Scaling up deep tech ecosystems

Code: 13099 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 13/07/2021 | End submission calls: 10/11/2021

Pan-European research and technology infrastructures, as providers of advanced services and procurers of cutting-edge technologies, have an innovation potential related to the development of components, instruments, services and knowledge that could be better exploited to push the edge of existing technologies and lead to their deployment for socially useful or market-oriented purposes. The aim of the action is to explore how to fully utilise and build on the experience and knowledge of existing or previous relevant initiatives at pan-European and, where appropriate national or sub-national level, that have exploited the ecosystem-building potential of interactions with industry during the construction, operation and upgrading of research infrastructures.

Expanding Acceleration Ecosystems

Code: 13095 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 13/07/2021 | End submission calls: 10/11/2021

Incubators, accelerators and different types of ‘company-builders’ play a crucial role in providing start-ups with growth support. There is a geographical gap which requires start-ups from less connected ecosystems to move to more established hubs elsewhere in Europe. The Expanding Acceleration Ecosystems should reverse this flow by making ‘modest’ and ‘moderate’ innovation ecosystems more attractive to international companies interested in setting up their businesses outside the established centres and tapping into the potential of local ecosystems.

Social and affordable housing district demonstrator (IA)

Code: 13089 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 16/09/2021 | End submission calls: 25/01/2022

To support a wide implementation of these district renovations, industrial urban symbiosis needs to be fostered amongst most relevant partners engaged in construction and renovation of social housing facilities. The local and regional dimension is important since local energy and utility networks, adjacent industrial infrastructures and available by-products and services in such districts would have to be considered in a holistic and integrated approach.

Cooperation with EEN

Code: 13077 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Innovation Council-EIC (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 01/07/2021 | End submission calls: 06/01/2022

Deliver support actions to women innovators and widening countries applicants to EIC Accelerator as well as Seal of Excellence (SoE) holders through creating synergies with EU partners and programmes such as the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

Support for transnational activities of National Contact Points in the thematic area of Space (CSA)

Code: 13025 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals should facilitate trans-national co-operation amongst National Contact Points (NCPs) in the respective thematic area, encouraging cross-border activities, sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to programme applicants.

Support for transnational activities of National Contact Points in the thematic area of Industry (CSA)

Code: 13023 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals should facilitate trans-national co-operation amongst National Contact Points (NCPs) in the respective thematic area, encouraging cross-border activities, sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to programme applicants.

Support for transnational activities of National Contact Points in the thematic area of Digital (CSA)

Code: 13015 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals under this Call should facilitate trans-national co-operation amongst National Contact Points (NCPs) in the respective thematic area, encouraging cross-border activities, sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to programme applicants.

eXtended Reality Ethics, Interoperability and Impact (CSA)

Code: 13008 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• A strong and competitive ecosystem, with European companies playing a leading role in the wider deployment, adoption and acceptance of eXtended Reality technologies.
• Improved quality of eXtended Reality experiences and applications, combining human-machine interactions and real, mixed, augmented and virtual environments and ensuring ethics, privacy, security and safety.

AI to fight disinformation (RIA)

Code: 13003 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The Media Action Plan is developed around three areas: recovery, transformation, and enabling and empowerment. Research and innovation is key to the area of the transformation. Innovative digital solutions play an important role in ensuring a pluralistic access to trustworthy and meaningful information and quality content.
Research and innovation proposals are expected to respond to one of the following:

• Advanced AI based solutions for securing a trustworthy online environment
• Advanced AI based solutions targeted to citizens

Workforce skills for industry 5.0 (RIA)

Code: 13000 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The RIA will investigate the social and economic impacts generated by emerging disruptive technologies (artificial intelligence & machine learning, block chain, big data, internet of things, 5g, etc.), robotisation and digitalization on labour markets and business models.

eXtended Collaborative Telepresence (IA)

Code: 12995 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

This topic aims to increase the European competitiveness and innovation capacity and foster the adoption of European eXtended collaborative telepresence technologies in both professional and private spheres, taking benefit of combining real and virtual environments to improve distant human-human interactions through wearables and computer mediated technologies.

Tackling gender, race and other biases in AI (RIA)

Code: 12993 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Research demonstrates how bias exacerbates existing inequalities and reinforces gender, racial and other stereotypes in, for instance, the labour market, education, online advertising systems, social media, taxation and the justice system. This topic investigates preventing and mitigating bias in AI, focusing on
(1) recommender and personalisation systems,
(2) algorithmic decision-making, and
(3) surveillance software, including facial recognition.

Art-driven use experiments and design (RIA)

Code: 12991 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Design of technology and deployment in selected sectors will be explored through use cases between stakeholders in industry – engineers, developers –, end-users and artists though dedicated industrial projects in continuation of the S+T+ARTS residencies and S+T+ARTS lighthouse pilots. 

Piloting a new industry-academia knowledge exchange focussing on companies’ needs (CSA)

Code: 12982 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

This action will promote industry-academia knowledge exchange focussing on companies’ research and innovation needs, complementing university-business collaboration in line with the European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience.

Testing innovative solutions on local communities’ demand (CSA)

Code: 12980 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

This action will promote the uptake of research-based technological and non-technological solutions in cities and local communities by responding to concrete, citizen driven, demand for testing and experimentation. By addressing the local societal demand for innovative solutions and bringing forward R&I to match communities’ needs, the action will contribute to implementing the European Green Deal’s aim “to involve local communities in working towards a more sustainable future, in initiatives that seek to combine societal pull and technology push”.

Fostering standardisation to boost European industry's competitiveness (CSA)

Code: 12977 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

In the New Industrial Strategy for Europe, developing new standards, coupled with increased EU participation in international standardisation bodies, will be essential to boost industry’s competitiveness and build a sustainable and more inclusive future.

Awareness raising on Intellectual property (IP) management for European R&I (CSA)

Code: 12975 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

To achieve technological sovereignty in critical technology areas, the management of intellectual property, from the early stages of the knowledge creation process to the final deployment of solutions, is key. The action will address the need to increase awareness and knowledge on intellectual property management. It will build the bridge between technology generation and technology upscaling via IP management awareness.

eXtended Reality for All – Haptics (RIA)

Code: 12972 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

ΕXtended Reality, combining human-machine interactions and all real, mix, augmented and virtual environments, allow users to interact with real-time contextual information activated by intuitive sensory triggers. However, in order to provide eXtended Reality for all, specific accessibility oriented development is required.

eXtended Reality Modelling (RIA)

Code: 12970 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Large-scale creation of eXtended Reality models with increased levels of interaction, context awareness, explainable autonomous decisions, human control, privacy and accessibility.
• Methodologies, tools and processes to build eXtended Reality services based on these models.
• Improved human to human and human to computer eXtended Reality interaction, in both offline and real-time context.

NGI Tech Review (CSA)

Code: 12966 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The scope of this topic is to support an open environment fostering collaboration between internet innovators to tackle key societal challenges such as response to pandemics, climate change, disinformation, or the protection of privacy. The environment will bring together internet innovators to develop, test and improve solutions based on open source technologies.

NGI International Collaboration - Transatlantic fellowship programme (CSA)

Code: 12964 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The aim of the topic is to reinforce EU-US and EU-Canada cooperation in the area of Next Generation Internet, and to establish a continuous dialogue among US, Canada and EU innovators. The focus should be on trust and data sovereignty and on internet architecture renovation and decentralised technologies.

Next Generation Internet community-building and outreach (CSA)

Code: 12961 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The proposal should support the European Commission in NGI branding and marketing activities, including extensive online and social media presence, press coverage and participation in key events, establishing a positive brand image in the Internet community and the public at large. Based on advanced digital and non-digital communication techniques, the project will lead NGI communication activities and coach other NGI projects in effective communication and marketing.

Innovation for Media, including eXtended Reality (IA)

Code: 12956 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The Media Action Plan, aimed at supporting media industry recovery, has three areas: Recovery, transformation, and enabling and empowerment. Transformation foresees innovation actions to support transformation of media industry, and the creation of a European Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Industrial Coalition.

Trustworthy open search and discovery (RIA)

Code: 12954 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The objective of this topic is to develop technologies and solutions enabling new and trustworthy ways of searching and discovering information on the internet across a variety of resources such as personal, scientific, industrial and environmental data, connected devices and smart objects, services, multimedia content, intranets and other IT resources, both public and private. It is also to empower end-users, including through agents acting on their behalf, to share and discover more data and reliable information sources, while preserving their privacy and increasing public trust in search results.

Trust & data sovereignty on the Internet (RIA)

Code: 12949 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

The objective of this topic is to deliver architectures, protocols and services to ensure that end-users can exert their rights (e.g. under the GDPR) and benefit from decentralised technological solutions that ensure that they are fully in control of their personal data on the Internet.

European Network of AI Excellence Centres: Pillars of the European AI lighthouse (RIA)

Code: 12944 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

To ensure European open strategic autonomy in critical technologies such as AI, with huge socio-economic impact, it is essential to reinforce and build on Europe’s assets in such technologies, including its world-class research community, in order to stay at the forefront of technological developments.

European coordination, awareness, standardisation & adoption of trustworthy European AI, Data and Robotics (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (CSA)

Code: 12941 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Τhe proposals of this Call should focus on one of the two expected outcomes exclusively:

• Efficient AI, Data and Robotics Public-Private Partnership supporting the community and the implementation of the SRIDA.
• Efficient support to the research community via the AI-on-demand-platform, a public community resource.

Verifiable robustness, energy efficiency and transparency for Trustworthy AI: Scientific excellence boosting industrial competitiveness (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (RIA)

Code: 12939 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

This topic focuses on the development of trustworthy AI technology as wel as the building of the next level of “intelligence” and autonomy. Solid scientific developments will be complemented, as relevant, by tools and processes for design, testing and validation, certification (where appropriate), software engineering methodologies, as well as approaches to modularity and interoperability, aimed at real-world applications.

Support and coordination of the Quantum Technologies Flagship Initiative (CSA)

Code: 12937 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposal results are expected to contribute to outcomes of the following categories:

• Coordination of the Quantum Technologies Flagship
• Standardisation
• Education and training

Functional electronics for green and circular economy (RIA)

Code: 12933 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals under this Call are expected to make technological breakthroughs in the development of functional electronics technologies, to address the challenges and opportunities associated with green and digital transformation. Eco-design principles and in particular the reduction of energy and resource consumption should be taken into account. The emphasis of this topic will be on the advancement in the area of flexible, printed and organic electronics as low-cost/light- weight/less energy intensive approach to complement inorganic-based mainstream semiconductors.

Investing in new emerging quantum computing technologies (RIA)

Code: 12930 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

In order to reach large-scale quantum computing in Europe, breakthroughs in scalability of quantum computing processors, devices and integrated platforms are needed, together with the ability to perform qubit operations such as read, write, and data transfer, and qubit manipulation with a universal set of quantum gates. Further qubit and platform types, such as for example neutral Rydberg atoms, photonic qubits, and spin qubits, need to be considered as candidates for quantum computing that would require further research and development efforts.

