) researchers and educators in research ethics, research management and integrity offices, ethics officers in research performing organisations, as well as policymakers. To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should include the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:
Develop toolkits to facilitate partnerships that guarantee the premise of do no harm as well as fair and just practice from conception to the implementation of actions.
Develop training programmes, including a quality assurance system, for researchers and for ethics experts and committees to promote the coherence of the ethics review process.
Increase awareness and disseminate knowledge of ethical values and norms for responsible R&I, including at the local level.
Area 2: Global cooperation for the uptake of open science practices
Expected outcome: A more open, equitable and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem, contributing to the ERA Structural Policy Enabling open science via sharing and re-use of data, including through the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
Strengthened international collaboration for aligning policies and strategies that enable open access, and the secure and trusted sharing and re-use of digital research objects and tools in line with the FAIR principles.
New standards, recommendations, and methodologies necessary for applying the FAIR principles and supporting the EOSC ecosystem in alignment with global best practices.
Improved interoperability of digital research objects, tools, and services across various thematic, discipline-specific, and national data and digital research infrastructures worldwide.
Scope: Area 2 supports efforts to ensure that open science practices and skills are rewarded and taught, becoming the new normal. The main goal is to foster a global ecosystem that promotes cooperation and alignment on open science practices. It will facilitate the development of standards, tools, and services that empower researchers to find, access, re-use, and combine research findings, especially through EOSC.
Proposals should build on activities by related projects and activities in the context of the EOSC Partnership aimed at fostering the international dimension of EOSC. The project activities should target actors such as research organisations and their associations, research community-driven associations, research infrastructures, service providers, and higher education institutions. To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should address the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:
Implement initiatives to facilitate cooperation and connections between developments within the European context and international initiatives that promote the reusability of digital research outputs.
Engage with international stakeholders to contribute to the development and adoption of globally recognised data practices and standards.
Provide support for defining and developing EOSC policies and technical specifications by aligning with global, community-driven initiatives and scientific best practices.
Promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and skills acquisition, enabling researchers and organisations to actively contribute to open science and the development of Global Open Research Commons.
Area 3: Environmentally sustainable science
Expected outcome: Increased uptake, effectiveness and impact of environmentally sustainable research, contributing to the green transition. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
Effective knowledge sharing and support for researchers and R&I organisations in implementing environmentally sustainable practices and policies.
Enhanced culture and awareness of environmental sustainability within the scientific community.
Increased integration of environmental sustainability considerations in European and national research funding programmes and other initiatives.
Scope: Area 3 contributes toward reducing environmental footprint of research. The aim is to set up a network dedicated to driving the transformation of research practices and research organisations toward environmental sustainability, considering various measures, such as energy-efficient, low-waste laboratories, and sustainable data storage and computing facilities. Special attention should be given to energy-intensive digital technologies like AI.
Proposals should build on existing approaches and methodologies and collaborate with relevant projects, networks and initiatives. Project activities should target actors such as higher education institutions, research performing and funding organisations, industry, policymakers, and grassroots initiatives. To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should address the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:
Map existing approaches for assessing and reducing environmental footprint and develop sustainability guidelines, considering various disciplines and research contexts.
Offer evidence-based recommendations to integrate sustainability into research funding and evaluation, with attention to different institutional frameworks and engagement at all institutional levels.
Promote awareness and adoption of sustainability policies and practices through knowledge exchange, collaboration, and trainings that leverage existing resources and expertise.
The budget overview for the HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA call is as follows:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01 - HORIZON-CSA: 6,000,000 EUR, contributions of 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02 - HORIZON-CSA: 9,000,000 EUR, contributions of 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 EUR, 6 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03 - HORIZON-CSA: 6,000,000 EUR, contributions around 2,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04 - HORIZON-CSA: 4,000,000 EUR, contributions around 2,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-05 - HORIZON-CSA: 2,000,000 EUR, contributions around 1,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06 - HORIZON-CSA: 3,000,000 EUR, contributions around 3,000,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-07 - HORIZON-CSA: 6,000,000 EUR, contributions around 6,000,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08 - HORIZON-RIA: 16,000,000 EUR, contributions of 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 EUR, 8 indicative grants
The general conditions include admissibility conditions related to proposal page limits and layout, eligible countries, and other eligibility criteria. Applications must be submitted by a consortium including participation, as beneficiaries, of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different Member State or Associated Country, with two of which established in a Member State. Legal entities from non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as associated partners.
Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are also specified. The evaluation and award process will ensure a balanced portfolio covering different ERA policy areas, with grants awarded based on ranking and the fulfillment of thresholds. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.
