Research Management Facility

The Research Management Facility aims to sustainably build and expand capacities in research management at universities, research institutions, and relevant organizations in Widening countries. With a total budget of €7 million, the program provides tailored support services – from analyzing individual needs to developing implementable concepts and peer-exchange formats for knowledge transfer. In interactive training modules, research teams are practically trained in best practices, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and compliance management. The goal is to establish excellent research management in the medium to long term, to increase the participation of institutions from Widening regions in Horizon Europe and to strengthen their innovation capacity.

A consortium of at least three independent legal entities is required for the application, including at least two from EU Member States and one coordinating organization from a Widening country. The funding rate is 100% of eligible costs (personnel costs, consumables, travel and event expenses), and the project duration is 24 months. Submissions are possible via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal platform from 23 April to 24 September 2026; project start from 25 September 2026. Evaluation criteria include the relevance and ambition of the objectives, quality of the methodological approach, partners’ competencies, as well as exploitation and dissemination measures. A standard application form, a project description, a financial plan, and a consortium agreement must be submitted. Through targeted measures for documentation and evaluation as well as continuous feedback, it is ensured that the Research Management Facility is continuously optimized and its impact on the European research and innovation landscape is sustainably enhanced.