Development of technologies/devices for bio-intelligent manufacturing (RIA)

Code: 12928 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

In a context of increasing constrains in the usage and production of resources, bio-intelligent technologies should arise as key enabling manufacturing systems under any circumstances while fostering the biological transformation of industry. In this sense, research activities should be highly multi-disciplinary and networked to the strengthening of European industrial leadership and autonomy in this emerging technology. Proposals should investigate the potential of bioenabled technologies through the integration of biological principles with other technologies, to bolster future supply chains and more efficient manufacturing.

Coordination of European Smart Network actions (CSA)

Code: 12918 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

A proposal is expected to contribute to the establishment of a Europe wide platform addressing the Communication Network Technologies and systems in the context of 6G global developments. To support the identification of strategic R&I orientations including at global level, the coordination of R&I results/initiatives at EU scale including Member State level initiatives, the dissemination and web presence, the organisation of Europe’s contribution to standards, and the identification of international cooperation priorities across key regions. Also, the action is expected to directly contribute to support the early implementation of the new Smart Networks Services (SNS) institutionalised European partnership and the related programmatic organisation through cross SNS projects coordination.

International cooperation with Canada (RIA)

Code: 12915 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals for the Joint Call EU-Canada are expected to address a mix of quantum technology challenges in the areas of quantum communication, computing, simulation and sensing and identify the added value and/or mutual benefit for both EU and Canadian partners. These should include the integration of different aspects like physics, engineering, computer science, theory, algorithms, software, manufacturing, control, infrastructures, etc.

Next generation quantum sensing technologies (RIA)

Code: 12911 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals should focus on next generation quantum sensors that provide extreme precision and accuracy measurements in many fields, beyond the performance of consumer devices and services, from medical diagnostics and imaging, high-precision navigation, and monitoring, to future applications in the Internet of Things and for enhanced measurement and metrology.

Advanced spintronics: Unleashing spin in the next generation ICs (RIA)

Code: 12905 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals should focus on interdisciplinary R&D between academic research, RTOs and industry (including SMEs). Proposals should aim at demonstrating a fully functional prototype of a spintronic device operating in relevant environment conditions in order to show how it will unlock the full potential of the field in a number of specific and high potential application areas.

Academia-Industry Forum on Emerging Enabling Technologies (CSA)

Code: 12899 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

A Coordination and Support Actions enable and support a broad range of participants (across disciplines in science and engineering, RTOs, industry sectors, stakeholders) to meet, mutually inspire, cooperate and develop together innovative ideas for future enabling technologies from early stages on. They will help industry to navigate rapidly changing environments, for instance by actively transferring ideas and early technologies between players that would not normally interact, or by combinations of different foresight activities (short-term, long-term, cross-sectorial) to prioritise strategic directions while avoiding narrow visions for the future.

European Network of Excellence Centres in Robotics (RIA)

Code: 12897 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

To ensure European open strategic autonomy in robotics, it is essential to reinforce and build on Europe’s assets, including its world-class research community. In order to stay at the forefront of technological developments, it is essential that researchers collaborate, share ideas and research outcomes. A strongly networked community focused on excellence will be better at addressing the major robotics challenges that block the domain’s further development and deployment.

Pushing the limit of robotics cognition (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (RIA)

Code: 12895 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals under this Call are expected to develop technologies and systems that significantly enhance the cognitive ability of robots from the current state of the art to achieve greater levels of interaction and autonomy.

AI, Data and Robotics at work (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12893 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals are expected to demonstrate how AI, data, robotics and automation solutions can support workers in their daily tasks, improving working conditions (both physical and social) and work performance/efficiency, while considering safety, security and resilience, as appropriate.

AI, Data and Robotics for the Green Deal (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12891 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals are expected to integrate and optimise AI, data and robotics solutions in order to demonstrate, by addressing use-cases scenarios in actual or highly realistic operating environments, how they can directly contribute to the Green Deal. To reach their objectives, all proposals are expected to exploit synergies between at least two of the three components: AI, Data and Robotics and forge strong cooperation between to corresponding practitioners.

Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (Photonics Partnership) (RIA)

Code: 12885 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Evolving photonic integration is opening up a wealth of opportunities in many application areas by enhancing functionality and spectral coverage, facilitating new applications in biomedical, environmental and industrial fields, making devices more power-efficient and bringing ground-breaking technologies within reach of entrepreneurial SMEs.

Advanced optical communication components (Photonics Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12876 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals need to develop ultra-dynamic photonic components and subsystems for data communication, using for example new optical wavelength bands, space division multiplexing, new integration schemes, optical switching and new switching paradigms, as solutions for time-deterministic and time-sensitive networks.

Open Source Hardware for ultra-low-power, secure processors (CSA)

Code: 12873 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals are expected to develop a roadmap for open source hardware in Europe covering both R&D as well as funding & business aspects for edge applications in all power and performance ranges from deeply embedded to high-end computing. Also are expected to contribute to the structure European involvement in open source hardware efforts (including open Instruction Set Architectures) related to the design of ultra-low-power, secure microprocessors, microcontrollers and accelerators.

Ultra-low-power, secure processors for edge computing (RIA)

Code: 12871 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals are expected to develop European secure specialised microprocessor designs (including accelerators and controllers) that deliver high-performance computing at ultra-low power operation.

Roadmap for next generation computing and systems technologies (CSA)

Code: 12856 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals under this project are expected to support structure for the European Computing ecosystem: networking events and vision workshops for the academic and industrial computing community. Are expected to provide yearly updated roadmaps on computing addressing the area from a broad perspective from edge device to edge cloud to cloud to HPC, from scientific to industrial to societal and research applications, and addressing all relevant aspects such as real-time, security, etc.

Coordination and Support of the ‘Cloud-Edge-IoT’ domain (CSA)

Code: 12854 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposal under this topic aim to explore and exploite synergies between relevant European national and private initiatives from Cloud to edge to IoT, as well to regaine European competitiveness in internet infrastructures through effective partnership models and the provisioning of open solutions as well as trusted & interoperable data-driven services in the core and at the edge.

Future European platforms for the Edge: Meta Operating Systems (RIA)

Code: 12852 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Europe needs to strengthen its supply and value chains in cloud to edge computing by integrating relevant elements of computing, connectivity, IoT, AI and cybersecurity. Exploiting network functions such as adhoc – cloud/fog communication not limited to 5G , the objective is to develop meta operating systems for the edge that enable cloud and edge computing orchestrations by bringing computation, data and intelligence closer to where the data is produced (sensors and devices) and by which volume, variety, interoperability, and velocity should be handled efficiently and securely.

Technologies for data management (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12850 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposal results are expected to provide new secure and energy-efficient data management tools: improving the usability and discoverability of data in different contexts, covering data provenance, synthetic data generation, data quality management (such as data cleaning, validation, enrichment, co-creation, identification of bias and correlations), improving data interoperability, metadata management (automated ways of labelling and describing data, data linkage), and ensuring data security, privacy and integrity, especially in the context of data spaces.

Technologies and solutions for compliance, privacy preservation, green and responsible data operations (AI, Data and Robotics Partnership) (RIA)

Code: 12847 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 21/10/2021

Proposals under this Call are expected to improve the efficiency and the use of trustworthy digital technologies to address the requirements of citizens, companies and administrations/public organisations on privacy and commercial and administrative confidentiality as well as responsible, fair and environmentally friendly (e.g. in terms of energy/carbon/material footprint) data operations in data spaces, across the data life cycle.

EU-China international cooperation on increasing the resilience of forests

Code: 12841 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Adaptation and increased resilience of forests is essential for the forests to maintain their function as carbon sinks, to protect existing stocks and to ensure that forests will continue to provide important ecosystem services and to support the forest-based bioeconomy. Due to the high variation of European and Chinese forests, diversity of landscapes as well as governance and ownership structures, adaptation strategies need to be adapted to regional conditions and circumstances, with focus on the most vulnerable forests in climate change hotspots.

Enhancing science-based knowledge on EU forests’, including old-growth forests, capacities to mitigate climate change

Code: 12838 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic aims to increase the science-based knowledge for an efficient implementation of good management practices that ensure the multiple functions of various forest types in Europe and to increase forest carbon stocks in the short-, medium-, and long-term.

Agroforestry to meet climate, biodiversity and farming sustainability goals

Code: 12836 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Achieving sustainable agricultural production that fosters both climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity preservation and enhancement is a policy objective that implies finding a balance with farm productivity, socio-economic viability and wider sustainability goals. Agroforestry systems have the potential to increase ecosystem services – including soil carbon sequestration, water retention, erosion control, soil nutrients, pollination, pest- and disease-control – and biodiversity, while improving farming productivity, profitability and sustainability of farmers’ incomes.

International Research Consortium on (agricultural) soil carbon

Code: 12833 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Soil health is threatened both in Europe and globally by the effects of human activities and climate change.  Urgent action is needed to stabilise and increase soil carbon in soils, thereby also drawing down atmospheric CO2 and monitor its status in more reliable ways, at a range of scales from field to region and at a low cost. Yet, knowledge and methodological gaps exist in relation to measuring soil carbon stocks and changes in soil carbon as well as with regard to effective measures for increasing soil carbon. Furthermore, research and innovation (R&I) efforts are dispersed and results not widely known or taken up.

Resilient livestock farming systems under climate change

Code: 12831 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, aim to support the farm to fork strategy objective for a transition to a fair, healthy and resilient European agriculture. It will contribute to climate action on land and more specifically towards climate neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing natural carbon sinks: better understanding and mobilising the mitigation and adaptation potential of livestock farming and related sectors based on the sustainable management of natural resources.

Agroecological approaches for climate change mitigation, resilient agricultural production and enhanced biodiversity

Code: 12829 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The objective of this Call is promote the transition to a fair, healthy and resilient European agriculture, notably its objective to promote agroecology, by unfolding its potential as a farming system based on the sustainable management of natural resources. Activities should improve the knowledge base to inform decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders on how agroecology can contribute to these objectives, while remaining a profitable activity for farmers.

Environmental services: improved bioremediation and revitalization strategies for soil, sediments and water

Code: 12823 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The topic aims at improving bioremediation and revitalization strategies for soils, sediments, surface water and groundwater while respecting the EU legislation and regulations applicable in this area, including the use of naturally occurring and optimised organisms.

New genomic techniques (NGT): understanding benefits and risks – focus on bio-based innovation

Code: 12799 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

There is a need to enable major advances in the life sciences and biotechnology, in new genomic techniques, such as gene/genome editing. This aims to ensure they can contribute safely and sustainably addressing the grand societal challenges of our age, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, improved resource efficiency by industry and throughout various sectors of the economy. This covers their applicability for bio-based sectors. These advances must be aligned with the relevant EU legal framework, while aiming to support the climate ambition of zero net emissions by 2050, as well as biodiversity protection and resource efficiency goals.

Increasing the environmental performance of industrial processes in bio-based sectors: construction, woodworking, textiles, pulp and paper and bio-chemicals

Code: 12795 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this topic should focus on all of the following industrial bio-based sectors: construction, woodworking, textiles, pulp and paper, and bio-chemicals.

Achieving zero polluted seas and ocean

Code: 12793 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

To reach the policy vision of achieving clean European seas, a profound transition is needed on how we address and manage marine pollution – a blue green transition.

Preventing and managing diffuse pollution in urban water runoff

Code: 12791 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Actions in this topic should aim to develop innovative and integrated concepts and technologies, including digital advances, for urban drainage systems by combining advantages from blue-green-grey solutions and decentralised approaches to preventing and managing water pollution from urban runoff and storm water overflows.

