Would you like to play a role in solving some of the major European and global societal challenges? If so, the “Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness” could be for you. The pillar is for all research fields – and preferably in collaboration.
The focus of this pillar is to develop solutions to major European and global societal and industrial challenges. It is based on European political priorities within six specific societal themes (clusters) and covers the entire chain from research to commercialisation. It places great emphasis on innovative solutions and societal impact.
The programme includes instruments that support:
You can find further information on Horizon Europe grants here.
Hear three AU researchers talk about their experiences in writing a good EU cooperation project application:
How to be partner in a EU-project – Adriënne Heijnen ARTS
A Coordinator’s experience with EU collaborative project proposals - Hans Sanderson ENVS
The process of writing EU collaborative project proposals – Hans Sanderson, AU, Department ENVS
An evaluators experience with EU collaborative project proposals – Marianne Zandersen ENVS
Read more about the global challenges in the drop-down menu, where you can also find information on work programmes and grant sizes.
If you need more information, advice or guidance, you are welcome to contact the Research Support Office.
The main strategic focus of the Health cluster is based on the following six identified challenges:
- Staying healthy in a rapidly changing society
- Living and working in a health-promoting environment
- Tackling diseases and reducing disease burden
- Ensuring access to sustainable and high-quality health care
- Unlocking the full potential of new tools, technologies and digital solutions for a healthy society
- Maintaining a sustainable and globally competitive health-related industry.
Research initiatives in this cluster should benefit citizens, patients, and healthcare institutions as well as the social and economic sectors. It is important that these initiatives support the union’s commitment to the Global Health agenda and the UN’s sustainable development goals, especially goal number 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.
The programme is supported by a number of new major partnerships and missions. Read more on the health-related partnerships here and the cancer mission here.
Read more about Horizon Europe here.
Find the most recent work programmes with active calls here.
The main strategic focus of the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society cluster is based on the following three identified challenges:
- Enhancing democratic governance
- Promoting cultural heritage
- Managing social and economic transformations.
Research initiatives in this cluster should focus on democracy and governance, cultural heritage, the creative economy and development within the social and economic sectors. The programme is also based on the expectations EU citizens have about development within these areas.
Read more about Horizon Europe here.
Find the most recent work programmes with active calls here.
The main strategic focus of the Civil Security for Society cluster is based on the following three identified challenges:
- Disaster-resilient societies
- Protection and Security
- Cybersecurity.
Research initiatives in this cluster should focus on generating knowledge that can shed light on threats, risks and our resilience to them. They should also generate data that can improve our capacity to react quickly to an emergency based on improved forecasts and scenarios. Research projects in this cluster must include relevant practitioners. They must also support the union’s ambition to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals, especially goal number 16: “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”.
Read more about Horizon Europe here.
Find the most recent work programmes with active calls here.
The main strategic focus of the Digital, Industry and Space cluster is based on the following eleven identified challenges:
- Manufacturing Technologies
- Key Digital Technologies
- Advanced Materials
- Emerging Enabling Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Next Generation Internet
- Advanced Computing and Big Data
- A globally competitive space sector reinforcing EU sovereignty
- Circular Industries
- Low-carbon and Clean Industries
- New services from Space for the EU society and economy.
Research initiatives in this cluster should focus on a Europe that is fit for the digital era. They should ensure Europe’s sovereignty within digital technology and space technology and other ‘key enabling’ technologies such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and data use.
The programme is supported by a number of new major partnerships and missions. Read more about the relevant partnerships here.
Read more about Horizon Europe here.
Find the most recent work programmes with active calls here.
The main strategic focus of the Climate, Energy and Mobility cluster is based on the following six identified challenges:
- Advance climate science and solutions for a climate neutral and resilient society
- Cross-sectoral solutions for decarbonisation
- Develop cost-efficient, net zero-greenhouse gas emissions energy system centred on renewables
- Develop demand side solutions to decarbonise the energy system
- Develop low-carbon and competitive transport solutions across all modes
- Develop seamless, smart, safe, accessible and inclusive mobility systems.
Research initiatives in this cluster should be based on integrated systemic approaches across energy, transport and other relevant sectors and also support the circular economy as well as help reduce pollution and other forms of environmental impact. They should also contribute to cleaner cities as well as improved health and quality of life.
The programme is supported by a number of new major partnerships and missions. Read more about the relevant partnerships here. Follow the missions: ”Climate-neutral and smart cities” here and “Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation” here.
Read more about Horizon Europe here.
Find the most recent work programmes with active calls here.
The main strategic focus of the Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment cluster is based on the following six identified challenges:
- Environmental Observation
- Biodiversity and Natural Capital
- Agriculture, forestry and rural areas
- Seas, Oceans and Inland Waters
- Food Systems
- Bio-based Innovation Systems
- Circular Systems
Research initiatives in this cluster should focus on the transition to sustainable, circular management of terrestrial and aquatic natural resources, including contributing to food security, clean water and similar issues within the EU and globally. They should also adopt a multi-actor and interdisciplinary approach.
The programme is supported by a number of new major partnerships and missions. Read more about the relevant partnerships here. Follow the missions: “Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters” here and “Soil health and food” here.
Read more about Horizon Europe here.
Find the most recent work programmes with active calls here.