Pillar III: Fostering citizen engagement for more responsible and democratic R&I

Within the framework of the EU initiative "Pillar III: Fostering citizen engagement for more responsible and democratic R&I," the European Commission funds Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) that involve citizens in all phases of research and innovation. With a funding amount of up to €1,000,000 per project and a maximum duration of 36 months, the program targets consortia consisting of at least three independent partners from three different Member States or associated countries. Eligible applicants include public institutions, universities, non-profit organizations, as well as companies of all sizes. Funding covers personnel and material costs, travel and accommodation expenses, as well as communication and outreach activities. Key objectives are the establishment of sustainable structures for citizen science, participatory science communication, and innovative participation formats that strengthen trust in research and support democratic decision-making processes. Interested parties can submit their application documents – including Part A and Part B of the application form, financial plan, ethics questionnaire, and CVs of key personnel – via the Funding & Tenders Portal by 12 March 2026.

Projects will be evaluated based on the criteria of Excellence, Impact, and Quality of Implementation. Excellence is measured by the clarity and ambition of the project objectives as well as the methodological approach; Impact by the plausibility of the expected results and feasibility of dissemination measures; Implementation by the work plan, risk management, and consortium structure. Applicants must demonstrate experience in EU or transnational coordination projects and provide a Gender Equality Plan (for research institutions and universities). The EU covers 100% of eligible costs. By strengthening civic participation in research and innovation, this program makes an important contribution to social cohesion, the democratization of science, and the sustainable orientation of future research and innovation processes.