- Commission seeks scientists to join ERC identification committee
- EuroHPC JU opens new call for proposals
- Parliament, Council secure funding increase for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+
- University alliances can invest in research but not at expense of education, the Guild says
- Association to next Horizon Europe must be independent from Competitiveness Fund, Science Europe says
This live blog is tracking the latest developments in European research and innovation programmes, including the broader debate on the future of R&D policy and funding in the next multiannual budget due to start in 2028. Beyond that, we look at other EU policies with significant research and innovation components in climate, digital, agriculture and regional development. In addition, national governments often come up with new R&D policies, decide to fund new research avenues, and set up international cooperation deals. This blog aims to keep you informed on all of that and more.
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You can read the full archive of this blog here.
The European University Association and Universities UK say Brussels and London should “swiftly” agree to the UK’s long-term association to Erasmus+ and provide “clarity and timely communication” for stakeholders to start planning related partnerships and programmes.
“The Erasmus+ programme supports mobility and exchange that enrich the lives of students and strengthens ties between universities across Europe and beyond,” said Jamie Arrowsmith, director of UUK International. “We urge all parties to move swiftly to reach a mutually agreeable deal on the cost of association so that universities, students and staff can plan with confidence and realise these benefits in future.”
More details here.
Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking has launched its 2025-02 call for proposals dedicated to speeding up rail innovation in the EU.
“Open to all innovators, including SMEs, universities, and start-ups, the call encourages strong partnerships and practical solutions that deliver impact quickly and at scale. I look forward to ambitious proposals that will help move European rail forward,” said EU transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The call, which covers areas including European rail network management, automation and digitalisation of operations, sustainable and resilient systems and regional and capillary lines, will also fund innovative studies in rail industry 5.0, innovation in climate finance for rail.
The deadline for submission is February 11, 2026.
More details here.
The governing board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has approved an allocation of €978 million dedicated to boosting European innovation and skills over the 2026-2028 period.
“We are confident this decision steers resources to the best performing innovation ecosystems, that effectively integrate the triangle of research, industry and entrepreneurship,” said Stefan Dobrev, chair of the EIT governing board.
The funding will support six of EIT’s innovation communities: €67.3 million for EIT Health, €74.8 million for EIT Raw Materials, €125.3 million for EIT Food, €206.9 million for EIT Urban Mobility, €163.2 million for EIT Manufacturing, and €131.6 million for EIT Culture & Creativity.
Meanwhile, €79.3 million will go to activities spanning two or more innovation communities, and another €130 million is expected to support EIT Higher Education Initiative.
More details here.
Universities should play a pivotal role in the upcoming Innovation Act, according to a statement by the European University Association (EUA). The process and the outcomes of innovation are “equally important,” the EUA said.
“The European Innovation Act is an opportunity to recognise that research and innovation is a spectrum drawing upon the many and diverse contributions of universities to basic and applied research, all the way to commercialisation,” said Vinciane Gaillard, EUA director for research and innovation.
More details here.
The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is looking for experts in climate, energy and transport to become evaluators of research project proposals that apply for EU funding.
Evaluators can come from the industry and business associations, non-governmental organisations, local, regional and national administrations and universities, among others.
More details here.
Maria Leptin has been appointed by the European Commission as president of the European Research Council (ERC) for another two years, after she already spent four in this role.
“This reappointment is excellent news and ensures continuity at a critical moment ahead of the next EU framework programme for R&I,” ERC Vice-Presidents Gerd Gigerenzer, Eystein Jansen and Jesper Q. Svejstrup said in a statement. “[Maria Leptin] has our full trust to continue the ERC mission for science and for Europe.”
More details here.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, which aims towards a climate-neutral, sustainable and competitive blue economy under Horizon Europe, is looking for experts to conduct the scientific evaluations of the pre-proposals submitted under the third joint transnational co-funded call.
The call encompasses five priority areas, including climate-smart planning, blue bioresources and resilient coastal communities and businesses.
More details here.
The European Commission has announced a new €22.5 million call for foreign researchers looking to relocate to the EU as part of its “Choose Europe” plan for attracting scholars from all over the world.
The grants are will be allocated through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Organisations applying for funding through ‘Choose Europe for Science’ will not only host postdoctoral researchers, but also offer them longer term professional perspectives.
The programme supports at least three postdoctoral researchers per project for up to five years, with the MSCA providing funding for the initial two or three years, and host institutions continuing employment for the remaining two years.
You can find more information on deadlines and application procedures at this this link.
The European Commission and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) have adopted a new agenda for cooperation in research and innovation, setting shared priorities and governance to guide collaboration.
“Both sides of the Atlantic are facing similar challenges in climate, health and digital technologies,” EU research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva said. “With the details and the clear roadmap agreed today, we will support our scientists and researchers and turn this partnership into concrete results for our people and economies.”
Working groups on health, climate change, environmental sustainability and energy transition, and artificial intelligence are now expected to prepare 18-month action plans. These are open to voluntary participation from EU and CELAC countries.
More details here.
European Technology Platform Photonics21 is urging the European Commission to launch a standalone programme dedicated to photonics, with a ringfenced budget of at least €2 billion under the EU’s next long-term budget.
This budget would in turn leverage between €6 and €8 billion in industrial co-investment in photonics research and innovation in Europe.
“Photonics is vital to 20% of the EU economy, and drives innovation in manufacturing, defence, healthcare, and energy,” the platform says. “Yet, Europe risks losing its edge to China and the United States, where billions are invested annually. With over 50% of EU photonics firms reliant on Chinese components, this standalone programme is critical to secure supply chains, scale manufacturing, and ensure technological sovereignty.”
More details here.
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