Preparatory actions exploring future frameworks for research infrastructures investment plans and funding streams, for integrated and sustained scheme for access and for joint technology development.

This EU funding opportunity falls under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically the Research Infrastructures 2025 call (HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01). The main objective is to enhance the European research infrastructure ecosystem by supporting preparatory actions that address investment plans, funding streams, access schemes, and joint technology development. The call is structured around three main areas, each with distinct outcomes and scopes.

The overall expected outcome is for research infrastructures, stakeholders, and funders to develop more robust knowledge for strategic planning, fostering an effective ecosystem of advanced research infrastructures in Europe.

Area 1 aims to strengthen research infrastructures investment plans and diversify funding streams. It seeks to improve the financial sustainability of research infrastructures, helping managers understand funding sources at national, regional, and EU levels while mapping main funding sources for ESFRI Projects and Landmarks, ERICs, and identifying synergies across different funding instruments. The expected outcomes also include better preparedness for managing operational costs and long-term investments.

Area 2 focuses on exploring a more integrated and sustainable scheme for access to research infrastructures. The goal is to create a seamless access landscape for stakeholders, ensuring effective access to scientific services. Expected outcomes involve designing a new EU access scheme and analyzing how user communities, especially from Widening countries, can benefit.

Area 3 aims to establish a framework for joint research infrastructure technology developments, avoiding duplication and promoting resource sharing. This area seeks to strengthen the technological capabilities of research infrastructures while supporting innovation ecosystems by identifying technology overlaps and needs, including potential funding mechanisms.

The call encompasses various topics with budgets that vary widely. The application process is single-stage, with an opening date of May 6, 2025, and a deadline of September 18, 2025. Eligible costs will be provided as lump sum grants. Specific topics include various Coordination and Support Actions, as well as Research and Innovation Actions, with project contributions and indicative grant numbers specified.

Eligible applicants include a range of entities such as research infrastructures, ESFRI Projects, industry partners, and user communities. The geographic scope encompasses EU Member States, associated countries, and potentially other regions with specific funding arrangements.

Overall, the Horizon Europe call encourages collaboration among diverse stakeholders to create a more sustainable, accessible, and innovative research environment, with the ultimate goal of enhancing Europe’s scientific capabilities and addressing societal challenges. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and use support resources available for navigating the application process.

This EU funding opportunity falls under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically the Research Infrastructures 2025 call (HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01). It aims to enhance the European research infrastructure ecosystem by supporting preparatory actions for future frameworks related to investment plans, funding streams, access schemes, and joint technology development. The call is structured around three main areas, each with distinct expected outcomes and scopes.

The overall expected outcome is that research infrastructures, their stakeholders, and funders will possess more robust knowledge to develop strategies, coordinate, and align future actions, fostering an effective ecosystem of cutting-edge European research infrastructures.

Area 1: Strengthening research infrastructures investment plans and diversifying funding streams. This area seeks to improve the financial sustainability and strategic planning of research infrastructures. Expected outcomes include: Research infrastructure managers gaining a comprehensive overview of funding sources at the national, regional, and EU levels. Enhanced preparedness of research infrastructure managers and funders to develop synergies among complementary funding instruments. Funders obtaining a clearer picture of the financial impact of research infrastructure priorities and strategies, encompassing both operational costs and long-term investments. The scope involves: Mapping of main funding sources for ESFRI Projects and Landmarks, ERICs, and other world-class European research infrastructures. Identification of synergies across funding sources and financial instruments, including EIB funding, structural and investment funds, Recovery and Resilience Facility funds, and funds under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Understanding the costs and challenges in financing different phases of the research infrastructure lifecycle, including construction, operation, and upgrades for greening and digitalisation. Case studies of distributed research infrastructures focusing on cost identification and long-term planning best practices. Cooperation with projects selected under Area 2 regarding funding models for access is encouraged.

Area 2: Preparatory action to explore a more integrated and sustainable scheme for access to research infrastructures. This area focuses on creating a more accessible and integrated research infrastructure landscape. Expected outcomes include: A proposal for a new EU access scheme for Research Infrastructure stakeholders, ensuring effective, flexible, and seamless access to scientific services and resources. Analysis of how user communities, including those from Widening countries, will benefit from a new EU access scheme. Better understanding of governance options, funding, and implementation aspects of a future access scheme. The scope involves: Identifying novel approaches and operational steps towards a longer-term, cross-domain integrated access scheme, promoting a ‘one-stop-shop’ vision. Building on experiences from past EU-supported access projects, national access schemes, and ESFRI work. Involving funding bodies, research infrastructure managers, and user communities in the design and governance of the new EU access scheme. The action should identify necessary aspects and options for: Governance of the access scheme and advisory bodies. Funding models, including core EU funding and other funding streams. Access policies that balance domains, scientific fields, and user needs. The proposed action should deliver: A concept for a new EU access scheme for wider, simplified, and more efficient access. Scenarios for governance, co-funding, and implementation. Recommendations on access policies and good practices. Proposals for pilot designs to be implemented under Horizon Europe calls. An outline of a communication plan and key components for a single-entry point portal. Cooperation with projects selected under Area 1 regarding funding models for access is encouraged. Inclusion of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Support Services Directorate is also encouraged.

