Horizon Europe is the European Union's central research and innovation program designed to strengthen Europe's competitiveness through scientific excellence and technological innovation. It is the successor initiative to Horizon 2020 and has a budget of around EUR 95.5 billion for the period 2021 to 2027. The aim of the program is to promote scientific progress, ensure industrial leadership and tackle societal challenges through innovative solutions. Read all about Horizon Europe from the Table.Briefings editorial team here. What is the EU Horizon program? Horizon Europe is the world's largest transnational funding program for research and innovation. It supports projects that drive scientific excellence, industrial competitiveness and social progress. The Horizon Europe program is divided into several pillars that cover different aspects of the European research landscape: This structure enables targeted funding of research projects that have both economic and societal relevance. Is MSCA part of Horizon Europe? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are an integral part of Horizon Europe. MSCA supports researchers at all career stages through grants, international mobility programs and institutional collaborations. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in particular benefit from financial support and the opportunity to participate in excellent research projects throughout Europe. In addition, MSCA promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and strengthens networking between science, industry and society. The measures also include special training programs and exchange initiatives that enable researchers to expand their skills and improve their career opportunities. In this way, MSCA contributes significantly to the excellence and competitiveness of the European Research Area. What are Horizon Europe clusters? The second pillar of Horizon Europe, "Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness", is divided into various Horizon Europe Clusters. These clusters bundle research topics of high strategic importance for the EU: these clusters enable targeted research funding with economic and social added value. What is a Horizon Europe CSA? A CSA (Coordination and Support Action) Horizon Europe refers to projects that are not directly aimed at scientific research, but include coordinating and supporting measures. CSAs help with the networking of researchers, the dissemination of research results and the implementation of political strategies. Typical tasks of CSAs include: CSAs are essential for the strategic direction of Horizon Europe and ensure that research results are used effectively. Funding opportunities and conditions for participation in the Horizon Europe program: Horizon Europe offers various funding opportunities for companies, universities and research institutions. Participation is open not only to EU member states, but also to associated countries that cooperate with the EU. Companies and researchers can apply via calls for proposals, which are published regularly, and some of the most important Horizon Europe programs are: Challenges and opportunities of Horizon Europe Despite the extensive financial resources and the broad thematic positioning, Horizon Europe also brings challenges with it. One important aspect is the highly competitive nature of funding applications. Research institutions and companies must submit carefully prepared project applications in order to prevail against a large number of competitors. This requires precise knowledge of the funding conditions and strategic partnerships with other organizations. At the same time, Horizon Europe offers significant opportunities, especially for companies looking to develop and commercialize innovative technologies. By providing targeted support for start-ups and SMEs, the program helps to strengthen Europe's innovative power and open up new markets. The transfer of knowledge between science and industry is also promoted through numerous cooperation opportunities. Horizon Europe as a driver for research and innovation Horizon Europe is an important EU research and innovation program and offers comprehensive funding opportunities in numerous scientific and technological areas. Through its structured division into pillars and clusters, the program ensures that research is supported in a targeted manner and implemented effectively. Companies, researchers and public institutions can benefit significantly from participating in Horizon Europe and contribute to Europe's scientific and economic development. Furthermore, the program plays a central role in tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable innovation. In addition to financial support, Horizon Europe also offers a platform for international cooperation and interdisciplinary exchange. In particular, the increased involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups promotes the development and commercialization of new technologies. At the same time, established industrial companies also benefit from the opportunity to realize innovative projects in cooperation with leading research institutions. Horizon Europe opens up the possibility for a large number of players to initiate innovative research projects and thus generate sustainable added value for society and the economy.
Erasmus+: The United Kingdom is coming back
Following its return to the Horizon Europe research program, the UK is also rejoining the “Erasmus+” education program. What this means for European students.
By Markus Weisskopf