Overview
Eligible applicants include a wide range of legal entities, such as universities, research organizations, public bodies, and private sector entities, specifically R&D-intensive firms. Individual researchers may participate as consortium partners. Participation is restricted to legal entities from EU member states and associated countries, while entities from non-EU/non-associated countries can join but typically without direct EU funding.
The funding type includes lump sum grants, offering straightforward cost reporting and funding rates of up to 100% of eligible project costs. A consortium is required for proposals, emphasizing collaboration between various stakeholders across sectors and geographic regions. The call explicitly targets six thematic areas encompassing open science, ethics, gender equality, research careers, and international collaboration.
The overall budget for this call is €16 million, expecting to fund around eight projects with contributions per project ranging from €1.5 million to €2.5 million. The application process is a single-stage submission, and proposals must be submitted by April 9, 2026. The expected project duration is up to three years, focusing on research, validation, and evidence generation rather than direct commercialization.
There is no co-funding requirement. While success rates are not explicitly stated, the number of anticipated grants suggests a competitive environment. Applications will undergo a thorough evaluation process but do not require intermediate selection stages.
In summary, the HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08 call invites diverse research organizations to propose initiatives that address pressing issues within the broader ERA framework, fostering collaboration and evidence-based policymaking in research and innovation across Europe.
Detail
The call invites applicants to propose diverse Research and Innovation (R&I) activities that support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ERA policies and practices. A key requirement is that applicants must select and clearly identify one of the six specific areas outlined, with each area designed to contribute to the implementation of a specific ERA policy. These areas are:
Area 1: Assessing reproducibility in research by direct replication of scientific findings. This area falls under the ERA Structural Policy of "Enabling open science via sharing and re-use of data, including through EOSC". The expected outcome is increased reproducibility, trustworthiness, and transparency of scientific research. Activities should involve researchers, scientific service and infrastructure providers, and open science experts. The budget for this area is 6,000,000 EUR, with individual contributions ranging from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 EUR, and an indicative number of 2 grants.
Area 2: Ethics of emerging technologies with high socio-economic impact: space exploration/exploitation. This area contributes to the ERA Action of "A coordinated framework responding to emerging challenges for ethics and integrity in R&I". The expected outcome is an enhanced research ethics and integrity ecosystem in the field of space exploration/exploitation. Actions should target researchers, ethics experts, members of ethics committees, policymakers, and the public.
Area 3: Mapping and promoting inclusive gender equality and policies in R&D intensive firms. This area falls under the ERA Structural Policy of "Strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA". The expected outcome is enhanced gender equality and inclusiveness, leading to research excellence and more innovative outcomes. Project activities should target research performing organizations, higher education organizations, and other R&I stakeholders, with the participation of private sector organizations encouraged.
Area 4: Advancing gender-responsive R&I through budgeting, expenditure tracking, and evaluation of the sex and/or gender analysis in R&I content. This area contributes to the ERA Structural Policy of "Strengthening inclusive and intersectional gender equality in the ERA". The expected outcome is enhanced gender equality and inclusiveness, leading to research excellence and more innovative outcomes. Project activities should target research performing and funding organizations, higher education institutions, research infrastructures, and public bodies.
Area 5: Assessing trends and effects of research careers in the private sector and of inter-sectoral research careers. This area contributes to the ERA Structural Policy of "Making research careers more attractive and sustainable and support mobility". The expected outcome is improved research careers and mobility, fostering knowledge flows and career interoperability across sectors and countries. Universities and other research performing organizations are expected to implement the activities in cooperation with business sector actors.
Area 6: Mapping international research careers and talent flows. This area contributes to the ERA Structural Policy of "Making research careers more attractive and sustainable and support mobility". The expected outcome is improved research careers and mobility, fostering knowledge flows and career interoperability across sectors and countries. Universities and other research performing organizations are expected to implement the action, in cooperation with additional stakeholders.
The call includes both Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) and Research and Innovation Actions (RIA). The budget allocations and indicative number of grants for each topic are as follows:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01 (CSA): 6,000,000 EUR, contributions of 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 EUR, 2 grants.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02 (CSA): 9,000,000 EUR, contributions of 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 EUR, 6 grants.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03 (CSA): 6,000,000 EUR, contributions around 2,000,000 EUR, 3 grants.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04 (CSA): 4,000,000 EUR, contributions around 2,000,000 EUR, 2 grants.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-05 (CSA): 2,000,000 EUR, contributions around 1,000,000 EUR, 2 grants.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06 (CSA): 3,000,000 EUR, contributions around 3,000,000 EUR, 1 grant.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-07 (CSA): 6,000,000 EUR, contributions around 6,000,000 EUR, 1 grant.
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08 (RIA): 16,000,000 EUR, contributions of 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 EUR, 8 grants.
The general conditions for participation are detailed in Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum. The overall threshold for award criteria is 12.
Applicants are encouraged to use the Funding & Tenders Portal for proposal submission and to consult the provided guidance documents, FAQs, and support services, including National Contact Points and the Enterprise Europe Network. Partner search announcements can be published on the portal to facilitate the formation of consortia.
In summary, this Horizon Europe call provides funding opportunities for research and innovation projects aimed at strengthening the European Research Area. It focuses on key areas such as open science, research ethics, gender equality, and research career development. By selecting one of the six specific areas and developing activities that contribute to the expected outcomes, applicants can contribute to the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ERA policies and practices. The call encourages collaboration between research organizations, higher education institutions, private sector firms, and policymakers to achieve a more robust and inclusive European research landscape.
