Collaborative research in Horizon Europe
Collaborative research in Horizon Europe
Collaborative projects in the EU research framework programme Horizon Europe are usually research and innovation actions in which consortia consisting of at least three legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries participate.
The goal is to generate new knowledge, technologies, processes, products and services. In addition, Horizon Europe funds measures that accompany research (coordination and support actions).
As a rule, non-profit entities and higher education institutions receive funding in the amount of 100% of the eligible costs.
Are you looking for a call for proposals that is a good fit for your research idea? Would you like to join an existing consortium? Are you planning to submit a coordinated proposal? Just get in touch with us: eu-ssc@uni-due.de
Funding opportunities for collaborative research projects in Horizon Europe
Collaborative research in Pillar II – Clusters in Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Pillar II of the Horizon Europe research framework programme is entitled Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness and focuses on funding research and innovation collaborations that deal with global challenges and the competitiveness of the EU in key technologies.
Collaborative projects in this pillar promote joint research by various actors in science, industry and other relevant sectors with the aim of developing innovative solutions to society’s challenges.
Pillar II comprises six thematic clusters:
In addition, EU Missions address specific societal challenges such as cancer, adaptation to climate change, ocean restoration and smart cities, with clearly defined impact goals and timelines.
Collaborative research within the framework of European Partnerships
European Partnerships are initiatives in which the European Commission, EU member states, industry and other stakeholders are involved and jointly support the development and implementation of thematic research and innovation programmes. Horizon Europe distinguishes among three types of European Partnerships (co-funded, co-programmed and institutionalised partnerships ).
Partnerships fall mainly into the thematic clusters in Horizon Europe’s Pillar II. There are also some in Pillar I, Excellent Science, and Pillar III, Innovative Europe. You will find an overview of the current European Partnerships here.
Comprehensive information about research and innovation partnerships and an overview of calls for proposals are available on the ERA-LEARN platform.
Collaborative research in Pillar III – Innovative Europe, in particular EIC Pathfinder
Horizon Europe’s Pillar III, Innovative Europe, promotes the development of innovative products, processes and services. Pillar III ranges from innovative technology research to funding for projects that are geared toward the market.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) programme EIC Pathfinder funds both collaborative and individual research projects in the early stages that focus on forward-looking, disruptive and market-creating technologies as well as deep tech projects.
Collaborative research in the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area funding line
The Horizon Europe programme line entitled Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) aims to reduce the research and innovation gap within Europe and further develop the European research area. Funding is available for collaborative projects including those designed to strengthen the exchange of knowledge, promote collaboration between research institutes or develop excellence hubs in the ‘widening countries’.
Collaborative research in Pillar I: Excellent Science
The MSCA Doctoral Networks are part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) within Horizon Europe and they support excellent training for doctoral candidates in international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral networks. Please find further information at https://www.uni-due.de/ssc/en/funding_eu_msca.php
The ERC Synergy Grants from the European Research Council fund groups of two to four outstanding scholars with excellent research ideas. Please find further information at https://www.uni-due.de/ssc/en/funding_eu_erc.php
Other European and international funding programmes (selection)
Apart from the Horizon Europe framework programme, Europe offers a wide range of additional funding opportunities for research, innovation, mobility and networking. For more information, see also Other International Programs.
Current calls for proposals
Current calls for proposals within the Horizon Europe framework are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. We will be happy to help you research opportunities that are a good fit for your project.
You will also find relevant documents for submitting proposals as well as reports and statistics about projects in progress. On the same platform, you can also register to work as an expert assessing applications for EU funding, which is a good opportunity to familiarise yourself with Horizon Europe and European collaborative research.
European collaborative projects at UDE
Are you looking for inspiration?
You will find an overview of European collaborative projects at UDE on the UDE research webpages (in German).
General information about EU-funded research and innovation activities as well as ongoing projects is available on the European Commission’s CORDIS platform.