Regional nitrogen and phosphorus load reduction approach within safe ecological boundaries

Code: 12751 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The scope of the topic is to develop a regional/river basin approach. The topic is targeted to stakeholders from regions/river basins or clusters of regions/river basins: local agencies of environmental protection, local administrators, scientists and experts in environmental impacts models. A cluster may be formed by two or more regions/river basins, in the EU and Associated Countries, with very similar characteristics in terms of territorial conditions or being neighbouring regions/river basins.

Key oceanic and polar processes driving regional & global climate change

Code: 12747 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call aim to contribute to strengthening the ocean – climate nexus and our understanding of the ocean and polar regions, as an integral part of the Earth’s climate system. Also,  proposals aim to promote the science for understanding key processes that link the ocean to climate and people, allowing for a better understanding of the nature and magnitude of these processes, and the impact of human activity on them.

Demonstration network on climate-smart farming – linking pilot farms

Code: 12742 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The topic of this Call focuses on the commercial farms, which leds by sustainability-oriented farmers who are eager to pilot existing or new ready-for-practice techniques and demonstrate them to other farmers.

European Partnership Water Security for the Planet (Water4All)

Code: 12725 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Achieving good status of Europe’s surface waters and providing enough water for all, is not only important for the implementation of EU water related policies, it is also an essential element for achieving other EU related policies, such biodiversity, agriculture, climate and energy related policies. Water is also central to all components of the European Green Deal. There is, therefore, a need to produce science-based knowledge to support the European Green Deal and other EU policies by monitoring problems related to water and developing feasible technical and managerial solutions.

Improved understanding, observation and monitoring of water resources availability.

Code: 12720 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Freshwater resources are under increasing stress as a consequence of overuse and climate change with wide-ranging consequences for human societies and ecosystems. To reduce the vulnerability of ecosystems, society and water consuming economic sectors (agriculture, energy, industry) to climate change, it is necessary to enhance the knowledge on water resource availability and use, on future changes to climate and hydrological systems and on risks of extreme weather events.

Unlocking the potential of algae for a thriving European blue bioeconomy

Code: 12718 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call will support the development of algae-based greener aquatic industrial products/processes and/or environmental services sustaining the health of aquatic ecosystems for a healthy planet and people.

Mainstreaming inclusive small-scale bio-based solutions in European rural areas

Code: 12713 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

There are barriers to the adoption and implementation of research results and cooperation between research, advisory services, farmers, foresters and other actors in the supply chain is not adequately supported. Thus this Call focuses on the need of regional platforms for innovation support services in order to help European regions develop their bio-based economies and to increase awareness and knowledge about emerging opportunities as well as the environmental and socio-economic impacts relating to the valorisation of locally or regionally available biomass.

Environmental impacts and trade-offs of alternative fertilising products at global/local scale.

Code: 12708 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The scope of this topic is the assessment of environmental impacts and trade-offs of the production and application of a range of fertilising products derived from secondary raw materials which could replace nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilisers produced from conventional processes (including mining and fossil-based processes) in a life cycle perspective. Examples of alternative fertilising products within the scope include products made from secondary raw materials such as:

• recycled nutrients from urban and industrial waste water and sewage sludge
• organic fertilising products from bio-waste, from any biological residue
• by-products from digestate and from treated manure.

International and EU sustainability certification schemes for bio-based systems

Code: 12706 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Activities under this topic should assess scope, potential and requirements of international and EU sustainability certification schemes and business-to-business labels applicable to biological resources including primary biomass resources and bio-waste and residues intended for bio-based industrial value-chains and to bio-based materials and products, also in complementarity with actions on bio-based innovation and market measures. Relevant initiatives in the field of assessment and certification of environmental sustainability arising from EU policies in the bioeconomy sectors should be taken into account. Traceability of biological resources and bio-based materials and products on a business-to-business level, at the EU and the global scale, should be part of certification, including aspects on primary and secondary biomass and bio-based intermediates in global trade flows and imports into the EU.

Environmental sustainability criteria for biological resources production and trade in bio-based systems: impacts and trade-offs

Code: 12703 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Assessment of environmental sustainability of biological resources production and trades in the bio-based systems is still a challenge. Indicators of such sustainability should build on dynamic perspectives at scales ranging, in space, from planetary to local ecosystems and, in time, from next decade to the end of century and beyond.

Optimisation of nutrient budget in agriculture

Code: 12700 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

There are substantial knowledge gaps regarding the measurement and understanding of the impacts of nutrients flow in different farming practices (conventional, agro-ecological and organic systems, specialised and mix farming systems) at various scales, from local to global, and the capacity to model those impacts.
Therefore, proposals will support the limit and reduction of pollution due to the excess of nutrients and nutrient losses (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) in the environment, stemming from excess use in agriculture. It will contribute with new and enhance knowledge to the development of integrated nutrient management plan.

Promote Europe's availability, affordability, sustainability and security of supply of essential chemicals and materials (IA)

Code: 12693 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Building on the experience gained from flexible production units it would be possible to equip base chemicals production containers with modular and standardised units capable to facilitate a swift shift in the final production outcome. The focus on the proposals under this topic should thus be the development of adaptable chemical plants with flexible outputs.

Establishing EU led international community on safe- and sustainable-by-design materials to support embedding sustainability criteria over the life cycle of products and processes (CSA)

Code: 12690 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The Call focuses on the development of a common understanding of the principles of sustainable-by-design when applied to materials, both products and processes. The challenge is to identify the key dimensions that need to be integrated in a product sustainability performance assessment and enhance a systems approach based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework. The transition to sustainable-by-design is a societal urgency. Thus it is important to establish an inclusive and self-sustained international gender balanced and inclusive network of experts and stakeholders in the materials community to enable multidisciplinary design processes, map skills mismatches and competence gaps, to enable transition towards an overarching framework in which sustainability is the essential entry point into markets. 

Identifying future availability of secondary raw materials (RIA)

Code: 12687 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

A successful transition to a climate-neutral, circular and digitised EU economy relies heavily on a secure supply of raw materials. In order to strengthen EU autonomy and reduce over-dependency, it is necessary to boost domestic sourcing, both for primary and secondary raw materials.

Building innovative value chains from raw materials to sustainable products (IA)

Code: 12682 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Actions under this Call, should develop innovative, sustainable technology and business solutions finishing at the level of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for new high value added and sustainable products with enhanced functional properties based on the EU produced raw materials. The focus is on raw materials necessary for the e-mobility and renewable energy ecosystems including battery raw materials; strategic sectors, such as aero-space and dual-use applications; or on critical raw materials, such as rare earths elements for highly performant permanent magnets.

Innovation for responsible EU sourcing of primary raw materials, the foundation of the Green Deal (RIA)

Code: 12679 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call aim to:

• improve knowledge base of EU and third country critical raw materials to identify new areas for exploration and resource estimation;
• promote the utilisation of UNFC (United Nations Framework Classification for Resources) and UNRMS (United Nations Resource Management System) reporting standards in the raw materials sector;
• accelerate development of EU domestic raw materials exploration projects integrating innovative technologies that can form the basis for new EU SMEs.

Building EU-Africa partnerships on sustainable raw materials value chains (CSA)

Code: 12677 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects aim to steer the development of strategic partnerships for EU-Africa industrial value chains’ integration, improving sustainability (especially environmental and social aspects) in the mining and metal recycling sectors in Africa, including its impacts on biodiversity. Additionallly, have the goal to contribute to eradicating illegal and ethically doubtful supply chains and activities, develop knowledge on raw materials potential in Africa that will facilitate investment and business decisions as well as educe EU vulnerabilities in raw materials sourcing.

Developing climate-neutral and circular raw materials (IA)

Code: 12648 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Scale up promising raw materials recycling from end-of-life products technologies and urban mines, including efficient sorting technologies for separation and recycling.
• Develop demonstration pilot showing that raw materials can be produced in an innovative and sustainable way in order to make sure that research and innovation end up on the market.
• Strengthen the competitiveness of the EU raw materials industries, minimizing environmental impacts and risks, maximise circularity or resources and gain the trust of EU citizens in the raw materials sector.

Ensuring circularity of composite materials (Processes4Planet Partnership) (RIA)

Code: 12645 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Composites are difficult to reuse or recycle as available technologies such as high-temperature pyrolysis, and grinding (to be used as filler material) are either not environment friendly or economically unattractive. Thus it is imperative that technologies are found to reuse and recycle these materials in a useful and sustainable manner. Furthermore, new solutions should also be envisaged to allow their recycling with very few or no need to separate them without a compromise to downcycling.

Laser-based technologies for green manufacturing (Photonics - Made in Europe Partnerships) (RIA)

Code: 12638 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Machine tools include various laser-based technologies such as milling, turning, grinding, laser processing, surface treatment, sintering, forming and additive manufacturing. Projects funded under this topic should integrate state-of-the-art high-power lasers and tailored beams together with quality sensors and real time monitoring systems into advanced manufacturing and re-manufacturing tools.

Zero-defect manufacturing towards zero-waste (Made in Europe Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12636 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call must address the full production line or system, with an holistic approach, with the aim of reducing defects (e.g. rejected components or products) and manufacturing waste. The defect reduction and the overall quality control should be centred on such defects that reduce the yield, acceptance, or qualification of the final product, and enable a “first-time-right” production process.

AI enhanced robotics systems for smart manufacturing (AI, Data and Robotics - Made in Europe Partnerships) (IA)

Code: 12634 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

EU and Associated countries need to strengthen their capacity to manufacture and re-manufacture goods in a sustainable and competitive way to be ready to expand into new value chains. Projects should seize the opportunities arising from the latest state-of the art-developments in AI and robotics to deploy intelligent and autonomous systems for flexible production.

European Technological and Social Innovation Factory (RIA)

Code: 12632 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic concerns the generation of innovations that combine technological and social innovation and engage industry and society to serve the EU’s priorities. It will provide social innovators with financial and capacity building support to develop their ideas into concrete solutions enabling businesses to transform towards more resilience, sustainability and inclusion. It will also promote a new European culture of social innovation and social entrepreneurship.

'Innovate to transform' support for SME's sustainability transition (CSA)

Code: 12628 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Achieving European Green Deal objectives, and notably a climate neutral and resource efficient economy, requires the full mobilisation of SMEs. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to companies redesigning their supply chains and facing a new industrial revolution, brought on by a new generation of advanced technologies, which are underpinning the potential for competitive sustainability of SMEs.

Re-opening industrial sites preparatory action – Promoting a sustainable strategy for Europe’s industrial future (CSA)

Code: 12626 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The objective of this coordination and support action is to analyse the industrial ecosystem of more than 20 regions in Europe and how they could be influenced by comprehensive industrial policies, innovation programs, private investments accompanied with modern regional administration policies and public investment in infrastructures, both digital and transportation. Focus is both, on the growth of the digital industries, and on the transformation of traditional industries and the creation of new business opportunities that could offer the potential for a long term value creation and for new jobs.

