Horizon Europe Grant Funding for Research


About Horizon Europe

The total budget for the current EU key science funding programme, Horizon Europe, running from 2021 to 2027, is approximately EUR 95.5 billion. By facilitating collaboration between different countries, the programme tackles climate change, helps achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and boosts the competitiveness and economic growth of the European Union.

There are several new elements in Horizon Europe compared to previous programmes. For example, the European Innovation Council, which provides support for innovations, and a set of five measures known as Missions, which aim to achieve specific goals within a defined timeframe. More information on the Missions can be found here: EU Missions in Horizon Europe - European Commission.

It may also be interesting to explore how the Horizon Europe programme was developed. Further details are available on the European Commission’s webpage: How Horizon Europe was developed - European Commission.

Research policy and practice

Taking a broader view, public policy refers to proposals designed to solve complex societal problems by applying a conceptual approach, as approved by legislation. Research policy is one of the specific areas of public policy.

Research policy encompasses a set of governance measures aimed at investing in research and innovation to improve the lives of citizens, preserve existing democratic social models, address the most pressing societal challenges, and ensure global competitiveness.

Among other objectives, research policy deals with the allocation of resources for research funding to support both basic and applied research. Investment in basic research aims to support the acquisition of more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of a subject. In contrast, allocating public funding for applied research seeks to meet specific needs—such as fostering innovation, addressing issues like inequality, facilitating regional development, and generating jobs and income for society.

A common approach across economically developed countries for supporting research is the allocation of grants to larger consortia, based on competitive calls for proposals. These grants are known as multi-beneficiary collaborative research grants. In this way, the most promising proposals—evaluated according to pre-set criteria such as scientific excellence, expected impact, and quality of project implementation—receive funding for the implementation of proposed research projects.

In addition to policymakers, various administrative bodies are involved in the delivery of specific policies and ensuring the positive impact of allocated funding.

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