Deadline Date: June 16, 2026
The European Commission, through the HORIZON Europe programme, is supporting European research infrastructures in strengthening their risk management, mitigation, and contingency planning to safeguard critical resources and ensure resilient and uninterrupted research operations.
The focus areas for this initiative include supporting European research infrastructures in implementing mitigation and contingency plans for critical risks, particularly in climate, biodiversity loss, pollution, health, and social science domains; addressing risks related to access to critical data, equipment, or facilities; preserving critical data and maintaining geographical coverage; developing alternative methods, tools, equipment, and collaborations; ensuring the sustainability of risk management strategies beyond the project duration; and reinforcing the global competitiveness and attractiveness of the European Research Area.
This initiative targets pan-European research infrastructures such as ESFRI research infrastructures, ERICs, and other world-class research infrastructures in Europe, aiming to provide them with robust frameworks to address shared or critical risks. By implementing coordinated mitigation and contingency plans, these infrastructures can secure uninterrupted access to essential data, equipment, and facilities. Collaboration is emphasized, particularly in areas requiring global coverage or critical mass, such as climate modeling, pandemic preparedness, or large-scale social science studies.
Expected project outcomes include the development of stronger, actionable plans for managing critical risks, the preservation of essential research data, knowledge, and capacities, and improved policy guidance for the EU and Member States on safeguarding critical research infrastructures. Strengthened risk management will also ensure that the European Research Area retains research freedom, enhances its capacity to address socio-economic challenges, and reinforces its global competitiveness and attractiveness.
Eligible participants include any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organizations, provided they meet Horizon Europe eligibility requirements. Registration in the Participant Register and validation of a participant identification code (PIC) are required before signing the grant agreement. Total funding for this initiative is €10,000,000, with individual grants ranging from €1,000,000 to €4,000,000.
For more information, visit EC.