Innovation Radar, Tech Due Diligence and Venture Building for strategic digital technologies (CSA)

Code: 12622 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call aim to achieve a scaling up of capabilities in matching EU-funded technology solutions developed by highly innovative sustainable and digital startups with access to finance and growth opportunities including, but not limited to, other European funding instruments, innovation procurement, investors and corporate innovation ventures. Also, they aim to deliver, through tech due diligence and venture-building approaches, a step change in the number of new ventures created and ventures’ ability to attract funding for sustainable and digital innovations developed in EU-funded R&I.

Biomaterials database for Health Applications (CSA)

Code: 12610 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call focuses on the creation of a database of biomaterials, providing detailed information on the chemical-physical, biological and toxicological properties accessible to wide variety of end-users, for e.g. researchers, companies and clinicians for the purposes of evaluating the biological and clinical usefulness also in the areas beyond their intended primary applications. Processing of data should be done in accordance with GDPR provisions.

Antimicrobial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Nanocoatings (RIA)

Code: 12606 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Inorganic nanomaterials have demonstrated enhanced anti-microbial and anti-viral activity. Research areas should address new antiviral and antibacterial nanocoatings for a range of applications addressing use on both surfaces of so-called high-traffic objects (e.g. door and window handles in public places, public transport, hospitals, public buildings, schools, elderly homes etc.) and/or coatings for textiles (e.g. protective clothing in food processing plants, laboratory coats, face masks, etc.).

Advanced materials for hydrogen storage (RIA)

Code: 12604 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call aim to provide commercially attractive and safe new technologies for long-term storage and transport of hydrogen, to enable efficient and safe hydrogen short term storage for example for fuel tanks for automobiles, rail vehicles, ships, airplanes, or stationary storage, etc., eliminating pollution caused by fossil fuels and facilitating the greening of transport. Also, this Call has the goal to achieve elimination of economic dependence for EU’s energy needs. 

Safe- and sustainable-by-design metallic coatings and engineered surfaces (RIA)

Code: 12593 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Metal coatings are applied, to enhance performance characteristics, such as corrosion resistance, colour, attractive appearance, wear resistance, optical properties, electrical resistance, or thermal protection. Applications range from building & construction and consumer goods to catalytic materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and fuel cells and proposals covering all above areas will be welcome.

Design and optimisation of energy flexible industrial processes (Processes4Planet Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12591 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

To support the change of energy supply, current processes, designed to run continuously at maximum capacity, have to be adapted. Besides, energy efficiency measures will help decreasing the overall process energy demand. To leverage the flexibility in process industries, digital process control systems that optimise the process while accounting for the value of flexibility need to be implemented. Digital tools need to be developed to attain the energy flexibility of the process, but also to exchange data with network operators and flexibility markets (through market operators, suppliers and/or aggregators), which will enable industries to provide flexibility services. Powerful digital twins based on suitable combinations of analytical models, physics-based AI or pure AI solutions need to be designed and applied. Moreover, the direct integration of renewable energy generation and the higher overall efficiencies will require further flexibility solutions in process industries.

Improvement of the yield of the iron and steel making (Clean Steel Partnership) (IA)

Code: 12589 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call aim to:

• validate at industrial test scale technologies for impurity removal from scrap or the recovery of metal fractions contained in steel making process residues (that are today mainly landfilled) reaching high recycling rate of residues originated at the demo site up to 40% achieving a metal recovery efficiency up to 90% and a mineral recovery efficiency up to 80%;
• increase the uptake of low-quality scrap grades into high quality steel grades;
• replace the use of pre-consumer scrap grades with high quality clean scrap grades, as well as replace the use of solid pig iron produced by traditional BF process with post-consumer grades;
• reduce the environmental impact by minimizing CO2 emission up to 20% both, directly by internal recycling of the metal fraction derived from residues, or indirectly by increasing the use of scrap as raw material in steelmaking production processes.

Hubs for Circularity European Community of Practice (ECoP) platform (Processes4Planet Partnership) (CSA)

Code: 12587 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Circularity is an essential part of the industry transformation towards climate-neutrality and long-term competitiveness. H4C are defined as first-of-a-kind, lighthouse demonstrator plants of commercial size implementing industrial symbiosis or urban industrial symbiosis with the aim of achieving a step change in circular utilization of resources and GHG emission reductions, within a given representative geographical area. The common target is to collectively achieve and demonstrate at scale a leap towards circularity and carbon neutrality in the use of resources (feedstock, energy and water) in a profitable way.

Automated tools for the valorisation of construction waste (RIA)

Code: 12585 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Reusing and recycling CDW in new constructions, the sector would come closer to the targets of becoming fully circular and climate neutral. Precise quantitative and qualitative waste estimation is crucial for waste management. This could be achieved by utilising digital technologies for instance Building Information Modelling (BIM), material and component tracing, dedicated apps for construction/de-construction and optimize site management. Such tools could provide data about material type and composition (e.g. whether there are hazardous materials that require special care) and quantities, and thus an estimation of the logistics needs, cost, etc. and make waste separation easier and faster, e.g. by combining with automated equipment and robots.

Sustainable Industry Commons (RIA)

Code: 12567 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call is working on the development of tools for industry to enhance efficiency and contributing to less waste and emissions while improving material/product/process quality all along the lifecycle of a product/service system. The developed tools have to be compliant with existing standards, and the proposals should contribute to development and/or creation of new ones.

Creation of an innovation community for solar fuels and chemicals (CSA)

Code: 12565 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Creation of an innovation eco-system gathering the various elements necessary to accelerate the development in the area of introduction of solar fuels and chemicals. This will require a strict synergy of actions between all stakeholder components, from R&D to industry and society, in order to foster their introduction. In addition, the development of solar fuels and chemicals requires a full redesign of the current technologies and processes based on fossil fuels, and the technological gap is a main factor limiting their introduction.

Development of more energy efficient electrically heated catalytic reactors (IA)

Code: 12560 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• A breakthrough reduction in carbon footprint for a given reaction (CO₂ emission reduction > 40%, demonstrated by LCA or similar studies);
• Demonstrate a significant process intensification (a reactor size reduction of > 50% with respect to the state-of-the-art conventional approach) and industrial scalability;
• Environmental and techno-economic feasibility of novel catalytic reactor technologies and catalyst materials demonstrated and validated at suitable scale against current industrial processes to produce the same products;
• Integrated development methodology of catalysts and reactors for an optimized design up to pilot unit of novel catalytic reactors with significant carbon footprint reduction and allowing relevant process intensification, while maintaining cost competitiveness;
• Advanced catalytic reactor concepts to operate in synergy with alternative energy resources like e.g. non-thermal plasma.

Safe- and sustainable-by-design polymeric materials (RIA)

Code: 12558 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The proposals, activities and approaches under this Call, should cover both – specific considerations for the plastics under study, as well as developing overarching best practices that spans broader sectors of safe- and sustainable-by-design plastics.

Paving the way to an increased share of recycled plastics in added value products (RIA)

Code: 12556 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

To allow recycled plastics to be more promptly taken up as raw material for new products there is a need for reliable and standardised procedures to characterise, trace back origin and guarantee the safety of the recyclates.

Microbiomes for bio-based innovation and environmental applications

Code: 12544 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The scope includes developing the methods for molecular cartography, the quantitative determination of genes and metabolites and establishing the R&D resources (e.g. inventories, catalogues, “reference microbiomes”, databases etc.).
Marine microbiomes are excluded from the scope, in order to avoid overlaps with the parallel topic. 

Contained biomass solutions for sustainable and zero-Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) production systems for high value applications

Code: 12535 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The innovative bioeconomy sectors need to diversify and deliver technological and industrial solutions based on available and sustainably sourced biomass. This calls for identifying, optimising, screening and monitoring of the growing conditions in suitable systems such as bioreactors, from where they need to be efficiently processed, extracted and converted into industrial outputs of interest. The scope covers innovative multi-scale bioreactor designs, and related innovations such as hydroponics systems and phenotyping platforms for increased sustainability of biomass production, and its efficient, pathogen-free processing and use.

Novel, non-plant biomass feedstocks for industrial applications

Code: 12532 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The innovative bioeconomy sectors need to diversify and to deliver technological and industrial solutions based on available and sustainably accessible biomass. The scope therefore covers the production of key bio-based products such as food and feed ingredients, including proteins, lipids and fibres, antioxidants and other substances with biological activities, and key bio-based materials or chemicals, in a resource-efficient approac. This calls for identifying and optimising sources as microorganisms, insects, fungi or mixotrophic algae, which requires defining certain growing conditions in suitable systems such as biofermentors, where they need to be efficiently processed, extracted and converted into industrial outputs of interest.

Increasing the circularity in textiles, plastics and/or electronics value chains

Code: 12521 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Projects under this Call aims to contribute to the increase of the deployment and market uptake of new technological solutions to waste management and recycling, and the measurement of recycled content. Also, it aims to the enhancement of diffusion and demonstrated benefits of advanced digital solutions in circular businesses, the emergence of new value chains using upcycled, recycled and/or biobased resources, the increase upcycling and recycling rates for the targeted material streams as well as the increase of resource efficiency along and across value chains, causing a measurable reduction in GHG emissions.

Innovative solutions to over-packaging and single-use plastics, and related microplastic pollution

Code: 12519 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Projects under this Call aim to increase deployment and market uptake of innovative solutions, through better design, alternative materials, business models promoting reuse, deposit systems, smart labelling in support of and complying with the current relevant legal framework and, when scope would cover the food chain, the future EU framework for sustainability labelling, etc. Also, are aiming to increase reuse, recyclability and upcycling of packaging and single-use plastics, as well as to achieve the reduction in the over-packaging and single-use plastics in consumer goods, food packaging and humanitarian relief items, in packaging waste and single-use plastic waste etc.

Innovative solutions to over-packaging and single-use plastics, and related microplastic pollution

Code: 12503 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals aim to contribute to impacts related to consumers and industry, in particular to European industrial sustainability, competitiveness and resource independence by lowering the environmental footprint, enabling climate-neutrality and higher resource efficiency, through increased circularity and a resulting reduction in GHG and air pollution emissions.

Security research technologies driven by active civil society engagement: transdisciplinary methods for societal impact assessment and impact creation

Code: 12482 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Civil security for society (Cluster 3) (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 30/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/11/2021

Applied research derives its meaning, and therefore, its financial justification from its relevance to society, to society’s needs, to society’s values, to its aims, needs or ambitions. Applied research presupposes that a distinct societal need is identified and that a program of research is devised to provide the concrete knowledge required to meet that need as well as to better understand areas related to experience and requirements of technologies regarding vulnerable groups through universal design and common accessibility principles.

Innovative and customizable services for EOSC

Code: 12466 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The aim is to provide researchers with a set of highly innovative new services that would exploit, in a structural way, cloud-based EOSC technologies and European compute and data management capacities.

Deploying EOSC-Core components for FAIR

Code: 12463 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call enables the enforcement and implementation of the EOSC Persistent Identifier (PID) policy by developing tools, processes and additional infrastructure required to support use of PIDs to a maximal extent, for both the management and analysis of data, and also the publication, curation and tracking of research outputs. This should include a PID ‘meta resolver’ for EOSC or tools to support the alignment of PID infrastructure with the EOSC PID Policy. Proposals under this topic should also cover other research outputs, such as software, developing services based on open standards and common practices adopted by the different disciplines.