Application form templates and evaluation form templates are available in the Submission System. Applicants should consult the HE Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements (MGA), call-specific instructions, and additional documents for detailed guidance.
This funding opportunity aims to foster the development and adoption of best practices in research and innovation across Europe, focusing on ethical considerations, open science, and environmental sustainability. By selecting one of the three key areas and developing relevant activities, applicant consortia can contribute to building a stronger, more responsible, and sustainable European Research Area. The emphasis on international cooperation and self-sustainability ensures that the projects will have a lasting impact beyond the funding period.
The scope of this topic is to promote the adoption of ERA policies and practices, contributing to sustainable ecosystems established around ERA priorities through enhanced cooperation, coordination, and alignment. It aims to help create new or enhance existing ecosystems through activities such as networking, cooperative action, knowledge exchange and dissemination, tools, training, and policy advice.
Applicants are required to select and clearly identify one of the following three areas to address, each designed to contribute toward the implementation of an ERA policy:
Area 1 ERA Action A coordinated framework responding to emerging challenges for ethics and integrity in R&I
Area 2 ERA Structural Policy Enabling open science via sharing and re-use of data, including through EOSC
Area 3 Green transition, as set out in the Pact for R&I in Europe
Proposals should develop activities outlined for the selected area and propose additional activities to achieve the expected outcomes. Project activities should reach large communities of stakeholders, engaging those beyond academia, ensuring wide geographical coverage, inclusivity, broad participation, and accessibility. Proposals should describe the target group in terms of its scope and size. International cooperation is welcomed, and the involvement of entities from non-associated third countries in the consortium must be clearly explained and justified.
Project activities should promote inclusive gender equality and address gender-specific challenges. Where relevant, proposals should consider the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and the TRUST Code. Applicants must demonstrate a viable plan for achieving self-sustainability after the end of the grant agreement. The expected project duration is up to 3 years.
Area 1: Equitable, sustainable, and ethical research
Expected outcome: A research ethics and integrity ecosystem continuously enhanced with robust methodologies and knowledge that encourage benefit sharing and prevent ethics dumping, contributing to the ERA Action A coordinated framework responding to emerging challenges for ethics and integrity in R&I. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
A reinforced research ethics and integrity ecosystem that supports sustainable and equitable research partnerships across lower- and high-income settings, based on the values of the TRUST Code.
Enhanced expertise in benefit sharing and practical and effective methods to prevent ethics dumping.
Creation of an international community of practice to promote ethics-by-design in support of researchers, research participants, local communities, local/national ethics and research integrity bodies, and other key stakeholders.
Scope: Area 1 promotes research ethics and integrity principles in an increasingly digitalised world to prevent breaches and address barriers to implementing ethical guidelines in the EU and beyond. The objectives are twofold: first, to reinforce an ecosystem that supports a long-lasting approach to benefit sharing, also accounting for the growing prevalence of AI; and second, to address imbalances in research, especially in high-risk or highly contingent settings, by incorporating due diligence and beneficence for research participants and local communities.
Proposals should build on the results of relevant past or ongoing projects at European and/or national level. Structured cooperation with the Embassy of Good Science should be included. Cooperation with university or research networks to enrich ethics-related curricula is desirable. Project activities should target researchers, local/national research integrity and ethics committees, European networks of (early career) researchers and educators in research ethics, research management and integrity offices, ethics officers in research performing organisations, as well as policymakers. To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should include the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:
Develop toolkits to facilitate partnerships that guarantee the premise of do no harm as well as fair and just practice from conception to the implementation of actions.
Develop training programmes, including a quality assurance system, for researchers and for ethics experts and committees to promote the coherence of the ethics review process.
Increase awareness and disseminate knowledge of ethical values and norms for responsible R&I, including at the local level.
Area 2: Global cooperation for the uptake of open science practices
Expected outcome: A more open, equitable and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem, contributing to the ERA Structural Policy Enabling open science via sharing and re-use of data, including through the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
Strengthened international collaboration for aligning policies and strategies that enable open access, and the secure and trusted sharing and re-use of digital research objects and tools in line with the FAIR principles.
New standards, recommendations, and methodologies necessary for applying the FAIR principles and supporting the EOSC ecosystem in alignment with global best practices.
Improved interoperability of digital research objects, tools, and services across various thematic, discipline-specific, and national data and digital research infrastructures worldwide.
Scope: Area 2 supports efforts to ensure that open science practices and skills are rewarded and taught, becoming the new normal. The main goal is to foster a global ecosystem that promotes cooperation and alignment on open science practices. It will facilitate the development of standards, tools, and services that empower researchers to find, access, re-use, and combine research findings, especially through EOSC.
