Virtual Human Twin (VHT) Models for Cancer Research

The EU-funded call “Virtual Human Twin (VHT) Models for Cancer Research” targets interdisciplinary consortia from companies, educational institutions, non-profit, and public organizations within the EU and associated countries. The focus lies on research & innovation, health, digitalization, as well as work & social affairs. With a total budget of €35 million, up to four research and innovation projects in the form of Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) will be supported with funding amounts between €8 and €9 million. The objective is the development and validation of dynamic, multiscale Virtual Human Twin models to study cancer onset and progression. Based on longitudinal multimodal patient data, personalized therapeutic approaches are to be improved. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, IT infrastructure, subcontracting services, and travel costs, with a funding rate of 100%. Construction and real estate costs, retroactive costs, and debt settlement are not eligible. The submission deadline runs from 10 February to 15 September 2026 (17:00 Brussels time). Proof of financial and operational capacity as well as the involvement of interdisciplinary partners is required.

Submitting consortia should include experts from research, health IT, clinical practice, patient representation, and innovative SMEs to integrate VHT models into clinical workflows and provide them on EU platforms such as UNCAN.eu and the Advanced VHT Platform. Evaluation will be based on the criteria of Excellence, Impact, and Implementation; the funding rate is 100%. Preliminary information is provided through the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and the Online Manual in the Funding & Tenders Portal. Successful projects will be invited to join the “Understanding” project cluster of the EU Cancer Mission and are advised to budget for networking costs accordingly. The European Commission coordinates cluster activities and promotes synergies with other Horizon Europe initiatives. Interested consortia can find partners via the portal’s partner search service and are requested to submit their project proposals by the deadline.