Supporting the development and coordination of activities of the EOSC Partnership

Code: 12460 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Proposals aim to support the development of an effective pan-European cooperation framework and a thriving EOSC ecosystem in which stakeholders from all parts of the European Research Area pull together in a strategic and coordinated manner to ensure the achievement of the EOSC Partnership objectives. Proposals should support the EOSC community at large by engaging and interacting with a large number of users and stakeholder communities, to monitor the uptake and (re)use of EOSC resources.

Supporting an EOSC-ready digitally skilled workforce

Code: 12451 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Development of new support material, curricula and learning pathways for researchers, data curators, and data stewards and new types of professionals. To ensure an efficient uptake and exploitation of data by Public Authorities (e.g. for evidence-based policy making), policy makers should also become skilled in data acquisition, management and analysis.

FAIR and open data sharing in support of cancer research

Code: 12449 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The overall objective of this topic is to accelerate research and innovation under this mission area through better access, management, interoperability and reuse of digital information, to be achieved by using and integrating EOSC resources ranging from EOSC federated infrastructures, services and data to guidelines, best practices, tools and metrics for the management of FAIR and open data. This should be achieved through cross-domain, strategic use cases of direct relevance to the mission areas and the European Partnerships supporting this mission area on cancer.

Enabling discovery and interoperability of federated research objects across scientific communities

Code: 12441 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call should align and support the development and implementation of common EOSC methodologies, open standards and frameworks to ensure wide uptake and coherent implementation of the FAIR principles, to support the FAIRness of the research digital objects made accessible through EOSC.

ERC ADVANCED GRANTS

Code: 12431 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Research Council (ERC) | Start submission calls: 20/05/2021 | End submission calls: 31/08/2021

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 scientific proposal.

ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS

Code: 12428 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Research Council (ERC) | Start submission calls: 11/03/2021 | End submission calls: 20/04/2021

The ERC Consolidator Grants are designed to support excellent Principal Investigators at the career stage at which they may still be consolidating their own independent research team or program. Principal Investigators must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their scientific proposal.

ERC Synergy Grants

Code: 12424 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Research Council (ERC) | Start submission calls: 15/07/2021 | End submission calls: 10/11/2021

The aim is to provide support for a small group of two to four Principal Investigators to jointly address ambitious research problems that could not be addressed by the individual Principal Investigators and their teams working alone.

ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS1

Code: 12416 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: European Research Council (ERC) | Start submission calls: 15/07/2021 | End submission calls: 14/10/2021

ERC Proof of Concept grants are intended to facilitate the exploration of the commercial and social potential and economics of ERC-funded research and are therefore only available to lead researchers whose proposals are essentially based on ERC funding.

Ensuring reliability and trust in quality of Research Ethics expertise in the context of new/emerging technologies

Code: 12406 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The first objective should be to identify the main ethics challenges resulting from the most impactful new and emerging technologies, including the specific challenges arising from research activities involving those new technologies in collaboration with non-EU partners and outside the EU.

The challenges of research ethics and integrity in response to crisis: the coronavirus pandemic and beyond

Code: 12403 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The first priority is to analyse what characterises, from an ethics perspective, a crisis of a global, sudden and unexpected nature of the type of the Covid-19 pandemic, and isolate what are the related ethics and integrity challenges as regards the production, sharing and use of scientific knowledge and data in designing and implementing responses as well as in anticipating future global urgencies. The scope should also cover the ethics of the scientific work on public health measures, including those aiming at an increased preparedness.
The objective of this Call is to cover emerging ethics issues related to new concepts like “immunisation certification” that are at the centre of vivid debates involving fundamental values.

Policy coordination to advance the implementation of the ERA gender equality and inclusiveness objectives within Member States

Code: 12401 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call aim to achieve the development of a consistent and sustainable coordination network of national representatives on gender equality and inclusiveness in support of the implementation of the ERA Communication policy objectives, leading to better coordination of Member States’ efforts.

Centre of excellence on inclusive gender equality in Research & Innovation

Code: 12399 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call aim to achιeve the advancement of knowledge, policy and practice on inclusive gender equality in research and innovation institutions across Europe, with an intersectional, geographically inclusive, and multi-sectorial approach. Additionally, this Call has the goal to reduce disparities across Member States and strengthen the European Research Area and its gender equality and inclusiveness objective.

Developing a STE(A)M roadmap for Science Education in Horizon Europe

Code: 12359 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

In order to increase the uptake in science careers, to feed the talent pipeline, a plan of action is needed to encourage more interest in STE(A)M for young and old alike, with a focus on also increasing female participation and deconstructing gender stereotypes.

Supporting and giving recognition to citizen science in the European Research Area

Code: 12357 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This action will launch two calls for proposals through financial support to third parties:

Kick-starting: This will kick-start and provide support services to at least 100 citizen science activities that are at the conceptual or pilot stage and which show promise in terms of innovative theme or approach, collecting and analysing data, or generating other important benefits.

Sustaining: This will support at least 25 on-going or recent citizen science activities to find ways to sustain their activities; these will have shown their worth in terms of innovative theme or approach, collecting and analysing data, generating other important benefits, or have particular potential to scale up across member states or the ERA.

A capacity-building and brokering network to make citizen science an integral part of the European Research Area

Code: 12350 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this call aim to strengthen the links and collaboration between citizen science initiatives and other research and innovation actors, increased capacity to conduct excellent research and innovation through citizen science, while maximising other potential benefits of citizen science, to link data infrastructures with the needs of citizen science, and improved data practices.

Protection of Higher Education Institutions and research organisations against conventional and non-conventional threats

Code: 12344 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Proposals under this Call aim to analyse possible threats and identify mitigation measures, to increase awareness of threats within higher education institutions and research organisations as well as to promote networking and optimising of infrastructure and resources to ensure adequate preparedness and prevention at European level.

Support to changes in the assessment of research and researchers to reward the practice of open science

Code: 12341 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this call aim to consolidate information on initiatives for reforming the assessment of research and researchers, taking better account of open science practice. Also, aim to connect existing initiatives at European level, facilitating mutual learning, and stimulating consensus building among the stakeholders.

Societal trust in science, research and innovation

Code: 12339 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call are aiming to contribute to the recommendations for policy makers, research funding and performing organisations, higher education institutions and other research and innovation actors for tackling societal mistrust in science, research and innovation as well as as to the recommendations for strengthening the co-creation of R&I contents by society, and for the spreading of good practices and evidence of their effects.

Capacity-building for institutional open access publishing across Europe

Code: 12337 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This action aims to support institutional publishing initiatives across Europe to improve the quality of their non-technological services to researchers, and to overcome fragmentation.

Global cooperation on FAIR data policy and practice

Code: 12335 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Projects under this Call, aim to strengthened international cooperation in order to increase and mainstream FAIRness of data and digital objects. Also, aim to contribute to the connection of disconnected initiatives on data management, data stewardship and FAIR data practices, across borders and disciplines, as enablers of open science, increasing also FAIR data sharing within and across scientific disciplines and innovation sectors.

Modelling and quantifying the impacts of open science practice

Code: 12332 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The mainstreaming of open science practice is driven by expected impacts:
(i) on the research system
(ii) on the innovation system
(iii) on the interface between science and society

R&I intensive IP management: Scenarios for the future

Code: 12299 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic will look at ways to overcome the existing gaps researchers have to face when following unconventional discovery methods (e.g. artificial intelligence, computer inventions etc.).

Standardisation Booster for fostering exploitation of FP-funded research results

Code: 12297 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The Standardisation Booster will help these beneficiaries to engage with standardisation bodies and contribute to the preparation and elaboration of standardisation activities, such as participating in a focus group, setting up a new technical committee, drafting a technical specification or a technical report, participating in awareness events.

Implementation of a new macro-economic modelling concept

Code: 12294 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This action will implement a renovated macro-economic modelling concept to improve the treatment of R&I and R&I policies in macroeconomic models, by developing a modelling framework consistent with the most recent empirical evidence and the theoretical state of the art.

Towards a Europe-wide training and networking scheme for research managers

Code: 12292 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic aims at improving training and skills development of research management staff, to develop better research and innovation management capacity and guidance for researchers across the entire ERA, as well as pave the way towards institutional acknowledgement of the research management profession.

Support for policy makers – Programme level collaboration between national R&I programmes

Code: 12290 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The actions funded under this topic will coordinate national and regional R&I programmes by pooling national resources and contributing to the alignment of national research and innovation policies.

Twinning Western Balkans Special

Code: 12286 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 29/06/2021 | End submission calls: 05/10/2021

The purpose of the special Twinning call is to raise the bar for excellence of all R&I actors in these countries. This special Twinning aims to enhance networking activities between the research institutions of the Western Balkan countries and leading counterparts at EU level. It links the coordinator located in a Western Balkan country with at least two leading research institutions from two different Member States or Associated Countries in the role of the advanced partners. Therefore, it builds on the huge potential of networking for excellence through knowledge transfer and exchange of best practice between research institutions and partners.

Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) for Research and Education Networks

Code: 12282 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Interdisciplinary digital twins for modelling and simulating complex phenomena at the service of research infrastructure communities

Code: 12278 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Actions should develop digital twins that provide advanced modelling, simulation and prediction capabilities to RIs and their research communities through a convergent use of advanced digital technologies such as high performance computing, software, AI methods and big data analytics.

Research infrastructures services advancing frontier knowledge

Code: 12267 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic aims at providing trans-national access and/or virtual access to integrated and customised RI services for curiosity-driven research in wide scientific domains, offered by a wide range of complementary and interdisciplinary top level research infrastructures. Such scientific domains are identified on the basis of a Multi-Annual Priority Setting (MAPS) exercise aiming at achieving a balanced coverage of scientific disciplines addressed under the INFRASERV destination, ongoing grants offering access provision. Within identified domains, emerging areas of research can also be served. The MAPS follows the taxonomy used in the ESFRI Roadmap.

Enabling research infrastructure services for better use of imaging data to address challenges in thematic research areas

Code: 12264 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call aims to improve acquisition, quality, interoperability and analysis of imaging data from different disciplines (e.g.: health & food, climate and environmental research, digital transformation) as well as to promote the wider use of image analysis services based on AI in different scientific areas.

Research infrastructures services for sustainable and inclusive Global Value Chain and Europe recovery from socio-economic crises

Code: 12262 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call has a goal of establishing scientific evidence for developing the European Recovery Plan and the design of European policies for trade, production, employment and investments in relation to Global Value Chain. Also, aims of strengthening EU position on the global market.

Research infrastructures services enabling the development of materials for a circular economy

Code: 12260 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call aims to enhance and increase society’s long-term and consistent problem-solving capacity and evidence-based policy making in areas of sustainable materials and green transition, through the provision of innovative, customised and efficient RI services. Also, it aims to achieve the development of a world-class European research and technology ecosystem underpinning the development of materials and materials processing and the related value chains in order to cross-fertilisation and a wider sharing of knowledge and technologies across the various disciplines that contribute to materials for a circular economy.

Research infrastructures services for responding to climate-related risks on the environment

Code: 12257 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call aims to enhance and increase society’s long-term and consistent problem-solving capacity and evidence-based policy making in areas of climate-related risks, risk management, health and green transition, including a better understanding of socio economic implications, through the provision of innovative, customised and efficient RI services. Also it aims to achieve harmonisation of data policies and management of IPRs.