Research Collaboration in Europe: Making Connections, Finding Partner Organizations
Are you interested in EU collaborative research and looking to connect with potential project partners? Feel free to contact us (eu-ssc@uni-due.de) for support in identifying collaboration opportunities and connecting with relevant partners.
Here you will find a selection of ways to establish contacts, join existing networks and initiatives, and find partner organizations:
COST Actions and Networks
Join thematic research networks to exchange knowledge, build connections with researchers across Europe and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Browse existing Actions or initiate a new network in your field: https://www.cost.eu/actions/
European R&I Partnerships and networks
Get involved in European partnerships and thematic initiatives that bring together universities, research organisations, industry and other stakeholders around shared research and innovation priorities.
Browse the European Partnerships under Horizon Europe in your field: https://www.era-learn.eu/network-information/networks
EU Funding & Tenders Portal: Call for Proposal and Partner Search Announcemens
Explore partner-search announcements or publish your own expression of interest for a specific call for proposal. Start by browsing relevant calls for proposals on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Matchmaking and brokerage events
Take part in thematic (online) events where you can present your expertise, exchange project ideas and meet prospective consortium partners. Check the Horizon Europe National Contact Points Portal for forthcoming events: https://horizoneuropencpportal.eu/stage
Connect with Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) researchers and colleagues in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and build interdisciplinary partnerships via the SSH-STEM VernetzBar virtual platform: https://www.b2match.com/e/ssh-stem-vernetzbar
International Conferences and Workshops
Take advantage of international conferences, workshops, and academic events in your field to exchange professional expertise and develop joint project ideas as well as opportunities for collaborative grant proposals.
National Contact Points (NCPs)
Subscribe to the newsletter of the National Contact Point (NCP) in your research field to stay up to date on relevant calls, events, funding opportunities and the latest Horizon Europe news:: https://www.horizont-europa.de/de/Gesamtubersicht-2664.html
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), NRW.Europa
Explore opportunities to connect with companies, SMEs and other organisations, particularly if your research involves industry collaboration or the development of innovative solutions. Visit the Enterprise Europe Network website for partnering opportunities (https://een.ec.europa.eu/partnering-opportunities) or contact your local Enterprise Europe Network in NRW (https://nrweuropa.de/)
EU-funded projects and results
Identify research consortia already working in your field, explore projects and results, establish contacts for future collaborations through the European research information service CORDIS: https://cordis.europa.eu/projects
Cascade Funding: Funding Opportunities through ongoing EU projects
Explore additional funding opportunities through Cascade Funding, where EU-funded projects and initiatives publish open calls to support researchers, start-ups, SMEs and other organisations. These opportunities are particularly relevant if you want to test innovative ideas, establish new collaborations or participate in European research and innovation activities, often with simplified application procedures and shorter funding periods. Browse current calls via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Cascade Funding
Aurora European Universities Network
The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is a member of the Aurora European Universities Network. Explore opportunities to connect with researchers at partner universities, develop joint research ideas and establish international collaborations. Learn more about the research and collaboration opportunities within Aurora: https://aurora-universities.eu/research/research-in-aurora/
Grant applications and support
The Science Support Center’s EU office provides researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen with consultation opportunities tailored to their specific needs in order to increase their chances of successfully acquiring funding. Feel free to contact us at eu-ssc@uni-due.de
We can provide the following types of consultation and support:
- consultation and information about European funding opportunities for collaborative research from the initial idea through to the final submission
- support in researching and selecting appropriate funding programmes for your project
- consultation and support with concepts and strategies for the non-technical aspects of your application
- checking the consistency of your application and support with the submission process
- hands-on support in the preparatory phase of coordinated applications as well as mentoring and a help desk for project managers of ongoing collaborative projects
- networking and dialogue with University administration, the Rectorate and external bodies (such as the German National Contact Points for Horizon Europe, EU Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations)
We work closely with the Research Funding & Third-Party Funding Department (SG 6.3). Please contact the SG 6.3 team at an early stage to discuss budget planning, contract design, and project implementation and accounting.