The start of Horizon Europe: European Research Council announces first funding calls
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced its first calls for 2021, kickstarting the EU’s next framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe. This follows the adoption of the European Research Council Work Programme for 2021 by the European Commission.
€1.9 billion will be available through the ERC this year, giving 1000 top researchers the means to pursue frontier research. As in previous years, most of the funding will be allocated to early- and mid-career stage scientists and scholars. In addition, the funding will support jobs for around 6860 postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and staff employed in ERC-funded teams.
First Calls
- Starting Grants – With €619 million available, the first call will open on 25th February. In order to allow researchers as much time as possible to apply, the call has an extended deadline of 8th April.
- Consolidator Grant – The ERC Consolidator Grant call will open on 11th March and close on 20th April. It has a total of €633 million available.
- Advanced Grant – Researchers can apply for an Advanced Grant between 20th May and 31st August. The call will provide €626 million of grant funding.
- Synergy Grant – Synergy grants will not be available under the 2021 work programme. However, the ERC expects to open the first Synergy Grant call of Horizon Europe this summer.
- Proof of Concept Grant - Proof of Concept Grants are not available under this work programme. A call is likely to open in the second half of this year.
Eligibility
Although formal agreements are not yet in place, applicants based in associated countries such as the UK, Switzerland and Israel will be able to apply on a conditional basis i.e., on the condition that their country soon reaches an association agreement with the EU.
RedKnight’s Co-Director, Dayne Hodgson, said,
“Adopting the ERC Work Programme is a significant and exciting milestone in the initial implementation of Horizon Europe. This important step will be the first from the latest framework programme to support promising early and late stage researchers in their pursuit of frontier research.
The UK has long been a leading player in the ERC programme; for example, UK-based researchers secured the largest number of grants in the ERC’s first post-Brexit €8.25 million funding round for proof-of-concept projects! We hope that the necessary agreements are in place in time for UK universities to participate fully in upcoming calls.”
If you'd like to discuss a potential application with one of our advisers, please get in touch today. Alternatively, sign up for our free monthly newsletter to receive the latest opportunities direct to your inbox.
Horizon Europe Draft Work Programmes 2021-2027
Details have begun to emerge of what researchers can expect from the European Commission's next research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe. The final work programmes will not be published until April but the drafts give us a clearer idea of what the €95.5B programme will fund:
Pillar 1 - Excellent Science
The European Research Council - The ERC will continue to award Frontier Research and Proof of Concept grants, with the first funding calls planned for 20th May. Meanwhile, Synergy Grants are unlikely to be available until 2022.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) - In Horizon 2020, the MSCA helped develop training networks, promote staff exchanges and fund mobility programmes. We expect the MSCA to work similarly in Horizon Europe but a draft is not yet available.
Research Infrastructures - European Research Infrastructures (EU RIs) are organisations that facilitate excellent science by providing access to cutting-edge technology and resources. We are awaiting further information on EU RIs as a work programme is not yet available.
Pillar 2 - Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Health Cluster - There are 16 calls for research planned for 2021-22. They relate to the following 6 topics: staying healthy; the environment and health; tackling diseases; access to healthcare; digital tools for health; and support for Europe’s health-related industries.
Culture, creativity and inclusive society - The cluster will focus on three areas of research from 2021-22: democracy and governance; European cultural heritage; and social and economic transformations.
Civil security for society - There will be calls for research into better protection against crime and terrorism, as well as effective management of external borders; infrastructure protection; increased cybersecurity; resilience to disasters; and strengthened security R&I.
Digital, industry and space cluster - Through fifteen research calls, the cluster will support enabling technologies which are important for Europe’s industrial future. The calls will include the following: increased autonomy in key-value chains, a secure and dynamic data-agile economy and human-centred development of technologies.
Climate, energy and mobility - In order to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the cluster will launch calls in six areas. According to the draft work programmes, they include cross-sectoral solutions for the climate transition, clean and competitive solutions for transport, and smart mobility services for passengers and goods.
Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment - There will be 19 funding calls from 2021-22 in the following areas: biodiversity and ecosystem services; food systems, circular economy and bioeconomy sectors; clean environment; land, oceans and water; and rural, coastal and urban communities.
