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Research Funding Spotlights
EUPeace Research Hubs bring together interdisciplinary teams of experienced researchers, united under a single theme. One of the missions of the Research Hubs is to encourage application for EU funding to increase impacts beyond the length of EUPeace. As the Research Hubs already provide a unique environment akin to that of a consortium, which fosters collaboration and thought exchange, there is a number of funding opportunities which are available to be leveraged. We have started a funding spotlight section on our EUPeace website to highlight relevant funding opportunities. This website will be updated throughout 2025 to include additional national and international funding schemes.
Funding Spotlights for Members of the EUPeace Research Hubs
Pillar I of European Commission (EC)
Pillar I of European Commission (EC) funding, part of the Horizon Europe framework program, focuses on "Excellent Science" to support the EU's global leadership in research and innovation. It aims to strengthen the foundation of high-quality research in Europe by providing funding for frontier research, research infrastructure, and researcher mobility. Pillar I includes key programs such as the European Research Council (ERC), which funds cutting-edge research projects led by individual researchers; the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which support training, mobility, and career development for researchers; and investments in world-class research infrastructures to enhance access and capabilities across Europe. The funding prioritizes scientific excellence, with no predetermined thematic focus, and is open to researchers and institutions in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (see the list of ACs).
Pillar I research funding opportunities are well suited for applications by Research Hub members.European Research Council Synergy Grants
The European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grants support ambitious research projects that tackle complex scientific challenges through collaboration among two to four principal investigators (PIs) and their teams. These grants are open to researchers of any nationality, based in Europe or abroad, provided they are associated with a host institution located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Applicants must demonstrate scientific excellence, and the proposed project should promise groundbreaking advancements. Each PI should have a complementary role in achieving the project’s objectives. There are no restrictions on seniority; researchers at all career stages may apply. The funding amount can reach up to €10 million for a period of six years, with an additional €4 million available in specific cases, such as the need for major equipment or access to large facilities. Proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, innovation potential, and the collaboration’s synergy.
Check out the details and templates for applications (Part B1 and Part B2 are 5 and 15 pages, repectively).Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Grants
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchange grants promote international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary collaboration by supporting short-term exchanges of staff (secondments) involved in research and innovation. These grants are open to partnerships of academic and non-academic organizations, including businesses, from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and beyond. Applicants must form a consortium consisting of at least three organizations from three different countries, with at least two being from the EU or Associated Countries. The exchanges involve staff at any career stage, from early-stage researchers to managerial and technical staff, who work on a joint research and innovation project. The funding covers allowances for travel, accommodation, and subsistence during secondments, as well as project-related costs. Typically, MSCA Staff Exchange grants provide up to €360,000 for projects lasting up to four years. Projects are evaluated on their excellence, impact, and quality of implementation.
Check out the details and templates for applications (maximum number of pages: 30). - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network grants support the training and development of doctoral candidates through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral programs, which include international secondments. These grants are open to consortia of at least three organizations from three different countries, with at least two being from EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The consortium can include universities, research institutions, businesses, and other non-academic organizations. Doctoral Networks must design a comprehensive training program, encompassing research, transferable skills development, and exposure to different sectors. The funding supports the recruitment and training of doctoral candidates for up to 36 months, covering their salaries, research costs, and institutional overheads. Typically, the funding available per project ranges from €2 to €10 million, depending on the number of researchers and the scope of the program. Proposals are evaluated based on their excellence, impact, and implementation quality, with a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and career opportunities for young researchers.
Check out the details and templates for applications (Part B1 is a maximum of 34 pages with Part B2 having no strict page limits). - Furthermore, Research Hubs members are encouraged to inform interested postdocs to apply for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, which can be hosted by the EUPeace Universities. The fellowships provide funding for researchers holding a PhD to advance their careers through international mobility, interdisciplinary research, and skills development. The grants are open to researchers of any nationality who have completed their doctoral degree within eight years before the application deadline, with allowances for career breaks. Applicants must propose a research project in collaboration with a host organization in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country for European Fellowships or in a third country for Global Fellowships. Projects must demonstrate scientific excellence and include training and knowledge-sharing elements. Funding covers the researcher’s salary, research costs, and institutional overheads, with grants typically providing up to €200,000–€300,000 for a duration of 12 to 24 months for European Fellowships or up to 36 months for Global Fellowships. Proposals are evaluated based on their excellence, impact, and implementation quality.
Check out the details and templates of applications (Part B1 is a maximum of 10 pages with Part B2 having no strict page limits).
Table 1. Pillar I funding opportunities well suited for applications by the Research Hub members, including timelines and award criteria.
Action Opening Deadline Award Criteria ERC Synergy June November Excellence: 50%; Impact: 30%, Implementation: 20% Staff Exchange October March Excellence: 50%; Impact: 30%, Implementation: 20% Doctoral Networks July December Excellence: 50%; Impact: 30%, Implementation: 20% Postdoctoral Fellowships April September Excellence: 50%; Impact: 30%, Implementation: 30% The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions European Researchers' Night and Researchers at Schools initiatives aim to bring researchers closer to the public, inspire interest in science, and encourage young people to pursue research careers. These initiatives are open to a wide range of organizations, including universities, research institutions, non-profit organizations, public authorities, and companies, based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Applicants must design events or activities that promote science and innovation, such as hands-on experiments, workshops, interactive exhibitions, and public talks, targeting a broad audience, especially schoolchildren and families. The European Researchers' Night takes place annually across Europe, while Researchers at Schools involves year-round engagement directly within educational settings. Funding supports the organization and implementation of these activities, with grants typically ranging from €50,000 to €150,000, depending on the scope and scale of the project. Proposals are evaluated on their ability to inspire curiosity, demonstrate societal impact, and effectively communicate research.
Check out the details and templates for applications.
Pillar II of European Commission (EC) funding, part of the Horizon Europe framework, focuses on ‘Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.’ It aims to tackle pressing societal challenges, boost innovation capacity, and strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy by supporting research and innovation projects across key thematic clusters. These clusters include Health, Culture, Civil Security, Digital and Industry, Climate and Energy, Mobility, and Food and Resources, addressing areas critical to Europe’s economic and social well-being (Table 2). Funding is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutions, companies, and public bodies, from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Projects typically emphasize collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and market-oriented solutions, with funding amounts varying widely depending on the scope and scale of the initiative. Pillar II represents the largest portion of Horizon Europe's budget, with billions of euros allocated to achieving sustainable development goals and advancing Europe's leadership in innovation.
Table 2. Research Hubs and their corresponding Pillar II funding clusters. Click on individual clusters to find out more.
Research Hub Cluster Security and Conflict Transformation Cluster 3. Civil Security for Society Climate Science and Just Transition Cluster 5. Climate, Energy and Mobility, Cluster 6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Migration and Human Rights Cluster 2. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society Inclusive Health Cluster 1. Health Pillar I research funding opportunities well suited to applications by Research Hub members: For individual calls within Pillar II clusters, use the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/horizon
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchange grants promote international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary collaboration by supporting short-term exchanges of staff (secondments) involved in research and innovation. These grants are open to partnerships of academic and non-academic organizations, including businesses, from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and beyond. Applicants must form a consortium consisting of at least three organizations from three different countries, with at least two being from the EU or Associated Countries. The exchanges involve staff at any career stage, from early-stage researchers to managerial and technical staff, who work on a joint research and innovation project. The funding covers allowances for travel, accommodation, and subsistence during secondments, as well as project-related costs. Typically, MSCA Staff Exchange grants provide up to €360,000 for projects lasting up to four years. Projects are evaluated on their excellence, impact, and quality of implementation.