Research infrastructures services for a sustainable and resilient agriculture and agro-ecological transitions

Code: 12253 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Ερευνητικές Υποδομές (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic aims at integrating and providing trans-national and/or virtual access to a complementary and interdisciplinary research infrastructures services to support R&I in view of achieving a sustainable and resilient agriculture and support agro-ecological transitions, in line with the One-Health approach.

Research infrastructures services to support research addressing cancer

Code: 12244 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Proposals under this topic aim at integrating at EU level and providing access to a wide and inclusive portfolio of complementary research infrastructure services, including data services, and customised workflows supporting R&I projects along the development pipeline from discovery research to personalised treatment of cancer.

Support to the e-Infrastructure Reflection Group (e-IRG)

Code: 12238 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The e-Infrastructure Reflection Group (e-IRG) brings together representatives from policy makers, funding bodies and the scientific community from the Member States and Associated Countries to provide advice on policy-making towards inclusive, federated, user-driven and resilient e-Infrastructures and connected services.

Support to National Contact Points (NCPs) for Research Infrastructures

Code: 12236 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Proposals should aim to facilitate trans-national co-operation between National Contact Points (NCPs) with a view to identifying and sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to programme applicants.

Transition to digital/remote research infrastructure service provision: lessons learnt, needs and best practices

Code: 12229 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The provision of digital and remote research infrastructure services has proved its effectiveness during the COVID-19 emergency/lockdown. Such an approach would also contribute to a sustainable and effective ecosystem of research infrastructures, and, more in general, to a more sustainable society.

Strengthen the bilateral cooperation on research infrastructures with Africa: improving the knowledge base on climate change in Africa

Code: 12227 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic aims at fostering EU-Africa cooperation to enhance climate (including Green House Gas and Short Lived Climate Forcers – GHG and SLCF) observation capacity across Africa. EU-Africa cooperation in the field of GHG observation will also include sharing of good practices and experiences to facilitate the development of a strategic approach for structuring R&I capacities at pan-African level.

Support to the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures

Code: 12215 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) brings together policy makers, funding bodies and the scientific community to identify joint investment priorities for pan-European research infrastructures as well as foster their implementation, sustainability and impact. A comprehensive and efficient support structure is essential for the effective execution of ESFRI tasks and activities.

Inside and outside: educational innovation with nature-based solutions

Code: 12205 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will contribute to the EU’s goal of leading just digital, economic and ecological transitions that will leave no one behind, supporting in particular European Green Deal priorities such as the biodiversity strategy for 2030. It will support the empowerment of rural, coastal and urban communities to act for change and to contribute to the Green Deal objectives through education and upgraded skills regarding the design, implementation and benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS).

Integrated urban food system policies – how cities and towns can transform food systems for co-benefits

Code: 12203 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals this Call aim to support the development of policies, business models and market conditions contributing to the sustainable, balanced and inclusive development of urban and peri-urban areas and to the empowerment and resilience of their communities, who can access, afford and choose healthier, nutritious and environmental-friendly food.

Socio-economic empowerment of the users of the sea

Code: 12201 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, aims to contribute in fostering a sustainable, balanced and inclusive coastal development, supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal, incorporating a better understanding of the environmental, socio-economic, behavioural, cultural and demographic drivers of change. Conducted research activities and innovative results will empower people to act for change through education and upgraded skills, leading to positive long-term prospects, including jobs, for all including women, young people and vulnerable groups. Τhe proposal will ensure inclusion of tourism, recreational and leisure activity development in coastal areas to respect long-term environmental carrying capacity, and social goals.

Smart XG, last-mile and edge solutions for remote farming, forestry and rural areas

Code: 12193 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this project aim to contribute to:

• fostering a sustainable, balanced and inclusive development of rural areas thanks to the deployment of digital, nature-based, social and community-led innovations;
• empowering people to act for change and get prepared to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, adapt to climate change;
• turn digital and ecological transitions into increased resilience;
• equipping rural communities with innovative and smarter solutions that increase access to services, opportunities and adequate innovation ecosystems.

Expertise and training centre on rural innovation

Code: 12191 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this project, will contribute to fostering a sustainable, balanced and inclusive development of rural areas, supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal. It will do so by accelerating the deployment of digital, nature-based, social and community-led innovations in rural areas through capacity building and enhanced knowledge exchange, leading to rural communities that will be better equipped with innovative and smarter solutions that increase access to services, opportunities and adequate innovation ecosystems.

Grasping rural diversity and strengthening evidence for tailored policies enhancing the contribution of rural communities to ecological, digital and social transitions

Code: 12188 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call,  will contribute to fostering a sustainable, balanced and inclusive development of rural areas, supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal. It will do so by improving the understanding of the environmental, socio-economic, behavioural, cultural and demographic drivers of change in rural areas. Stronger evidence on which to build their strategies and initiatives will empower rural people to act for change and get prepared to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, adapt to climate change, and turn digital and ecological transitions into increased resilience, good health and positive long-term prospects, including jobs, for all including women, young people and vulnerable groups.

Deepening the functioning of innovation support

Code: 12178 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Projects under this Call, aim to develop sound, coherent and well-prepared innovation generation and support methods, which enable individual grassroots innovative ideas to come to fruition. It should help project coordinators to find methods to use the complementary knowledge of partners to develop ready-to-use solutions. Member States’ authorities and actors of the agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS) need insights and tools to improve the interaction, connections and drafting skills for preparation of innovation project proposals.

Improving national AKIS organisation in a co-creative process across the EU

Code: 12168 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, aims to develop sound AKIS governance in Member States. Member States’ authorities and AKIS actors need insights and tools to advance knowledge exchange, build capacities. Innovative governance solutions should accelerate the transition to a more sustainable management and use of natural resources in farming and forestry. This will lead to better informed and engaged stakeholders and users of innovative project results thanks to effective AKIS and related platforms.

Supporting knowledge exchange between all AKIS actors in the Member States by means of an EU-wide interactive knowledge reservoir

Code: 12162 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Projects under this Call, aims to multiply use practice-oriented knowledge, to build capacities as well as to and demonstrate innovative solutions to accelerate the transition to a sustainable management and use of natural resources in farming and forestry. This will lead to more informed and engaged stakeholders and users of project results including primary producers and consumers thanks to effective platforms such as Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS).

Broaden EIP Operational Group outcomes across borders by means of thematic networks, compiling and sharing knowledge ready for practice

Code: 12156 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposal will focus on knowledge sharing in a language that is easy to understand and is targeted to farmers and foresters. 

Assessing the impacts of digital technologies in agriculture – cost, benefits and potential for sustainability gains

Code: 12153 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support the development of capacities for assessing and demonstrating environmental and socio-economic effects of digital technologies in agriculture. They will contribute to the enhancement of the sustainability performance and competitiveness in agriculture through further deployment of digital and data technologies as key enablers through research and innovation in the field of the assessment of impacts of digital technologies in agriculture.

Potential of drones as multi-purpose vehicle – risks and added values

Code: 12151 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

There is an increasing use of drones in the EU for sectoral and social purposes. Proposals under this call will support the effective development of drones. Will contribute:
(a) enhancing sustainability performance and competitiveness in agriculture, forestry and rural areas through the further development of digital and data technologies as key capabilities; and
(b) the development of innovative governance models that enable sustainability and resilience, in particular to achieve better informed decision-making processes through drone research and innovation.

Data economy in the field of agriculture – effects of data sharing and big data

Code: 12013 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic aims to contribute
a) to the enhancement of the sustainability performance and competitiveness in agriculture through further deployment of digital and data technologies as key enablers;
b) to the development of innovative governance models enabling sustainability and resilience notably to achieve better informed decision-making processes through research and innovation related to data economy in agriculture.

Development of the markets and use of digital technologies and infrastructure in agriculture – state of play and foresight: digital and data technologies for the agricultural sector in a fast changing regulatory, trade and technical environment

Code: 12011 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

• to the enhancement of the sustainability performance and competitiveness in agriculture through further deployment of digital and data technologies as key enablers;
• to the development of innovative governance models enabling sustainability and resilience notably to achieve better informed decision-making processes, and innovation through research in the field of digital technologies and infrastructure in agriculture.

Mapping and improving the data economy for food systems

Code: 12008 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This action will enhance the sustainability performance and competitiveness in the domains covered by Cluster 6 through further deployment of digital and data technologies as key enablers. It will help to achieve better informed decision-making processes, social engagement, governance and innovation. It will help deliver solutions to advance the European Green Deal priorities, the EU’s Climate ambition for 2030 and 2050 and the farm to fork strategy for a fair healthy and environmentally friendly food system. In particular, it will contribute to improving the data economy for food systems.

Common European Green Deal data space to provide more accessible and exploitable environmental observation data in support of the European Green Deal priority actions

Code: 12005 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Successful proposals are expected to contribute towards unleashing the potential of, environmental, biodiversity and climate data through dedicated European data spaces.

Tools to support the uptake and accessibility/exploitability of environmental observation information at European and global level

Code: 12002 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

A successful proposal will enhance access and usability of environmental observation information and promote pre-operational European services through global infrastructures in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the European strategy for data and the European digital strategy, thus deploying and adding value to environmental observations and contributing to a strengthened Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

Preparing for pre-commercial procurement (PCP) for end-user services based on environmental observation in the area of climate change adaptation and mitigation

Code: 11997 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals should lead to the establishment of a critical mass of public and/or private procurers in the area of climate change adaptation and mitigation, to overcome the fragmentation of demand for solutions and services and to lead to a more rapid market uptake of such solutions and their early deployment.

User-oriented solutions building on environmental observation to monitor critical ecosystems and biodiversity loss and vulnerability in the European Union

Code: 11992 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The projects are expected to further the harmonisation, mobilisation, and uptake of monitoring and environmental data to better characterise and understand the natural and anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity, the extent of the destruction of natural biological resources and its connection with ecosystem conditions within safe planetary boundaries. There is a need for knowledge of both better quantified and more precisely characterised changes in biodiversity and related ecosystem services (in coastal, marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems), and of ecosystem status and quantified impacts of the main direct drivers of changes (i.e. land and sea use changes, pollutions, climate change, invasive alien species and exploitation of natural resources) on European natural capital.

Modelling land use and land management in the context of climate change

Code: 11989 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Land use and management has a key role to play in Europe in terms of boosting carbon storage, producing biomass for the bioeconomy, reducing urban sprawl etc. To ensure the sustainable management of land resources in the long term there is a need for an integrated framework that addresses society’s objectives appropriately by understanding the trade-offs between uses and by incentivising actions / behaviours / investments contributing to desirable targets. There are substantial knowledge gaps regarding, the understanding of the impacts of farming / forestry practices at various scales, from local to global, and the capacity to model these impacts (economic and environmental). Work should include the analysis of land use dynamics and trends between arable land, permanent grassland, land abandonment / marginal lands, forest areas, for which quantifications and an identification of drivers and impacts should be done in an integrated manner.

EU agriculture within a safe and just operating space and planetary boundaries

Code: 11972 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Successful proposals will set out a credible pathway to contributing to innovative governance and sound decision making in policy for the transition of European agriculture required by the European Green Deal. In order to enable the transition to sustainable agriculture, it is crucial to establish the necessary policy framework and related monitoring and evaluation activities. This implies the development of appropriate tools for measurement and monitoring of socio-economic and biophysical data in order to model and project scenarios and derive the necessary targets, trajectories and relevant policy measures and the development of relevant analysis.

