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 

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:

1. Health

2. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

3. Civil Security for Society

4. Digital, Industry and Space

5. Climate, Energy and Mobility

6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

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

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.