HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02-WIDENING-01 "Twinning"

The EU Horizon Europe Widening initiative "Twinning" promotes targeted partnerships between research institutions in less research-intensive regions and established scientific institutions in other Member States. Through a grant model, the program strengthens research and innovation capacities and aims to sustainably enhance scientific excellence in the so-called "Widening" regions. Structured exchange measures, joint research activities, and the implementation of best practices address competency gaps in areas such as project management, publication strategies, and technology transfer. The measure contributes to intensifying networking within the European Research Area, thereby increasing the competitiveness of less developed regions in the long term.

Funding is particularly relevant for universities, public institutions, and non-profit organizations in regions with limited research and innovation capacities. Participants benefit from mentoring offers by experienced experts, access to modern research facilities, and an expanded network at the EU level. The measure supports the development of sustainable cooperation structures and enables funded institutions to increase their visibility in international research collaborations. By pooling scientific resources and fostering interdisciplinary exchange, the program makes an important contribution to creating a more balanced and inclusive research area within the European Union.