Proposals should build on activities by related projects and activities in the context of the EOSC Partnership aimed at fostering the international dimension of EOSC. The project activities should target actors such as research organisations and their associations, research community-driven associations, research infrastructures, service providers, and higher education institutions. To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should address the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:
Implement initiatives to facilitate cooperation and connections between developments within the European context and international initiatives that promote the reusability of digital research outputs.
Engage with international stakeholders to contribute to the development and adoption of globally recognised data practices and standards.
Provide support for defining and developing EOSC policies and technical specifications by aligning with global, community-driven initiatives and scientific best practices.
Promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and skills acquisition, enabling researchers and organisations to actively contribute to open science and the development of Global Open Research Commons.
Area 3: Environmentally sustainable science
Expected outcome: Increased uptake, effectiveness and impact of environmentally sustainable research, contributing to the green transition. Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
Effective knowledge sharing and support for researchers and R&I organisations in implementing environmentally sustainable practices and policies.
Enhanced culture and awareness of environmental sustainability within the scientific community.
Increased integration of environmental sustainability considerations in European and national research funding programmes and other initiatives.
Scope: Area 3 contributes toward reducing environmental footprint of research. The aim is to set up a network dedicated to driving the transformation of research practices and research organisations toward environmental sustainability, considering various measures, such as energy-efficient, low-waste laboratories, and sustainable data storage and computing facilities. Special attention should be given to energy-intensive digital technologies like AI.
Proposals should build on existing approaches and methodologies and collaborate with relevant projects, networks and initiatives. Project activities should target actors such as higher education institutions, research performing and funding organisations, industry, policymakers, and grassroots initiatives. To achieve the expected outcomes, proposals should address the activities outlined below and propose any additional, complementary activities:
Map existing approaches for assessing and reducing environmental footprint and develop sustainability guidelines, considering various disciplines and research contexts.
Offer evidence-based recommendations to integrate sustainability into research funding and evaluation, with attention to different institutional frameworks and engagement at all institutional levels.
Promote awareness and adoption of sustainability policies and practices through knowledge exchange, collaboration, and trainings that leverage existing resources and expertise.
The budget overview for the HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA call is as follows:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01 - HORIZON-CSA: 6,000,000 EUR, contributions of 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02 - HORIZON-CSA: 9,000,000 EUR, contributions of 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 EUR, 6 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03 - HORIZON-CSA: 6,000,000 EUR, contributions around 2,000,000 EUR, 3 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04 - HORIZON-CSA: 4,000,000 EUR, contributions around 2,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-05 - HORIZON-CSA: 2,000,000 EUR, contributions around 1,000,000 EUR, 2 indicative grants
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06 - HORIZON-CSA: 3,000,000 EUR, contributions around 3,000,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-07 - HORIZON-CSA: 6,000,000 EUR, contributions around 6,000,000 EUR, 1 indicative grant
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08 - HORIZON-RIA: 16,000,000 EUR, contributions of 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 EUR, 8 indicative grants
The general conditions include admissibility conditions related to proposal page limits and layout, eligible countries, and other eligibility criteria. Applications must be submitted by a consortium including participation, as beneficiaries, of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different Member State or Associated Country, with two of which established in a Member State. Legal entities from non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as associated partners.
Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are also specified. The evaluation and award process will ensure a balanced portfolio covering different ERA policy areas, with grants awarded based on ranking and the fulfillment of thresholds. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.
Application form templates and evaluation form templates are available in the Submission System. Applicants should consult the HE Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements (MGA), call-specific instructions, and additional documents for detailed guidance.
This funding opportunity aims to foster the development and adoption of best practices in research and innovation across Europe, focusing on ethical considerations, open science, and environmental sustainability. By selecting one of the three key areas and developing relevant activities, applicant consortia can contribute to building a stronger, more responsible, and sustainable European Research Area. The emphasis on international cooperation and self-sustainability ensures that the projects will have a lasting impact beyond the funding period.
Find a Consultant to Support You
Breakdown
Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include legal entities such as research organizations and their associations, research community-driven associations, research infrastructures, service providers, higher education institutions, industry, policymakers, and grassroots initiatives. The call is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including those beyond academia.
Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA). Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.
Consortium Requirement: The opportunity requires a consortium. Applications must be submitted by a consortium including participation, as beneficiaries, of at least three independent legal entities. Each must be established in a different Member State or Associated Country, and two of which are established in a Member State. Legal entities established in non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as an associated partner.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and Associated Countries. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may have specific provisions for funding their participants. Legal entities from non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as associated partners.
