Calls for Research Funding

Suggested Links

Horizon Europe Programme

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home - Funding and Tenders tab

European Research Council

https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant

Innovative Health Initiatives

https://www.ihi.europa.eu/apply-funding/future-opportunities

Leducq Foundation

https://www.fondationleducq.org/

European Research Area Network on Cardiovascular Diseases

https://www.era-cvd.eu/

Network of National Contact Points

https://horizoneuropencpportal.eu/

Open Calls

It is recommended to consult the detailed conditions for applying for a grant (see the links provided).

Horizon Europe

General conditions to participate in Horizon calls

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the following countries (member states of the European Union, including their outermost regions): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Other overseas countries and territories (OCTs) linked to the member states, other countries associated with Horizon Europe, and some low- and middle-income countries can also be eligible – see the complete list.

In addition, any legal entity established in the United States of America is eligible to receive Union funding.

Unless otherwise provided for in the specific call conditions, only legal entities forming a consortium are eligible to participate in actions provided that the consortium includes, as beneficiaries, three legal entities independent from each other and each established in a different country as follows:

• at least one independent legal entity established in a Member State; and
• at least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries.

HORIZON-JU-IHI-2024-08-04-two-stages: Patient-Centred Clinical-Study Endpoints Derived Using Digital Health Technologies

First stage deadline 10th October 2024. Second stage: 23rd April 2025

Scopes
Three types of patient-centred information related to how a patient feels and functions contribute to the evaluation of outcomes of a therapy:

• patient preference information (PPI);
• clinical outcome assessments (COAs) (including patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures);
• digital health technology-derived (DHT-derived) measures.

Each of these types of measures can be used to understand patient-centred benefits of therapies (i.e., meaningful improvements in how a patient feels or functions).

Expected outcomes

The action under this topic is expected to achieve the following impacts:

• greater benefit to patients from improved health care by ensuring that DHT-derived measures of how a patient feels and functions are accepted as patient-centred clinical-study endpoints;
• patients having improved access to innovations that meet their needs through the development of new and improved evidence-based methodologies for a more comprehensive assessment of the added value of innovative therapeutic drugs and technologies;
• better informed decision-making at all levels of the health care system (authorities, organisations) to facilitate cost-effective allocation of health resources, continuing innovation, and better health outcomes;
• greater understanding of the relationship between multiple patient-centred measurements including PPI, COAs, and DHT-derived measures and how these measures, when considered together, can provide greater insight into the patient perspective;
• reduced uncertainty regarding the PPI and COA data required to demonstrate the patient-relevance of DHT-derived clinical-study endpoints, and that needed to determine what constitutes a MCID in a patient-centred DHT-derived clinical-study endpoint for use in the development of pharmaceutical products, diagnostics, combination products, and therapeutic devices;
• improved and more efficient engagement between industry and stakeholders in the evaluation of technologies developed using patient-centred DHT-derived endpoints in clinical studies;
• increased speed and efficiency in the development and evaluation of innovative therapeutic technologies.

HORIZON-JU-IHI-2024-08-01-two-stages: A city-based approach to reducing cardiovascular mortality in Europe

First stage deadline 10th October 2024. Second stage: 23rd April 2025

Scopes

The focus of this topic is on identifying and creating scalable models, interventions, and practices to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of CVD management based on existing (e.g. Cardio4Cities) [2] or new pilots in up to 5 cities, to build evidence for replication across Europe in different socio-economic conditions. These pilots should propose a good coverage of different locations and contexts in Europe and deliver scalable solutions that can be applied to other cities.

The action funded under this topic will consider primary and secondary prevention strategies, early detection, timely diagnosis and treatment (healthcare delivery), lifestyle changes (personal responsibility), and living environment (community responsibility).

Expected outcomes

The action under this topic must contribute to all the following outcomes:

• patients and citizens will benefit from better preventive measures, earlier detection and diagnosis, better outcomes for disease management, and access to innovative and effective treatments for cardiovascular disease (CVD), as needed;
• healthcare providers will benefit from updated, evidence-based guidelines on CVD management and more efficient clinical pathways. They will also gain clarity on best practice examples in health management and CVD prevention means in European cities;
• healthcare system decision-makers will have better evidence and tools to implement appropriate CVD prevention strategies, including digital therapies, allowing for their introduction into clinical practice and adoption by all segments of society;
• health technology assessment bodies, payers and regulators will benefit from better information on the real-life use of cardiovascular medicinal products, the benefit-risk profile of medical devices and the value of CVD prevention in cities / urban areas (note: a city / urban area is expected to have a population of at least 50 000 in its urban centre, in line with the OECD-EC (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – European Commission) definition of a city1, 2;
• researchers, including industry stakeholders, and clinical investigators will benefit from models and findings that will help future programme implementation in other cities in Europe and beyond.

MSCA - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Calls

HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01-01 - Doctoral Networks 2024

Opens 29 May 2024 - deadline 27 November 2024

Scopes

MSCA Doctoral Networks will implement doctoral programs, by partnerships of universities, research institutions and research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors from different countries across Europe and beyond. The MSCA Doctoral Networks aim to train creative, entrepreneurial, innovative, and resilient doctoral candidates, able to face current and future challenges and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit.

The MSCA Doctoral Networks will raise the attractiveness and excellence of doctoral training in Europe. They will equip researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competences and provide them with enhanced career perspectives in both the academic and non-academic sectors through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility combined with an innovation-oriented mind-set.

Expected outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

For supported doctoral candidates

• New research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved  employability and career prospects within and outside academia;
• New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant;
• Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact.

For participating organisations

• Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements;
• Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines;
• Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations;
• Boosted R&I capacity;
• Increased internationalisation and attractiveness;
• Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations.

HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01 – Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 – single stage
Opens 10th April 2024 – Deadline 11th September 2024

Conditions to participate

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the following countries (member states of the European Union, including their outermost regions): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Other Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States and other countries associated to Horizon Europe and some low- and middle-income countries can also be eligible (see the complete list at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-13-general-annexes_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf)

In addition, any legal entity established in the United States of America is eligible to receive Union funding.
Unless otherwise provided for in the specific call conditions, only legal entities forming a consortium are eligible to participate in actions provided that the consortium includes, as beneficiaries, three legal entities independent from each other and each established in a different country as follows: 

• at least one independent legal entity established in a Member State; and
• at least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries.

Scopes

Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers undertaking international mobility. Applications will be made jointly by the researcher and a beneficiary in the academic or non-academic sector.

Postdoctoral Fellowships either can take place in Europe (i.e. in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country) or in a Third Country not associated to Horizon Europe:

• European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality who wish to engage in R&I projects by either coming to Europe from any country in the world or moving within Europe. The standard duration of these fellowships must be between 12 and 24 months.
• Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to European nationals or long-term residents[1] who wish to engage in R&I projects with organisations outside EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. These fellowships require an outgoing phase of minimum 12 and maximum 24 months in a non-associated Third Country, and a mandatory 12-month return phase to a host organisation based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Expected outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

For supported postdoctoral fellows

• Increased set of research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects of MSCA postdoctoral fellows within academia and beyond;
• New mind-sets and approaches to R&I work forged through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary experience;
• Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact.

For participating organisations

• Increased alignment of working conditions for researchers in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers;
• Enhanced quality and sustainability of research training and supervision;
• Increased global attractiveness, visibility and reputation of the participating organisation(s);
• Stronger R&I capacity and output among participating organisations; better transfer of knowledge;
• Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations.

HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01-01 - Staff exchanges 2024 - single stage

Opens 19th September 2024 – Deadline 5th February 2025

Scopes

MSCA Staff Exchanges involve organisations from the academic and non-academic sectors (including SMEs) from across the globe.

The collaborative approach of MSCA Staff Exchanges should exploit complementary competences of the participating organiSations and create synergies between them. The secondments should be essential to achieve the joint project’s R&I activities. The project should inter alia enable networking activities and the organisation of workshops and conferences, to facilitate sharing of knowledge and testing of innovative approaches for specific R&I topics.

Expected outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

For staff members

• Increased set of research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia;
• More knowledge and innovative ideas converted into products, processes and services;
• More entrepreneurial mind-sets, testing new and innovative ideas;
• Increased international exposure leading to extended networks and opportunities;
• Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact.

For participating organisations

• Innovative ways of cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines;
• Strengthened and broader international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaborative networks;
• Boosted R&I capacity.

Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers undertaking international mobility. Applications will be made jointly by the researcher and a beneficiary in the academic or non-academic sector.

Postdoctoral Fellowships either can take place in Europe (i.e. in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country) or in a Third Country not associated to Horizon Europe:

• European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality who wish to engage in R&I projects by either coming to Europe from any country in the world or moving within Europe. The standard duration of these fellowships must be between 12 and 24 months.
• Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to European nationals or long-term residents[1] who wish to engage in R&I projects with organisations outside EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. These fellowships require an outgoing phase of minimum 12 and maximum 24 months in a non-associated Third Country, and a mandatory 12-month return phase to a host organisation based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Expected outcomes

Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

For supported postdoctoral fellows

• Increased set of research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects of MSCA postdoctoral fellows within academia and beyond;
• New mind-sets and approaches to R&I work forged through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary experience;
• Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact.

For participating organisations

• Increased alignment of working conditions for researchers in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers;
• Enhanced quality and sustainability of research training and supervision;
• Increased global attractiveness, visibility and reputation of the participating organisation(s);
• Stronger R&I capacity and output among participating organisations; better transfer of knowledge;
• Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations.

ERC - European Research Council - Calls

• HORIZON-ERC HORIZON ERC (ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2024-ADG) – single stage

Opens 29th May 2024 – Deadline 29th August 2024

Scope
ERC Advanced Grants are designed to support excellent Principal Investigators at the career stage at which they are already established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements. Principal Investigators must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their research proposal.
ERC Advanced Grant Principal Investigators are expected to be active researchers and to have a track record of significant research achievements.

• HORIZON-ERC-POC HORIZON ERC (ERC Proof of Concept Grant -ERC-2024-POC)

Opens 16/11/2023 - deadline 17/09/2024

All Principal Investigators in one of the ERC frontier research main grants (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced or Synergy) are eligible to participate and apply for an ERC Proof of Concept Grant. Principal Investigators in an ongoing main grant, or Principal Investigators in a main grant that has ended less than 12 months before 1 January 2023, are eligible to apply. The Principal Investigator must be able to demonstrate the relation between the idea to be taken to proof of concept and the ERC frontier research project (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced or Synergy) in question. A Principal Investigator may submit only one application per call.

The ERC Proof of Concept funding is made available only to those who already have an ERC award to establish proof of concept of an idea that was generated in the course of their ERC-funded projects. The objective is to enable ERC-funded ideas to progress on the path from ground-breaking research towards innovation.

Additional funding options

European Research Council (ERC)

The 2025 Work Programme of the European Research Council has been adopted. The Programme sets out funding opportunities, budgets of the calls, the calendar of grant competition and conditions for ERC funding. 

More than 2.7 billion euros will be available for research grants in the coming year. This includes contributions from the countries associated to Horizon Europe. 

Consult the annual ERC Work Programme for 2025