Strengthening the human capital managing research infrastructures, including in international context

The EU-wide call for proposals on "Strengthening Human Capital in the Management of Research Infrastructures" is aimed at educational and research institutions, companies, non-profit as well as public organizations from all EU Member States and associated countries. With a total budget of €2 million (100% funding rate), it supports tailored training programs, executive master courses, and transnational exchange activities over a period of 36 months. The objective is to sustainably enhance the management skills of staff in national and pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI priorities, ERICs, EIROforum) and to increase international competitiveness. Special attention is given to the development of joint curricula in cooperation with universities as well as the promotion of students and early-career professionals in infrastructure management. Applications must be submitted exclusively as a consortium of at least three independent entities from three different countries and must be submitted by 16 June 2026 via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

The evaluation focuses on the innovativeness of the training concept, the quality and efficiency of the work plan, and the professional competence of the consortium. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, travel and subsistence costs, consumables, subcontracting services, as well as workshops and training events. Excluded are real estate acquisitions, retrospective costs, and debt settlements. Required documents include a detailed project description, CVs of key personnel, a financial plan, and a consortium agreement. Applications can be started from 10 March 2026, with the earliest project start date being the same day. By strengthening leadership in research infrastructures, a long-term, cross-sectoral knowledge base is established, laying the foundation for excellent, internationally networked research infrastructures in Europe.