Support to the organisation and dissemination of the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference

The grant opportunity HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-18 is a part of the Horizon Europe program aimed at supporting the organization and dissemination of the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference, a significant European event dedicated to transport research and innovation. This initiative falls under Cluster 5 of Horizon Europe, which focuses on Climate, Energy, and Mobility, operating as a HORIZON Coordination and Support Action (CSA) with a lump sum grant model.

Eligible applicants for this grant include research institutions, universities, professional associations, and event management organizations engaged in transport research or capable of managing large conferences. The geographical eligibility extends to EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated countries also mentioned.

The grant is designated to fund various activities such as the preparation and operational support for the TRA conference, which will occur in 2028. Proposals should include a professional conference organizer and demonstrate financial and organizational backing from national authorities interested in hosting the event. The project aims to enhance visibility and strategic importance of the transport sector, promote innovative solutions, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in research, industry, and policy-making.

The total funding allocated for this particular grant is €1,600,000, with the application process being a single-stage open call beginning on May 6, 2025, and concluding on September 4, 2025. Applicants do not need to provide co-funding, as the lump sum model covers eligible costs. The success rates for applications are not specified, but Horizon Europe generally averages between 10-30% for competitive calls.

The call is designed to achieve various expected outcomes, including successful organization of the conference, publication of proceedings in scientific journals, and increased engagement in research and innovation competitions targeting transport advancements. The call emphasizes broad participation from diverse stakeholders, including students and young researchers, to foster an inclusive environment promoting excellence in transport-related studies and research.

Proposals should focus on strategic topics relevant to current and future challenges within the transport sector across all modes, ensuring alignment with EU policies on climate and environmental impact. The event is also expected to address logistical aspects, venue selection, and provide public engagement through effective media coverage. Overall, this grant opportunity presents a strategic approach to fostering innovation and collaboration in the transport research domain within Europe.

This is a Horizon Europe call, specifically HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-18, focused on providing support for the organization and dissemination of the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference. The call falls under Cluster 5 of the Horizon Europe program and is designated as a HORIZON Coordination and Support Action (CSA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] type of Model Grant Agreement (MGA).

The call aims to contribute to several expected outcomes, including:

Successful organization of the Transport Research Arena conference (TRA) in 2028.

Successful organization of two competitions for transport research and innovation awards covering all transport modes and cross-cutting issues.

Publication of conference proceedings in recognized scientific journals.

Increased visibility, political and strategic relevance of the transport sector and of the EU policy in the field.

Enhanced dissemination, communication, and valorization of transport R&I objectives, perspectives, strategies, and results.

More effective links and exchanges between research and innovation stakeholders, industry, and policymakers, to support the development and deployment of innovative solutions in Europe and Associated Countries.

Increased attractiveness of transport-related studies and reinforce the pursuit of excellence in European transport research and innovation by giving recognition and visibility to the best achievements.

Increased visibility, interest, and number of applications for the two competitions for transport research and innovation awards.

The scope of the call involves preparing and supporting the TRA conference in 2028, which will gather transport stakeholders to discuss political, industrial, and research issues at a European and global level. Proposals should demonstrate financial and organizational support from national authorities interested in hosting the event, along with an economic plan covering additional funding needs. A professional conference organizer must be included in the consortium. To ensure political and strategic relevance, the proposals should involve Member States holding the Presidency of the European Union in 2028.

The TRA conference should address the technological and industrial developments in the transport sector, including road, rail, waterborne, aviation, and cross-modal aspects. It should provide a future-oriented perspective from politics, industry, and the research community, responding to Europe’s social needs and expectations. Broad and balanced participation, including students, young researchers, women, and a large number of country representatives, is essential.

The action will be implemented in close collaboration with the Management and Programme Committees of the TRA, including the TRA 2028 conference organizer, the European Commission services, the different European Technology Platforms (ERTRAC for road, ERRAC for rail, WATERBORNE TP for waterborne, ALICE for logistics and ACARE for aeronautics and ECTP for construction), the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR), the European Transport Research Alliance (ETRA) and the previous TRA conference organiser (TRA 2026) to maintain continuity.

Proposals should address the following aspects:

Support the definition of the overall planning of the conference, including the main thematic pillars of the event as well as the structuring of the technical and political sessions.

Contribute to the identification and selection of an appropriate conference venue and support the organisation of the conference’s logistics.

Provide operational support to the TRA conference organizers, such as in relation to the website and conference management IT tools (e.g., for the registration of participants, handling of speakers’ contributions, submission and selection of scientific papers, conference application).

Support the organization of the demonstration activities and technical visits.

Assess and monitor the environmental impact of the event and propose appropriate measures to reduce and mitigate this impact.

Organize two high-quality competitions for transport research and innovation awards (TRA VISION) covering all transport modes and cross-cutting issues (technological, socio-economic, and behavioral aspects) in line with the EU policy objectives for climate-neutral and environmentally friendly mobility:

A competition for students and young researchers with the goal of stimulating interest among young researchers/students to develop innovative solutions in the field of transport.

A competition for senior researchers in the field of innovative transport concepts based on results from EU-funded projects only.

Proposals should plan for involving the awarded researchers in the conference program and for promoting links between the researchers and possible career development opportunities in the field (e.g., traineeships, jobs, courses, training).

A very good media coverage before, during and after the event should be foreseen for both the TRA conference and for the TRA VISIONS.

The call opened for submission on 06 May 2025, and the deadline for submission is 04 September 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

General conditions for participation include:

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.