Pillar 3 - Innovative Europe
The European Innovation Council - Firstly, the Pathfinder will provide funding for advanced research on breakthrough technologies. Secondly, the Accelerator will enable SMEs to develop and scaleup breakthrough innovations. In addition, the Transition programme will help build on promising results from the Pathfinder or ERC Proof of Concept projects. The EIC also includes other calls and actions such as Fast Track to Innovation (FTI) and the Horizon Prizes.
Cross-cutting
Widening Participation - There are three key lines of action to boost research performance in under-performing regions: building R&I capacities, advancing the free circulation of knowledge and strengthening the European Research Area.
If you’d like more information or a copy of any of the above work programmes, please get in touch. In addition, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest information direct to your inbox.
Reflecting on Horizon 2020: why we’re glad the UK will participate in Horizon Europe
On 24th December, the UK Government announced that it had reached a post-Brexit agreement with the EU, following months of negotiations. Since then, we have learnt that the UK will have ‘Associated Country’ status in Horizon Europe, the EU’s €95.5 billion programme for research and innovation. This means that the UK will participate fully in the new programme.
The UK’s participation is subject to a financial contribution from the UK Government to the EU budget, leading many to question whether association to Horizon Europe is worth it. To answer this pressing question, we have reflected on the UK’s performance in Horizon 2020, the 7-year programme that preceded Horizon Europe. You can read our key findings below:
The UK has a strong track record
- The UK received more than €7 billion of Horizon 2020 funding. This is equivalent to just over 12% of the programme’s total budget. Only Germany was more successful. However, Germany funded a higher percentage of the overall EU budget, contributing 20.9% compared to the UK’s 20.9%.
- In total, 16,123 British organisations were involved in Horizon 2020 projects. This includes 2829 SMEs, who received a total of €924.4 million. The success rate for UK organisations was 14.77%, much higher than the EU average of 11.9%.
- The UK received the highest number of grants from the European Research Council. Around 1/5 of grants were awarded to researchers at UK institutions. The University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University College London all feature in the top ten most successful research units.
Associated countries performed well in Horizon 2020
So well, in fact, that some associated countries outperformed their EU counterparts. For example, Switzerland secured €2 billion from the programme, outperforming countries including Austria, Greece and Ireland. It also received a larger number of ERC grants than some much larger EU countries, including Italy and Spain. Therefore, it is clear that Associated Country status was not a barrier to success.
The numbers show that UK businesses and researchers performed extremely well in Horizon 2020. In particular, it is impressive that UK SMEs received more than €900 million from the programme! This is a great source of funding for all involved in UK research and innovation and we look forward to seeing the opportunities that arise from Horizon Europe.
If you have any questions about Horizon Europe, please get in touch. Alternatively, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter to receive the latest news and opportunities direct to your inbox.
Sources: Horizon 2020 Country Profile, Nature and Wellcome Trust.
An Update on European Funding
On the 24th December, the UK Government announced that it had reached an agreement with the EU, following months of negotiations. The deal has important implications for European funding opportunities and will affect those involved in UK Research and Development. We have summarised the key things that you need to know below:
1. Continued participation in Horizon Europe
Firstly, the UK will continue to participate in a number of EU programmes for the period 2021-2027. This includes Horizon Europe – the EU’s €95.5 billion framework for research and innovation, for which it will have Associated Country status. This is subject to a financial contribution from the UK to the EU budget.
2. The end of Erasmus+
The UK Government has decided not to participate in the Erasmus exchange programme due to the cost of continued membership. It will be replaced with a £100 million national scheme, known as Turing, after the mathematician Alan Turing. This will start in September 2021.
3. The EIC Accelerator - what we know so far
We have received confirmation that UK businesses will remain eligible to apply for grant funding from the EIC Accelerator. However, they will no longer be able to participate in the European Innovation Council Fund, the part of the EIC Accelerator that provides investment through equity or other repayable forms.
4. Eureka Eurostars - continued opportunities for transnational innovation
The UK’s departure from the EU does not affect participation in the Eureka programme and its various funding streams. Therefore, it offers a continued source of European funding opportunities for UK SMEs that engage in transnational innovation. The next competition has a deadline of the 4th February, which you can find more information on here.
5. Freedom of movement ends - implications for researchers
Due to restrictions placed on freedom of movement, UK researchers will require visas for stays of over 90 days in the EU.