Education on the bioeconomy including bio-based sectors for young people in primary and secondary education in Europe

Code: 11969 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic should focus on the bioeconomy in general but with a specific focus on circular bio-based sectors and their potential, to prepare citizens for a future that should assume a sustainable and circular lifestyle (in terms of consumption, recycling, etc.) and to inspire young people to pursue education in life science, technology and bioeconomy related areas.

Raising awareness of circular and sustainable bioeconomy in support of Member States to develop bioeconomy strategies and/or action plans

Code: 11967 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic should support Member States to develop strategies and/or action plans by improving knowledge and raising awareness of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy, its challenges and opportunities as well as experiences made elsewhere. Moreover, it should help to bring together national stakeholders in deploying and fostering the bioeconomy related research and innovation developments by engaging local stakeholders into the participation in macro-regional and European thematic networks and into building the common European Research Area.

Revitalisation of European local communities with innovative bio-based business models and social innovation

Code: 11961 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The action advances the role and impact of bio-based innovation to accelerate the transition from a linear fossil-based economy, which leads to overuse and depletion of natural resources, into a resource-efficient and circular bio-based systems operating safely within planetary boundaries.

Improving understanding of and engagement in bio-based systems with training and skills development

Code: 11949 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This action should support the implementation of sustainable bio-based value chains, in the regional settings, by developing guidelines and creating feedback loops to the respective policy makers.

Regional governance models in the bioeconomy

Code: 11943 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This action should support the implementation of sustainable bio-based value chains, in regional settings (toolbox of instruments including strategies, plans and programmes, including the social dimension).

Environmental and social cross-compliance of marine policies

Code: 11937 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals should focus on implementation research on environmental and social cross-compliance of a broad range of marine and maritime policies to detect inconsistencies between different policies, legislation and regulations as barriers for the Green Deal and its strategies (EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, Climate Adaptation Strategy, the zero pollution ambition) in the marine domain.

Fostering strategic advice and synergies between national and EU research and innovation agendas, including SCAR foresight

Code: 11935 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The main focus of the successful proposal should be to support the work of the SCAR SWGs and CWGs (Collaborative Working Groups). This includes notably the organisation and facilitation of the activities, particularly meetings and workshops of SCAR SWGs, CWGs and potential ad hoc task forces, according to the initiatives taken by the Working Groups themselves.

Strengthening bioeconomy innovation and deployment across sectors and all governance levels

Code: 11881 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Innovation, the initiatives and structures that are part of it at EU, national, regional, and local level already contribute to the uptake and deployment of innovative solutions. However, more action is needed to: (1) address the fragmentation of this innovation ecosystem across food systems and bio based sectors, (2) to create linkages between the different levels of governance and (3) to improve the interfacing between the research communities, the innovation communities, investors and citizens. Actions that address these areas of improvement across the bioeconomy are to be preferred because their crosscutting nature and trans-disciplinarity might be a further source of innovation and system transformation, and because they enable sharing of best practices across sectors and actors.

Preparatory action for the Horizon Europe Food System Partnership

Code: 11876 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support the establishment of innovative governance models, to establish the EU Horizon Europe Partnership entitled “Safe and sustainable food systems for people planet and climate, to underpin the needed transition to sustainable food systems, provide solutions to the farm to fork strategy by connecting national, regional and European research and innovation programmes and food systems actors, to deliver co-benefits for nutrition and health, climate and biodiversity, circularity and communities.

Furthering food systems science and federating researchers across the European Research Area

Code: 11872 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic should support and strengthen the science, and the science-policy interface relevant to food systems, in particular in relation to delivering on farm to fork and Green Deal policy priorities.

Mobilising the network of national contact points in Cluster 6

Code: 11861 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals should aim to facilitate trans-national co-operation between national contact points in the areas covered by Horizon Europe Cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’, with a view to identifying and sharing good practices and raising the general standard of support to programme applicants, taking into account the diversity of actors that make up the constituency of this cluster. In addition, the action is expected to provide important feedback on issues relating to programme planning, design and evaluation. Close coordination and cooperation are key to achieve the objectives and impacts of the NCP networks.

Deepening the functioning of innovation support

Code: 11851 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will focus on how to discover innovative ideas and how to enable the relevant actors to work out these ideas in a co-creative way as from the very start of the making of the proposal. The expected outcome of this topic is to develop sound, coherent and well prepared innovation generation and support methods, which enable individual grassroots innovative ideas to come to fruition.

Developing EU advisory networks on consumer-producer chains

Code: 11849 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic focuses on the important role, advisors can play to exploit the potential of connecting consumers with producers through short supply chains, an upcoming issue in the more sustainable and diversified agriculture of the future.

Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI)’s circular systemic solutions

Code: 11813 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The topic will support the transition towards a sustainable, regenerative, inclusive and just circular economy at local and regional scale across regions of Europe. Proposals will form part of the demonstration projects for the implementation of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). In the context of this topic, a circular systemic solution is defined as a demonstration project for deploying a circular and climate-neutral economy at urban and/or regional scale, involving key stakeholders and, ideally, addressing more than one economic sector.

EU-China international cooperation on integrated pest management in agriculture

Code: 11810 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will help to promote a global transition to sustainable food systems. They will therefore help to ensure sustainability of agri-food systems, catering for the needs of a growing population and support the development and implementation of integrated pest management practices. They will strengthen international cooperation with actors from China in the areas of integrated pest management.

One Health approach for Food Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture

Code: 11806 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

There is a need to fill knowledge gap regarding interactions between human and animal and plant health and strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to prevent the emergence and spread of pest and diseases with nature-based solutions. Proposals under this Call will provide a comprehensive and integrated response to current and future challenges benefiting people, nature and economic growth in Europe and in Africa.

Increasing the transparency of EU food systems to boost health, sustainability and safety of products, processes and diets

Code: 11802 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this project will support R&I which will upgrade transparency will provide multiple benefits relevant to improving food safety, fighting food fraud and addressing growing public concern in the EU as regards the climate, biodiversity and environmental impacts of food and diets in practice. 

Identification, assessment and management of existing and emerging food safety issues

Code: 11793 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support R&I on integrated approaches throughout the food system for detecting, assessing and mitigating relevant food safety risks. It will contribute to the transformation of food systems to deliver co-benefits for climate, environmental sustainability and circularity, dietary shift, sustainable healthy nutrition and safe food, food poverty reduction and empowerment of communities, and thriving businesses.

Transition to healthy and sustainable dietary behaviour

Code: 11790 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The main objective of this topic is to understand better, and measure, factors influencing dietary behaviour. It also seeks to support the development of innovative, effective tools and strategies to facilitate the transition towards healthy and sustainable dietary behaviour and self-management of dietary habits.

Microbes for healthy and sustainable food and diets

Code: 11788 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call,  will support R&I to foster advances in research related to microorganisms for safer, healthier and more environmentally friendly food processing. This is along with contributing to the transformation of food systems to deliver co-benefits for climate, biodiversity, environmental sustainability and circularity, dietary shift, sustainable healthy nutrition and safe food, food poverty reduction and empowerment of communities, and thriving businesses.

Evidence-based decision-making to change social norms towards zero food waste

Code: 11769 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support R&I to prevent and reduce food loss and waste, contributing to the transformation of food systems to deliver co-benefits for climate (mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity, environmental sustainability and circularity, dietary shift, sustainable healthy nutrition and safe food, food poverty reduction and the empowerment of communities.

Filling knowledge gaps on the nutritional, safety, allergenicity and environmental assessment of alternative proteins and dietary shift

Code: 11765 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support R&I to promote the production, provision and safe consumption of alternative sources of protein, and dietary shifts towards sustainable healthy nutrition, contributing to the transformation of food systems to deliver co‑benefits for climate (mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity, environmental sustainability and circularity, sustainable healthy nutrition and safe food, food poverty reduction, empowerment of communities, and thriving businesses.

Digital transition supporting inspection and control for sustainable fisheries

Code: 11763 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) aims to ensure that fisheries are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable and provide a source of healthy food for EU citizens. Proposals under this project will support better fisheries management through data and technological development.

Sea to fork transparency and consumer engagement

Code: 11759 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call,  will support consumer engagement to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, inclusive, safe and healthy seafood consumption through innovative information strategies and tools.

Towards an EU approach to assess and internalise positive and negative externalities of food for incentivising sustainable choices

Code: 11755 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, should help to speed up the transition to sustainable, biodiversity-friendly, zero pollution, climate-neutral and resilient farming and food systems on land and at sea. They should do so by supporting the development and implementation of policies, business models and market conditions that better internalise the external costs and benefits of food, thereby make the most sustainable food the most available and affordable for consumers, while generating fair economic returns in the supply chain, in particular for primary producers and SMEs.

Uncovering lock-ins and levers to encourage farmers to move to and stay in sustainable, climate-neutral and biodiversity-friendly farming systems: from experiments to systemic mechanisms

Code: 11739 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals should support the development of policies, business models and market conditions that enable sustainable, productive and climate-smart agricultural systems. The farming systems should provide consumers with healthy and sustainable food affordable for all, improving public health, minimising pressure on ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and generating fair economic returns for farmers.

Research & innovation roadmap for blockchain technologies in the agri-food sector

Code: 11719 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support increased traceability and transparency in food supply chains and support the implementation of sustainability schemes. They will contribute to the ambition of developing sustainable, productive and climate-neutral, biodiversity-friendly, and resilient farming systems providing consumers with affordable, safe, healthy and sustainable food, minimising pressure on ecosystems, improving public health and generating fair economic returns for farmers through the exploration and development potential of the use of blockchain in the agri-food sector.

Vaccines and diagnostics for priority animal diseases

Code: 11708 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support research and innovation (R&I) to help policy makers and economic operators reduce the burden of infectious animal diseases, thus contributing to a sustainable livestock industry and public health (food safety, zoonoses, anti-microbial resistance).

Animal welfare 2.0

Code: 11703 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The aim of this call is to support research and innovation (R&I) to help policy makers and other actors (e.g. economic operators) monitor and improve animal welfare in intensive and extensive systems, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Tackling outbreaks of plant pests

Code: 11689 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will support research and innovation (R&I) to help the agricultural / forestry sectors to remain productive and contribute to sustainable agriculture and/or forest health.

European partnership rescuing biodiversity to safeguard life on Earth

Code: 11685 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 22/07/2021

The European partnership on biodiversity ‘Rescuing biodiversity to safeguard life on Earth’ is one of the actions included in the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030. It should coordinate research programmes between EU and its Member States and associated countries and trigger combined action.

Digitalisation as an enabler of agroecological farming systems

Code: 11679 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

A successful proposal should support the farm to fork’s strategy objective of a transition to a fair, healthy and resilient European agriculture sector, in particular the goal of promoting agroecology, by improving understanding of the potential of digitalisation as an enabler of agroecology, a transformative, sustainable, healthy, resilient and inclusive approach to farming that can minimise farming pressure on ecosystems while generating fair economic returns for farmers. 

