Environmental biotechnology applications in service of remediation of polluted ecosystems

The main goal of this opportunity is to restore polluted ecosystems using bio-based and nature-based solutions. Projects should focus on cleaning up soil, water, and sediments affected by pollutants like pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, and plastics. The initiative encourages the use of digital innovation, such as artificial intelligence, to improve remediation efforts and handle emergencies. It also aims to assess the risks and benefits of these solutions, promote collaboration among stakeholders, and share knowledge across borders. The geographic scope covers the European Union, Associated Countries, and, in some cases, certain non-EU countries with special funding provisions.

• Participants should be from eligible countries, including EU Member States, Associated Countries, and certain non-EU countries with special provisions.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) can participate as a consortium member.
• Projects must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Proposals are evaluated based on clear criteria and scoring thresholds.
• Eligible costs must fit the lump sum funding model.
• Projects should focus on bio-based and nature-based solutions, digital innovation, and risk assessment for ecosystem remediation.

Examples:

• A consortium of European universities and local authorities develops AI-driven tools to clean up rivers polluted by pharmaceuticals.
• A partnership between a research institute and a city government tests plant-based methods to restore contaminated urban soils.
• An international team studies the use of natural wetlands to filter plastics and chemicals from surface water in a cross-border region.

• Personnel costs for researchers and project staff
• Costs for equipment and laboratory materials
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and fieldwork
• Subcontracting for specialized services
• Costs for data collection and digital tool development
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Workshops and stakeholder engagement events
• Costs for pilot studies and demonstration sites
• Project management and coordination expenses
• Consumables and supplies for experimental work

All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme. Only eligible costs described in the programme's guidelines will be funded.

• Budget for this Call: 8.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 4.000.000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries (EU Member States, Associated Countries, or certain non-EU countries with special provisions).
• Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity.
• Consortia can include the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a member.
• Applicants must comply with the evaluation and award criteria set by the programme.
• Eligible costs must follow the lump sum model defined by the Horizon Europe framework.
• Projects should align with the focus on bio-based and nature-based remediation, digital innovation, and risk assessment.
• Involvement in networks or partnerships is required, as projects are expected to be collaborative.