The deal answers some pertinent questions surrounding the future of UK participation in EU funding streams. Overall, we are pleased that a deal was reached and that the UK will participate in Horizon Europe. We will keep you updated on any further developments in the coming months, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Innovation Fund: First call for small-scale projects
The Innovation Fund, a new European funding stream, has launched its first call for small-scale, clean-tech projects. It has €100 million available and is also offering project development assistance for up to 20 rejected proposals. In line with the Innovation Fund’s wider objectives, the call aims to advance Europe’s transition towards climate neutrality.
Eligibility
The competition is open to projects with total capital costs between €2.5 and €7.5 million. Grants will cover 60% of a project’s total expenditure. The evaluators will consider the following award criteria: greenhouse gas emission avoidance, degree of innovation, project maturity, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
All projects should take place within an EU Member State, the only exceptions being Norway and Iceland. This has important implications for UK applicants; any project located in the UK will only be eligible for funding if the EU and UK reach an agreement.
Scope
Grants are available for innovative small-scale projects that are ready for market. For example, eligible projects may focus on making the first sale of new technology to pioneer customers. There are several eligible sectors within which your project can fall: renewables, energy-intensive, industries and substitute products, carbon capture and storage, energy storage. However, the call specifically encourages three key activities: products that substitute carbon-intensive ones, net carbon removal innovations, and direct air capture.
To be eligible for project development assistance, rejected proposals must meet the minimum requirements under the degree of innovation and greenhouse gas emissions criteria, and obtain at least half of the points available for project maturity. Additionally, the evaluators must believe project development assistance will help improve a project’s maturity.
For more information on the small-scale project call, visit the European Commission website. Alternatively, please contact us if you have any questions or would like to arrange a consultation. Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter to receive grant funding news direct to your inbox.
The Innovation Fund: €10 Billion Available for Low-Carbon Technology Projects
Background
The EU Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for low-carbon technology projects. It will provide around €10 billion of support between 2020 and 2030, supporting Europe's transition to net-zero. By helping businesses invest in clean energy and industry, the Innovation Fund will boost economic growth, create local future-proof jobs, and reinforce European technological leadership on a global scale.
First announced in 2019 and funded by the EU Emissions Trading System, the fund launched its first competition in July 2020. It replaced the Ner300 programme and holds numerous advantages over its predecessor; it improves the risk-sharing for projects by giving more funding in a more flexible way. Not only this, but it has a simpler selection process and is also open to projects from energy-intensive industries.
Scope
Funding is available for both large and small-scale projects. In general, eligible projects will focus on one of the following themes:
- Innovative low-carbon technologies and processes in energy-intensive industries
- Carbon capture and utilisation
- Construction and operation of carbon capture and storage
- Innovative renewable energy generation
- Energy storage
Application Process
For large-scale projects, there is a two-stage application process. Firstly, there is an expression of interest stage, judging project effectiveness, degree of innovation, and project maturity. Then, the second stage is a full application; it considers all the same criteria, as well as scalability and cost-efficiency. In contrast, small-scale calls have just one stage, this being the full application. The Innovation Fund will support up to 60% of the additional capital and operational costs of large-scale projects and up to 60% of the capital costs of small-scale projects.
The first call for small-scale projects is now open and will close on 10th March 2021. For more information, visit the European Commission website. Alternatively, please contact us if you have any questions or would like to arrange a free consultation.
We are unsure whether UK organisations will be able to participate in EU funding streams following Brexit. Sign up for our free monthly newsletter for the latest updates, as well as alternative grant funding opportunities.
Source: European Commission
Eureka Eurostars: Grant Funding Available for Transnational Innovation Projects
Eureka Eurostars is the largest international funding programme for SMEs wishing to collaborate on transnational innovation projects. It supports research-performing SMEs with research and development to help them gain a competitive advantage; their project results are then rapidly commercialised. Funding for UK SMEs is through Innovate UK. They will cover up to 60% of project costs through grant funding, with a maximum of €360,000 allowed per project
Eurostars in Numbers
According to the Eureka website, 29% of applications receive funding. Significantly, 45% of participants have been successful in reaching new markets, while 84% of project partners form long-term relationships.
Eligibility Criteria
The main eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Firstly, research institutes, universities and large enterprises can participate. However, the project lead must be an R&D-performing SME from a Eurostars country.
- Projects must have a civilian purpose.
- The consortium must include at least two partners independent from each other and established in at least two different Eurostars countries.