Developing sustainable and competitive land-based protein crop systems and value chains

Code: 11672 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

A successful proposal should support the farm to fork’s strategy objective of a transition to a fair, healthy and resilient EU agriculture sector, in particular the goal of fostering EU-grown plant proteins. Activities should support the transition to sustainable, productive, climate-neutral and resilient farming systems that minimise pressure on ecosystems, while ensuring fair economic returns for farmers and food consumption that is sustainable in terms of both health and the environment.

Reaching the farm to fork target: R&I scenarios for boosting organic farming and organic aquaculture in Europe

Code: 11670 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

A successful proposal should support the farm to fork’s strategy objective of a transition to fair, healthy, climate-resilient and climate- and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption, notably the target of at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030 and a significant increase in organic aquaculture, by evaluating the conditions and proposing scenarios relating to knowledge and innovation for reaching this target.

Impact and dependence of business on biodiversity

Code: 11662 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The topic aims to support the development of policies, business decisions and knowledge generation, to tackle the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, and accelerate biodiversity-relevant transformative changes in businesses and our society.

Support to processes triggered by IPBES and IPCC

Code: 11660 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals under this Call, will step up EU support to processes triggered by IPBES (Europe and Central Asia form one region for IPBES purposes) and IPCC (Climate Science and Responses) to achieve targeted impacts on biodiversity-relevant policies, and to integrate structured policy input into the research cycle. This action delivers targeted support to areas of specific interest for European research policy by using IPBES outputs. It also helps European researchers play their role in IPBES assessments, in particular those from southern, central and eastern European countries, and those from the Western Balkans, Central Asia, and from Africa, who remain underrepresented, due to a lack of capacity to participate in meetings, networking or science input at global level.

A mechanism for science to inform implementation, monitoring, review and ratcheting up of the new EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 ('Science Service')

Code: 11649 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Τhe aim of this topic is to give support for developing and implementing this EU biodiversity strategy for 2030and other EU policies by generating knowledge generation, guiding biodiversity governance and ecosystem monitoring, and implementing the EU Green Deal.

Understanding the impacts of and the opportunities offered by digital transformation, new emerging technologies and social innovation on biodiversity

Code: 11646 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Projects under this Call are expected to help identify a safe operating space, in which digitalisation and new emerging technologies generate no unsustainable rebound effects, but instead can be a vehicle for accelerating and amplifying the transition to a safe and just world for humankind whilst protecting, restoring and sustainably using biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Policy mixes, governance (including financing) and decision-making tools for transformative action on biodiversity

Code: 11642 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This Call aims to develop policy mixes, governance (including financing) and decision-making tools to achieve the necessary ecological, climate, economic and social transition for biodiversity are not yet widely available.

Biodiversity, water, food, energy, transport, climate and health nexus in the context of transformative change

Code: 11626 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Proposals should work on transformation actions into policy making and governance (including financing) both under and above the scope of socio-economic and environmental agendas. Ιt is necessary for research and innovation together with the community outside academia (business, government organisations etc.) to demonstrate what transformative change could actually mean and achieve for biodiversity. Also, there is a need for practical guidance to policy makers and society on the impacts of the necessary structural, ecological, social and economic transformations. 

Quantify impacts of the trade in raw and processed biomass on ecosystems, for offering new leverage points for biodiversity conservation, along supply chains, to reduce leakage effects

Code: 11622 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Α successful proposal will develop knowledge and tools to understand the role of transformative change for biodiversity policy making, address the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, and initiate, accelerate and upscale biodiversity-relevant transformative changes in our society.

Fostering organic crop breeding

Code: 11600 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

A successful proposal should support the objectives of the EU biodiversity and farm to fork strategies to transition to fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption, notably the objective to increase organic farming. They should do so by increasing the availability of and access to suitable plant reproductive material for organic crops and by increasing the competitiveness of the organic crop breeding sector.

Breeding for resilience: focus on root-based traits

Code: 11596 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

In line with the objectives of the biodiversity and farm to fork strategies, a successful proposal will support the transition to more sustainable practices in agriculture by reducing the need for external inputs and supporting biodiversity in agroecosystems. With increasing effects of climate change and a shift towards low(er) input production systems, there is the need for crops that are capable of capturing resources more efficiently and are resilient to abiotic stresses.

Improved science based maritime spatial planning and identification of marine protected areas

Code: 11584 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Restored and properly protected coastal and marine ecosystems bring substantial health, social and economic benefits to coastal communities and the EU and Associated Countries as a whole. The need for stronger action is all the more acute as marine and coastal ecosystem biodiversity loss is severely exacerbated by global warming.

What else is out there? Exploring the connection between biodiversity, ecosystems services, pandemics and epidemic risk

Code: 11565 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This call aims to recover biodiversity and ecosystems services whilst predicting and preventing future pandemics and epidemic outbreaks, especially in tropical areas and biodiversity hotspots, through collaboration between environmental (including climate), ecological, biomedical and social sciences. 

Demonstration of measures and management for coastal and marine ecosystems restoration and resilience in simplified socio-ecological systems.

Code: 11519 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

This topic aims at speeding up the identification, the development and integration of ad hoc measures and holistic ecosystem-based management approaches at larger scale, considering as well the land-sea interactions, especially connected inland waters, that will restore coastal and marine ecosystems and enable the sustainable delivery of services and resilience to rapid climate and environmental changes.

Assessing and consolidating recent scientific advances on freshwater ecosystem restoration.

Code: 11514 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The objective of this topic is to determine how to implement the restoration of freshwater ecosystems and remove hydromorphological barriers to ensure sustainable environmental flows and to support achievement of good status in both surface and ground waters, long-term water resource management, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Supporting the development of a coherent and resilient Trans-European Nature Network

Code: 11503 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

The successful proposal should set up a strategic plan to support national authorities in identifying and selecting the relevant priority areas for EU land protection and the set-up of ecological corridors. It should be built on the existing EU network of protected areas and based on the EU Guidance to Member States, referred in the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030.

Ecosystems and their services for an evidence-based policy and decision-making

Code: 11494 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 06/10/2021

Ensuring that ecosystems achieve or maintain a healthy state or a good condition aiming to secure the sustainability of human activities and human well-being.
The successful proposal should improve the assessment of the condition of ecosystems while providing uptake of the assessment’s outcomes in policy. It should develop the minimum criteria, reference levels and aggregation schemes to define good ecosystem condition. This definition should encompass forests, agroecosystems, urban areas, soil ecosystems, wetlands, fresh water and marine ecosystems. The proposal should addresses regional diversity and the corresponding decision level.

Adjustment of Steel process production to prepare for the transition towards climate neutrality (Clean Steel Partnership) (IA)

Code: 11489 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The proposals submitted under this topic are expected to provide concepts addressing the modifications of the existing installations of both primary and secondary steel production (BF/BOF, EAF, DRI) concerning the internal and external flows of energy and materials in order to re-use metallurgical gases (internal re-cycling) and to upgrade them with new sources (H2), e.g. by replacement of fossil carbon as reducing agent with hydrogen and biomass. This also includes the integrated preparation (reforming, separation, heating, compression) of external carbon-lean reducing gases or internally-recycled CO/CO2 streams for efficient injection in the BF or use in conventional plants.

Design and optimisation of energy flexible industrial processes (Processes4Planet Partnership) (IA)

Code: 11485 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Process flexibility and efficient energy storage are essential to account for the variable renewable energy production. To support the change of energy supply, current processes, designed to run continuously at maximum capacity, have to be adapted. Furthermore, digital tools need to be developed to attain the energy flexibility of the process, but also to exchange data with network operators and flexibility markets, which will enable industries to provide flexibility services. Powerful digital twins based on suitable combinations of analytical models, physics-based AI or pure AI solutions need to be designed and applied.

Reducing environmental footprint, improving circularity in extractive and processing value chains (IA)

Code: 11477 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This Call aims to enable the increase of access to primary raw materials and secondary raw materials, in particular critical raw materials for EU industrial value chains and strategic sectors.

Improvement of the yield of the iron and steel making (Clean Steel Partnership) (IA)

Code: 11468 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

One of the main goals of this Call is to reduce the environmental impact by minimizing CO2 emission up to 20% both, directly (and locally) by internal recycling of the metal fraction derived from residues, or indirectly by increasing the use of scrap as raw material in steelmaking production processes. Also, is aiming to validate at industrial test scale technologies for impurity removal from scrap or the recovery of metal fractions contained in steel making process residues reaching high recycling rate of residues originated at the demo site up to 40% achieving a metal recovery efficiency up to 90% and a mineral recovery efficiency up to 80%. 

Carbon Direct Avoidance in steel: Electricity and hydrogen-based metallurgy (Clean Steel Partnership) (IA)

Code: 11415 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

This topic covers carbon direct avoidance technologies leading to significant CO₂ emission reduction in the steel sector.

Plastic waste as a circular carbon feedstock for industry (Processes4Planet Partnership) (IA)

Code: 11409 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

The proposals submitted under this topic are expected to provide concepts for utilisation of unsorted plastic (and other) waste in cracking applications, including e.g. packaging, non-sorted polymers and single use items such as PPEs, for the production of material streams of wide industrial interest (e.g. hydrocarbons, olefins, syngas, hydrogen, etc.). The technologies proposed should be electrified to work efficiently in a renewable based energy system. They should also be able to cope with potential fluctuations in energy supply.

Hubs for Circularity European Community of Practice (ECoP) platform (Processes4Planet Partnership) (CSA)

Code: 11402 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Circularity is an essential part of the industry transformation towards climate-neutrality and long-term competitiveness.  H4C have strong technological focus and industrial dimension, but their implementation leverages elements well beyond R&I. Specific implementation (including funding) strategies will have to be designed, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders (Industry, SMEs, local authorities, educational institutions and civil society). The common target is to collectively achieve and demonstrate at scale a leap towards circularity and carbon neutrality in the use of resources (feedstock, energy and water) in a profitable way.

Deploying industrial-urban symbiosis solutions for the utilization of energy, water, industrial waste and by-products at regional scale (Processes4Planet Partnership) (RIA)

Code: 11397 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

In order to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, exemplary pilot solutions integrating industrial urban symbiosis need to be exploited. The solutions could cover the reduction of waste, virgin raw materials and energy and water consumption, mainly by transforming underused waste materials (both industrial waste, industrial side streams, by-products and end of life urban waste) into feedstock for the process industries (urban mining).

Breakthrough technologies supporting technological sovereignty in construction (RIA)

Code: 11395 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

There is a major need to ensure that construction activities in countries in Europe do not depend on breakthrough technologies the industry concerned needs to import from outside Europe to remain competitive. The use of technologies such as additive manufacturing, autonomous vehicles and human robot collaboration in a construction environment is crucial to increase the degree of digitalisation of the sector.
In addition, Member States are facing a shortage of skilled labour force in construction activities. Α higher degree of digitalisation would make the construction sector attractive for younger generations and construction sites a safer working environment. 

Automated tools for the valorisation of construction waste (RIA)

Code: 11393 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/06/2021 | End submission calls: 23/09/2021

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the largest waste stream in the EU. The aim of this call is to reusing and recycling CDW in new constructions, the sector would come closer to the targets of becoming fully circular and climate neutral. This could be achieved by utilising digital technologies for instance Building Information Modelling (BIM), material and component tracing, dedicated apps for construction/de-construction and optimize site management.

Digital permits and compliance checks for buildings and infrastructure (IA)