Target Sector: The program targets multiple sectors, including research and innovation, ethics and integrity, open science, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and policy development. It is designed to enhance the European Research Area (ERA) and promote related policies and practices.
Mentioned Countries: The opportunity is open to EU Member States and Associated Countries. 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.
Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project for this opportunity is focused on coordination and support actions, research and innovation actions, networking, knowledge exchange, dissemination, tools, training, and policy advice. The projects are expected to build on existing approaches and methodologies.
Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02: EUR 1,500,000 to EUR 2,000,000 (6 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03: Around EUR 2,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04: Around EUR 2,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-05: Around EUR 1,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06: Around EUR 3,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-07: Around EUR 6,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08: EUR 1,500,000 to EUR 2,500,000 (8 grants)
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 to support their projects.
Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.
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 need for co-funding is not explicitly mentioned, but applicants must demonstrate a viable plan for achieving self-sustainability after the end of the grant agreement.
Summary:
This Horizon Europe call (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06) aims to enhance the European Research Area (ERA) by promoting the adoption of ERA policies and practices. It seeks to foster sustainable ecosystems around ERA priorities through cooperation, coordination, and alignment. The call is structured around three main areas: equitable, sustainable, and ethical research; global cooperation for the uptake of open science practices; and environmentally sustainable science. Applicants must form a consortium of at least three independent legal entities from different Member States or Associated Countries, with the possibility of including entities from non-associated third countries as associated partners. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the project duration is expected to be up to 3 years. The call encourages international cooperation and emphasizes the importance of gender equality and ethical considerations in research and innovation. The overall goal is to strengthen the European R&I system and contribute to the green transition, open science, and research integrity.
Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA). Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.
Consortium Requirement: The opportunity requires a consortium. Applications must be submitted by a consortium including participation, as beneficiaries, of at least three independent legal entities. Each must be established in a different Member State or Associated Country, and two of which are established in a Member State. Legal entities established in non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as an associated partner.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and Associated Countries. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may have specific provisions for funding their participants. Legal entities from non-associated third countries may exceptionally participate as associated partners.
Target Sector: The program targets multiple sectors, including research and innovation, ethics and integrity, open science, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and policy development. It is designed to enhance the European Research Area (ERA) and promote related policies and practices.
Mentioned Countries: The opportunity is open to EU Member States and Associated Countries. 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.
Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project for this opportunity is focused on coordination and support actions, research and innovation actions, networking, knowledge exchange, dissemination, tools, training, and policy advice. The projects are expected to build on existing approaches and methodologies.
Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02: EUR 1,500,000 to EUR 2,000,000 (6 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03: Around EUR 2,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04: Around EUR 2,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-05: Around EUR 1,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06: Around EUR 3,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-07: Around EUR 6,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08: EUR 1,500,000 to EUR 2,500,000 (8 grants)
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 to support their projects.
Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.
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 need for co-funding is not explicitly mentioned, but applicants must demonstrate a viable plan for achieving self-sustainability after the end of the grant agreement.
Summary:
This Horizon Europe call (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06) aims to enhance the European Research Area (ERA) by promoting the adoption of ERA policies and practices. It seeks to foster sustainable ecosystems around ERA priorities through cooperation, coordination, and alignment. The call is structured around three main areas: equitable, sustainable, and ethical research; global cooperation for the uptake of open science practices; and environmentally sustainable science. Applicants must form a consortium of at least three independent legal entities from different Member States or Associated Countries, with the possibility of including entities from non-associated third countries as associated partners. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the project duration is expected to be up to 3 years. The call encourages international cooperation and emphasizes the importance of gender equality and ethical considerations in research and innovation. The overall goal is to strengthen the European R&I system and contribute to the green transition, open science, and research integrity.