- Lastly, you must complete the project in less than 36 months. The Eurostars project market introduction of the project results should be within 24 months of the completion of the project.
How Can RedKnight Help?
RedKnight has an excellent track record with supporting applications to Eureka Eurostars. Most recently, we won €578,684 on behalf of Thermetrix Ltd and €345,566 for the REDEEMA consortia. You can read more about each of these on our projects page. For further information on the Eureka Eurostars programme, please visit their website. If you would like our support with an application, contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
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European Innovation Agencies Make Plans to Strengthen Innovation
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have signed a letter of intent to coordinate efforts and strengthen Europe’s innovation services, pledging to build a “more integrated and inclusive EU innovation ecosystem for the benefit of EU innovators.”
Potential areas of cooperation are currently being tested in three €1 million pilot projects. The innovation agencies will finalise their collaboration in Spring 2021, before rolling it out in 2022.
Context
The EIC and EIT are complementary organisations, working towards the shared goal of translating Europe’s research strengths into jobs and growth. However, they operate in different ways:
- The EIT focuses on the integration of higher education, research, and innovation to address global challenges set in Horizon Europe. It has eight designated Knowledge and Innovation Communities, each of which addresses a specific societal challenge.
- In contrast, the EIC provides financial support for innovators. Its focus is on all areas of disruptive and breakthrough market-creating innovation.
A closer working relationship between the two institutions will enable companies from underperforming countries to secure more funding. As a result, this will help narrow the innovation gap between east and west Europe.
Significance
EU research commissioner, Mariya Gabriel, has labeled the move “a stepping stone in creating the European Innovation Area.” It marks a recognition that European innovation is vital. Innovative ideas key to tackling major societal challenges, including Covid-19 and climate change. They can also help Europe regain its position as a world leader in the field of innovation.
Please note: Negotiations are still ongoing to determine the UK's participation in Horizon Europe, the EU's next funding programme for research and innovation. However, UK scientists, researchers, and businesses can still apply for funding from the European Green Deal, the last and biggest call under Horizon 2020. You can read more about this competition here.
Source: Science|Business
European Green Deal: €1 billion available for innovative projects
One of the European Commission’s top priorities is to tackle climate change and make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. As a result, the Commission has launched a €1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis. Funded by Horizon 2020, the European Green Deal Call aims to drive Europe’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis by turning green challenges into innovation opportunities.
Due to the urgency of the challenges it addresses, the Green Deal Call aims for clear, discernible results in the short to medium-term, but with a perspective of long-term change. Therefore, there are fewer, but more targeted, larger and visible actions. The focus is on rapid scalability, dissemination, and uptake.
Scope
The projects funded under this call must deliver results with tangible benefits in ten areas. Firstly, there are eight thematic areas reflecting the key work streams of the European Green Deal:
- Increasing climate ambition
- Clean, affordable and secure energy
- Industry for a clean and circular economy
- Energy and resource efficient buildings
- Sustainable and smart mobility
- Farm to fork
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Zero-pollution, toxic-free environments
Secondly, there are two horizontal areas: strengthening knowledge and empowering citizens. They offer a longer-term perspective in achieving the transformations set out in the European Green Deal.
Furthermore, we are pleased to confirm that UK scientists, researchers, and businesses are eligible to apply for this funding. UKRI has confirmed that projects will receive funding for the lifetime of Green Deal projects, even if they continue beyond 31st December 2020 (when the UK’s period of transition out of the EU ends).
The closing date for applications is 26th January 2021, with selected projects expected to start in autumn 2021. For our assistance in putting together a competitive proposal, contact us today.
£2m available for projects on healthy ageing
Last month, Eureka made an exciting multilateral call for projects on healthy ageing. UK registered businesses are invited to apply for a total grant of up to £500,000, to develop digital health technologies in partnership with organisations from Eureka countries. Innovate UK have allocated up to £2 million to fund innovation projects in this competition.
Projects must meet one of more of the following themes: robotics, augmented or artificial intelligence, software as a medical device, wearables, medical devices, diagnostics, imaging, data analytics, sensors, and apps. Your project must focus on industrial research but can include experimental development activities if Innovate UK deem it appropriate – you can read their general guidance here.
The competition closes on 5th August 2020. More information can be found on the Innovate UK web page. If you think that you might be eligible for this fund, please contact us to organise a free consultation.