Find a Consultant to Support You
Breakdown
Funding Type: The funding type is primarily grant, specifically HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) under the Horizon Europe Programme. The eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.
Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to require a consortium, as it mentions cooperation with additional stakeholders and encourages participation of various organizations.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU, non-EU, and non-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.
Target Sector: The target sectors are diverse and include open science, ethics, research integrity, gender equality, inclusiveness, research careers, talent flows, space exploration, and R&D intensive firms.
Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions the EU, Associated Countries, and third countries.
Project Stage: The project stage appears to be focused on research, development, and implementation of policies and practices, suggesting a maturity level ranging from research to demonstration.
Funding Amount: The funding range varies depending on the specific topic:
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-01: €2,000,000 to €3,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-02: €1,500,000 to €2,000,000 (6 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-03: Around €2,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04: Around €2,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-05: Around €1,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06: Around €3,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-07: Around €6,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-08: €1,500,000 to €2,500,000 (8 grants)
Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.
Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.
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.
Co-funding Requirement: The need for co-funding is not explicitly mentioned.
Summary:
This Horizon Europe call, Enhancing the European R&I system (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06), aims to generate new information and knowledge contributing to strengthening the evidence base for advancing the European Research Area (ERA). The call is structured around several topics, each addressing a specific area of ERA policy, such as open science, research ethics, gender equality, research careers, and international talent flows. Applicants must select one of the six areas and propose diverse R&I activities that support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ERA policies and practices. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the call is open to a wide range of applicants, including research organizations, higher education institutions, private sector entities, and public bodies from EU, associated and third countries. The application process is a single-stage submission, with a deadline of March 12, 2026. The expected project duration is up to 3 years. This call presents an opportunity for organizations to contribute to shaping the future of the European Research Area by addressing critical challenges and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
Short Summary
Impact This funding aims to generate new information and knowledge that strengthens the evidence base for advancing the European Research Area (ERA). | Impact | This funding aims to generate new information and knowledge that strengthens the evidence base for advancing the European Research Area (ERA). |
Applicant Applicants should possess expertise in research and innovation, including collaboration with various stakeholders such as universities, research organizations, and private sector entities. | Applicant | Applicants should possess expertise in research and innovation, including collaboration with various stakeholders such as universities, research organizations, and private sector entities. |
Developments The funding will support activities in areas such as open science, research ethics, gender equality, and research career development. | Developments | The funding will support activities in areas such as open science, research ethics, gender equality, and research career development. |
Applicant Type This funding is designed for a diverse range of legal entities, including universities, research organizations, private sector firms, and public bodies from EU and associated countries. | Applicant Type | This funding is designed for a diverse range of legal entities, including universities, research organizations, private sector firms, and public bodies from EU and associated countries. |
Consortium Consortium participation is required, with multiple partners collaborating on the project. | Consortium | Consortium participation is required, with multiple partners collaborating on the project. |
Funding Amount Funding amounts range from €1,500,000 to €2,500,000 per project, with a total budget of €16,000,000 for this topic. | Funding Amount | Funding amounts range from €1,500,000 to €2,500,000 per project, with a total budget of €16,000,000 for this topic. |
Countries The funding is relevant for EU member states and associated countries, focusing on strengthening research and innovation across Europe. | Countries | The funding is relevant for EU member states and associated countries, focusing on strengthening research and innovation across Europe. |
Industry This funding targets the research and innovation sector, specifically addressing policies and practices within the European Research Area. | Industry | This funding targets the research and innovation sector, specifically addressing policies and practices within the European Research Area. |
Update Log
Showing 1 update
Discover with AI
Let our intelligent agent help you find the perfect funding opportunities tailored to your needs.
EU Grant Database
Explore European funding opportunities in our comprehensive, up-to-date collection.
Stay Informed
Get notified when grants change, deadlines approach, or new opportunities match your interests.
Track Your Favorites
Follow grants you're interested in and keep them organized in one place. Get updates on changes and deadlines.
Pillar I: Building institutional capacities for ethical, equitable, open, and inclusive ERA
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...
Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European research infrastructures
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...
Strengthening the international dimension of ESFRI and/or ERIC research infrastructures
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...
Pillar II: Strengthening ecosystems for open, ethical, and sustainable ERA
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...
Research infrastructure concept development including major upgrades or extensions of existing infrastructures
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...
Information measures for the EU Cohesion policy for 2025
The IMREG-2025-INFOME call presents a significant funding opportunity under the EU's Information Measures for the Cohesion Policy. The program has a total budget of EUR 3,500,000, with individual...
Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – development of complementarities, synergies and/or integration between a set of pan-European research infrastructures
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...
Strengthening the human capital managing research infrastructures, including in international context
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...
Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – pilots for strategic coordination, synergies and simplified access pathways, by large thematic clusters of pan-European research infrastructures
The Horizon Europe opportunity titled "Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – pilots for strategic coordination, synergies and simplified access pathways, by large thematic clusters...
R&D for the next generation of scientific instrumentation, tools, methods, digitalisation and solutions for research infrastructure upgrades
The Horizon Europe call for proposals, titled HORIZON-INFRA-2026-TECH-01-01, focuses on research and innovation aimed at developing next-generation scientific instrumentation, tools, digitalization...
Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs
The Horizon Europe grant opportunity HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-09 focuses on increasing knowledge flows to practice within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) through the...
Research infrastructures as accelerators of the integration of Ukraine in the European Research Area
This summary outlines the Horizon Europe call titled "Research infrastructures as accelerators of the integration of Ukraine in the European Research Area," specifically identified as...