The European Commission launched the new framework programme, Horizon Europe, on 1 January 2021.
Horizon Europe (HE) is divided into three pillars and one specific objective corresponding to its main priorities:
- Excellent Science
- Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
- Innovative Europe
- Specific objective ‘Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area’
Each of the above has a selection of topics supporting the pillars. In addition, HE has a specific programme on European Defence Fund, and a complimentary programme on Euratom Research and Training Programme.
5 mission areas have been identified, each with a dedicated mission board and assembly. The board and assembly help specify, design and implement the specific missions which will launch under Horizon Europe.
- Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation
- Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters
- Cancer
- Soil health and food
- Climate-neutral and smart cities
A more detailed overview of the above can be downloaded here.
HE Calls for Proposals and Tenders
The HE calls for proposals are published here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home in the ECAS Participant Portal.
The HE calls for tenders are published on the TED – Tenders Electronic Daily web site, which is dedicated to European public procurement and publishes calls for tenders.
Useful Links
UKRO – The University subscribes to the UK Research Office which has useful information to help University Staff and Researchers. You can also subscribe to receive email information tailored to your research area.
RDS Quick guide to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
Internal Advice
If you would like any advice or guidance on Horizon 2020, or help with proposals, please contact Ainars Blaudums, RDS International Research Facilitator.
The RKE Development Framework offers a pathway specifically for international funding, which offers information, advice and guidance on the major international funders, together with the opportunity to come along to a bid writing retreat led by an external facilitator.











Geography and Environmental Studies academics – would you like to get more involved in preparing our next REF submission?
Reminder: Recharge Your Research Routine Next Week for World Wellbeing Week
Boost Your Research Toolkit: Digital Confidence & AI Literacy Workshop – Friday 26 June 10am-12pm
BU students’ publishing success
BU presentation at the University of Bristol
Horizon Europe Cluster 3 (Civil Security for Society) 2026 Calls Now Open
MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 Call Information Webinar
ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026: Application Deadline Extended to Thursday 25 June 2026
Reminder: Register for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026 Information Session
ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Apply now
ERC Advanced Grant 2025 Webinar
Update on UKRO services
European research project exploring use of ‘virtual twins’ to better manage metabolic associated fatty liver disease