Eligible Countries: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Other Eligible Conditions: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

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

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

Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes as described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.

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

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.

Specific conditions: Not applicable.

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA) details:

Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including the Standard application form (HE CSA).

Evaluation form templates, including the Standard evaluation form (HE CSA), will be used with necessary adaptations.

Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide.

Model Grant Agreements (MGA) include the Lump Sum MGA.

Call-specific instructions include a detailed budget table (HE LS) and guidance on lump sums.

Additional documents include:

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility

HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. General Annexes

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 under the Horizon Europe Programme

Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment

EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement

Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual

Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions

Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement

The budget overview for various topics under the Call Cluster 5 Call 04-2025 (WP 2025) is as follows:

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-01 - HORIZON-IA: 20,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-02 - HORIZON-IA: 10,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-03 - HORIZON-IA: 5,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-04 - HORIZON-RIA: 7,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-05 - HORIZON-IA: 12,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-06 - HORIZON-IA: 5,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-07 - HORIZON-CSA: 2,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-08 - HORIZON-RIA: 15,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-10 - HORIZON-IA: 22,500,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-11 - HORIZON-IA: 15,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-12 - HORIZON-RIA: 4,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-13 - HORIZON-IA: 4,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-14 - HORIZON-IA: 5,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-15 - HORIZON-IA: 7,500,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-16 - HORIZON-CSA: 2,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-18 - HORIZON-CSA: 1,600,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-19 - HORIZON-CSA: 2,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D6-01 - HORIZON-RIA: 12,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D6-02 - HORIZON-CSA: 4,500,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 1

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D6-11 - HORIZON-RIA: 10,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D6-12 - HORIZON-IA: 8,000,000 EUR, indicative number of grants: 2

Partner search announcements are available for those seeking collaboration on this topic. LEARs, Account Administrators, or self-registrants can publish partner requests after logging into the Funding & Tenders Portal.

This Horizon Europe call is essentially seeking proposals to support the organization of the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference in 2028. The goal is to bring together transport stakeholders to discuss important issues and promote research and innovation in the transport sector. The funding covers various activities, including planning the conference, selecting a venue, providing logistical support, organizing competitions for innovation awards, and ensuring media coverage. To be eligible, applicants need to form a consortium that includes a professional conference organizer and demonstrate support from national authorities. The projects should also align with EU policies for climate-neutral and environmentally friendly mobility. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and the call is part of the broader Horizon Europe program, emphasizing research and innovation in climate, energy, and mobility.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly defined in the provided text. However, the text mentions the need for a professional conference organiser to be included in the consortium, suggesting that conference organizers are eligible. Furthermore, the call is part of Horizon Europe, which generally targets a wide range of applicants including universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations involved in research and innovation. The text also mentions the involvement of national authorities, European Technology Platforms, and the European Commission services, implying that these entities are also relevant stakeholders and potential applicants or partners.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, as indicated by the type of action: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and the type of MGA: HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required, as the text explicitly states that "A professional conference organiser should be included in the consortium." Additionally, the action involves collaboration with various entities like the Management and Programme Committees of the TRA, European Technology Platforms, and the European Commission services, implying a collaborative effort. The proposals should involve Member States holding the Presidency of the European Union in year 2028.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and Associated Countries, as the call is part of the Horizon Europe program. The text also mentions that "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," indicating that some third countries may also be eligible.

Target Sector: The target sector is primarily transport, encompassing all transport modes (road, rail, waterborne, aviation) and cross-modal aspects. It also includes research and innovation, event management, and policy-making related to the transport sector. The action aims to support the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference, which addresses technological and industrial developments in the transport sector.

Mentioned Countries: The text refers to EU Member States, Associated Countries, and non-EU/non-Associated Countries. It also mentions Member States holding the Presidency of the European Union in year 2028.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on preparing and supporting the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference to be organised in 2028. This includes planning, organisation, operational support, and dissemination activities. Therefore, the project stage is primarily focused on the implementation and execution phase, with elements of planning and coordination.

Funding Amount: The budget overview provides specific budget amounts for various topics under the call. For the topic HORIZON-CL5-2025-04-D5-18, which is a HORIZON-CSA action, the budget is EUR 1,600,000, and the indicative number of grants is 1. Other topics listed have varying budgets ranging from EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 22,500,000, with the indicative number of grants ranging from 1 to 2.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process. The opening date is 06 May 2025, and the deadline date is 04 September 2025.

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

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

Success Rates: The success rates cannot be determined from the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text indicates that "Proposals are expected to demonstrate the financial and organisational support of the national authorities interested to host the event and an economic plan covering the additional funding needs," suggesting that co-funding or financial support from other parties is expected.

Summary: This opportunity is a Horizon Europe call for proposals under Cluster 5, specifically targeting actions to support the organisation and dissemination of the Transport Research Arena (TRA) conference in 2028. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant under the HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) framework. Eligible applicants should form a consortium that includes a professional conference organiser and demonstrate financial and organisational support from national authorities. The project aims to enhance the visibility, political relevance, and strategic importance of the transport sector, promote innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among research, industry, and policy stakeholders. The call is open to EU Member States, Associated Countries, and potentially some third countries, with a single-stage application process and a deadline of 04 September 2025. The project should address the technological and industrial developments in all transport modes and cross-cutting issues, with a focus on broad participation and environmental impact assessment. The funding also supports the organisation of two competitions for transport research and innovation awards, aiming to increase attractiveness of transport-related studies and recognise excellence in European transport research and innovation.