Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – pilots for strategic coordination, synergies and simplified access pathways, by large thematic clusters of pan-European research infrastructures
EU funding initiative to strengthen thematic clusters of research infrastructures in Europe: Support for pilot projects for strategic coordination, technical synergies, and simplified access routes. Application deadline: 16.06.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to equip large thematic clusters of pan-European research infrastructures with a political and technical axis to increase visibility, findability, and accessibility for researchers and innovators, to strengthen synergies and interoperability between infrastructures, and to develop common front-end portals and catalogs.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Material costs (equipment, software)
- Support and service costs
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Commercial production
- Costs incurred before the application submission
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Consortium with at least three independent partners from different EU Member States or associated countries
- Eligibility of all partners for Horizon Europe
- Submission electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal
- No double funding from the EU budget
Documents required for application
- Online application form Part A
- Part B – Project description (PDF)
- Detailed financing and resource plan
- Curricula vitae of key personnel
- Proof of financial and operational capacity
Evaluation criteria
- Excellence (Scientific quality, ambition, methodology)
- Impact (Expected results and exploitation/dissemination measures)
- Quality and efficiency of the implementation (Consortium competence, work plan, resources)
Description
The European funding initiative aims to strengthen thematic clusters of pan-European research infrastructures through strategic coordination and technical synergies. Consortia consisting of public institutions, educational and research organizations, as well as non-profit entities, are to develop pilot projects that provide unified front-end portals and interoperable catalogs of research services. Using a political-technical approach, visibility and accessibility for researchers and innovators are increased. The EU promotes electronic access routes, improves user support services, and establishes best practices for simplified selection procedures. A focus lies on the integration of ESFRI Landmarks, ERICs, and other institutions to consolidate knowledge exchange across six ESFRI domains such as data, energy, health, and environment. The maximum funding amount of €8 million per project covers personnel costs, material expenses, service, and travel costs – with a funding rate of 100%. Applications must be submitted electronically by June 16, 2026; a consortium with at least three partners from different member states and participation rights under Horizon Europe are required.
Evaluation criteria include the excellence of the methodology, the expected impact, and the efficiency of implementation. Excellence is measured by scientific quality, ambition, and innovation potential; impact by realistic exploitation and dissemination measures. Implementation considers competence, work and risk plans, and resource allocation. The goal is a holistic approach from the conceptual phase to operational use that ensures long-term interoperability and synergies between research infrastructures and addresses new user groups – from start-ups to SMEs. This funding offers a unique opportunity to sustainably network the European research landscape and jointly establish innovative front-end solutions to accelerate research and innovation.