Area 3: Framework for joint research infrastructure technology developments. This area aims to enhance the technological capabilities and innovation ecosystems of research infrastructures. Expected outcomes include: A more stable framework for joint technology developments, avoiding duplication and promoting resource pooling. Further developed research infrastructure innovation ecosystems with identified overlaps. Underpinning technology developments needed by research infrastructures, including the implementation of technology roadmaps. A virtuous circle for early involvement of industry, including SMEs, and development or update of joint research infrastructure technology roadmaps. Mechanisms to ensure the openness of research infrastructure technology innovation ecosystems. The scope involves: Including at least two different research infrastructures as beneficiaries, each being an ESFRI Landmark, an ERIC, or another international European research organisation. Involving research infrastructures covering a maximum of ESFRI domains, user organisations, and key industry and SME players. Building on previous roadmapping and synergy efforts. Addressing the following aspects: Identification of technology overlaps or building blocks relevant for multiple domains and infrastructure types. Identification of further technology roadmapping needs. Identification of standardisation and interoperability needs. Identification of possible training and coordination needs. Exploration of funding mechanisms. Identification of optimal interaction modes between research infrastructures and industry, including SMEs.

The call includes various topics with different budgets and grant amounts. All topics are single-stage, with an opening date of May 6, 2025, and a deadline of September 18, 2025. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

The following topics are available: HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-01: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 10,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 8. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-02: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 16,500,000 EUR, Contributions: 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 11. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 30,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 8. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-04: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 3,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-05: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 4,500,000 EUR, Contributions: 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 3. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-EOSC-01: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 30,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 4. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-EOSC-02: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 16,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 5,000,000 to 8,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-EOSC-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 15,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 7,500,000 to 15,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-EOSC-04: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions, Budget: 8,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 5,000,000 to 8,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 1. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-EOSC-05: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 37,500,000 EUR, Contributions: 7,500,000 to 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 4. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-SERV-01: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 30,000,000 EUR, Contributions: around 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 3. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-SERV-02: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 20,000,000 EUR, Contributions: around 5,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 4. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-SERV-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 20,000,000 EUR, Contributions: around 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 2. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-SERV-04: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 20,000,000 EUR, Contributions: around 5,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 5. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-TECH-01: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 25,000,000 EUR, Contributions: around 5,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 5. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-TECH-02: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 45,000,000 EUR, Contributions: around 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 4. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-TECH-03: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 30,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 4. HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-TECH-04: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, Budget: 40,000,000 EUR, Contributions: 8,000,000 to 10,000,000 EUR, Indicative number of grants: 4.

Applicants should consult the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual for detailed guidance on proposal preparation and submission. Partner search tools and National Contact Points (NCPs) are available to assist in finding partner organisations and navigating the application process.

In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to bolster the European research infrastructure landscape by addressing key challenges in funding, access, and technology development. It encourages collaborative projects that involve diverse stakeholders, including research infrastructures, industry partners, and funding bodies, to create a more sustainable, accessible, and innovative research environment. The call is structured into three distinct areas, each targeting specific aspects of research infrastructure development and sustainability, with the ultimate goal of enhancing Europe's scientific capabilities and addressing societal challenges.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include research infrastructures, European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), international European research organisations, funding bodies, research infrastructure managers, user communities, industry including SMEs, and other relevant stakeholders. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission can also participate as a member of a consortium. Furthermore, user communities from Widening countries are specifically mentioned as potential participants.

Funding Type: The funding type includes both HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), both of which are provided as grants. The eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity requires a consortium of multiple applicants, particularly for Area 3, which specifies at least two different research infrastructures as beneficiaries. For Area 2, the proposal should involve EU research infrastructures in different fields, including preferably at least one ESFRI infrastructure and/or ERIC in each of the large ESFRI scientific domains as beneficiary. The consortium for Area 3 should consist of key research infrastructures that are representative of at least two ESFRI domains.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States, associated countries, and potentially non-EU/non-associated countries that have made specific provisions for funding their participants in Horizon Europe projects. The inclusion of user communities from Widening countries is also encouraged.

Target Sector: The program targets the research infrastructures sector, covering all science and technology fields. Specific areas include strengthening research infrastructures investment plans, diversifying funding streams, integrated and sustainable access schemes, and joint research infrastructure technology developments. Technologies covered include sample environments, support facilities, and software.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity explicitly mentions EU Member States and associated countries. It also refers to "Widening countries" and "non-EU/non-Associated Countries" (third countries) that have specific funding arrangements with Horizon Europe.

Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the specific area addressed. It includes activities related to strengthening investment plans (Area 1), preparatory actions for access schemes (Area 2), and framework development for technology developments (Area 3). This suggests a focus on development, validation, and demonstration stages, with an emphasis on preparing for implementation and sustainability.

Funding Amount: The funding amount varies significantly depending on the specific topic and type of action (CSA or RIA). The indicative contributions range from €1,000,000 to €15,000,000 for CSA actions and from €3,000,000 to €15,000,000 or "around" €5,000,000 to €10,000,000 for RIA actions. The total budget allocated to the different topics is specified in the budget overview.

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 lump sum grants to support their projects.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage, as indicated by the "single-stage" designation for all topics.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic is provided, allowing for an estimation based on the number of expected applications.

Co-funding Requirement: The need for co-funding is not explicitly stated, but the description mentions exploring synergies across funding sources and different financial instruments at national/regional and EU level, suggesting that leveraging additional funding is encouraged.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call focuses on supporting research infrastructures by addressing key challenges related to funding, access, and technology development. It is structured around three main areas: strengthening investment plans and diversifying funding streams, preparing for a more integrated and sustainable access scheme, and establishing a framework for joint technology developments. The call encourages collaboration among research infrastructures, funding bodies, user communities, and industry, particularly SMEs. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities, from research infrastructures and ESFRI/ERICs to funding bodies and industry partners. The funding is provided through lump sum grants, and the application process involves a single stage. The geographic scope includes EU Member States, associated countries, and potentially other countries with specific funding arrangements. The call aims to enhance the European research infrastructure ecosystem by promoting better coordination, sustainable access, and innovation in research infrastructure technologies.