Short Summary
Impact This funding aims to enhance the European Research Area by promoting the adoption of ethical, open, and environmentally sustainable research practices through collaborative projects. | Impact | This funding aims to enhance the European Research Area by promoting the adoption of ethical, open, and environmentally sustainable research practices through collaborative projects. |
Applicant Applicants should possess expertise in research governance, ethics, open science, and sustainability, and be capable of forming consortia with diverse stakeholders. | Applicant | Applicants should possess expertise in research governance, ethics, open science, and sustainability, and be capable of forming consortia with diverse stakeholders. |
Developments The activities funded will focus on research ethics and integrity, open science practices, and environmental sustainability in research. | Developments | The activities funded will focus on research ethics and integrity, open science practices, and environmental sustainability in research. |
Applicant Type This funding is designed for research organizations, universities, and governance bodies involved in research and innovation. | Applicant Type | This funding is designed for research organizations, universities, and governance bodies involved in research and innovation. |
Consortium A consortium of at least three independent legal entities from different Member States or Associated Countries is required. | Consortium | A consortium of at least three independent legal entities from different Member States or Associated Countries is required. |
Funding Amount The funding amount is €2,000,000 per project, with a total budget of €6,000,000 for three expected grants. | Funding Amount | The funding amount is €2,000,000 per project, with a total budget of €6,000,000 for three expected grants. |
Countries The funding is relevant for all EU Member States and Associated Countries, encouraging participation from regions with lower research performance. | Countries | The funding is relevant for all EU Member States and Associated Countries, encouraging participation from regions with lower research performance. |
Industry This funding targets the European Research Area, focusing on enhancing research governance and practices. | Industry | This funding targets the European Research Area, focusing on enhancing research governance and practices. |
Update Log
Showing 1 update
Update on December 13th, 2025
1 day ago
1 field changed
Status
Old:Forthcoming
New:Open
Discover with AI
Let our intelligent agent help you find the perfect funding opportunities tailored to your needs.
Try AI Agent →
EU Grant Database
Explore European funding opportunities in our comprehensive, up-to-date collection.
Browse Database →
Stay Informed
Get notified when grants change, deadlines approach, or new opportunities match your interests.
Configure Notifications →
Track Your Favorites
Follow grants you're interested in and keep them organized in one place. Get updates on changes and deadlines.
Use the Follow button above ↑
Pillar I: Building institutional capacities for ethical, equitable, open, and inclusive ERA
Call for ProposalOpen
The Horizon Europe opportunity HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02 is a funding initiative aimed at enhancing institutional capacities within Research and Innovation (R&I) organizations in Europe. With a...
March 12th, 2026
Strengthening the international dimension of ESFRI and/or ERIC research infrastructures
Call for ProposalForthcoming
This summary outlines the Horizon Europe funding opportunity, specifically aimed at strengthening the international dimension of ESFRI (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures) and ERIC...
June 16th, 2026
Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European research infrastructures
Call for ProposalForthcoming
The Horizon Europe funding opportunity titled "Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European...
June 16th, 2026
Pillar I: Accelerating open access and research assessment reforms in ERA
Call for ProposalOpen
The Horizon Europe call HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01 seeks to promote effective and sustainable structural reforms within Research and Innovation (R&I) organizations, aligning with the priorities of...
March 12th, 2026
Pillar IV: Advancing Knowledge for ERA
Call for ProposalOpen
The HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08 call, titled "Pillar IV: Advancing Knowledge for ERA," is part of the Horizon Europe initiative aimed at enhancing the European Research and Innovation (R&I) system....
March 12th, 2026
Strengthening the human capital managing research infrastructures, including in international context
Call for ProposalForthcoming
This summary presents an overview of a Horizon Europe funding opportunity focused on enhancing human capital in managing research infrastructures. The key information is as follows: Eligible...
June 16th, 2026
Interconnect Earth Observation research for addressing environmental policies
Call for ProposalForthcoming
The Horizon Europe call identified as HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-07 seeks to interconnect Earth Observation (EO) research with environmental policies to enhance the competitiveness and...
April 15th, 2026
Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – development of complementarities, synergies and/or integration between a set of pan-European research infrastructures
Call for ProposalForthcoming
The Horizon Europe initiative is launching a call for proposals titled "Consolidation of the Research Infrastructure Landscape," identified as HORIZON-INFRA-2027-DEV-01-02. This call aims to improve...
June 15th, 2027
Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – pilots for strategic coordination, synergies and simplified access pathways, by large thematic clusters of pan-European research infrastructures
Call for ProposalForthcoming
The Horizon Europe opportunity titled "Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – pilots for strategic coordination, synergies and simplified access pathways, by large thematic clusters...
June 16th, 2026
MSCA COFUND 2026
Call for ProposalForthcoming
The HORIZON-MSCA-2026-COFUND-01 call, part of the Horizon Europe program, aims to strengthen human resources in research and innovation by co-funding doctoral and postdoctoral programs. The total...
April 8th, 2026
NEWS - JOURNALISM PARTNERSHIPS - COLLABORATIONS
Call for ProposalOpen
The European Commission is offering a funding opportunity through the Creative Europe Programme, specifically under the call titled "Journalism Partnerships - Collaborations"...
February 4th, 2026
Research infrastructure concept development including major upgrades or extensions of existing infrastructures
Call for ProposalForthcoming
This summary outlines a significant funding opportunity under the Horizon Europe program, specifically focused on enhancing research infrastructures through the call HORIZON-INFRA-2026-DEV-01-01. The...
June 16th, 2026