Deadline Date: September 24, 2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications to enhance research excellence by supporting institutions in developing strong and effective research management capacities.
The programme focuses on encouraging the establishment of stronger research management capacities in Widening countries, supporting institutional reforms in research institutions and national research and innovation systems, strengthening human capital through well-trained and entrepreneurial research managers, promoting multidisciplinary and transnational cooperation in research management, fostering knowledge exchange and alignment of best practices, and advancing European Research Area priorities such as research integrity, responsible research and innovation, public engagement, gender equality, science education, open access, and knowledge valorisation.
The initiative recognises that strong research management plays a critical role in improving grant acquisition, ensuring efficient resource allocation, maintaining compliance with funding regulations, and enabling effective strategic planning. It also supports high-quality research by streamlining administrative processes, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, attracting international researchers, and maximising the use of research infrastructures.
The scope of the action includes establishing a dedicated research management facility that provides tailored support services and training to research institutions in Widening countries. These institutions are supported in assessing their current needs and developing implementation plans to strengthen both institutional and human capacities in research management.
The facility is expected to work closely with research-performing organisations to evaluate their requirements and design customised strategies for capacity development. It will also promote peer exchange and the sharing of best practices between institutions in Widening countries and more experienced organisations to ensure sustainable improvements.
Training is a key component of the initiative, with structured modules designed to enhance the professional competencies of research managers in alignment with the European Competence Framework for Research Managers. In addition, the programme facilitates networking opportunities at European and international levels to strengthen collaboration and integration within the research management ecosystem.
The total funding available for this initiative is €7,000,000, supporting comprehensive proposals that deliver a wide range of expertise and activities aligned with the programme’s objectives.
Eligibility is open to any legal entity regardless of its place of establishment, including organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided they meet the conditions set out under the Horizon Europe Regulation and related requirements. Eligible entities may include both organisations with legal personality and those recognised under relevant legal frameworks.
For more information, visit European Commission.
