European Researchers' Night and Researchers at Schools 2026-2027

The main goal of this opportunity is to connect research and researchers with the public, making science and innovation more accessible and appreciated. It aims to spark interest in science and research careers among young people and to engage more citizens in research and innovation activities. The initiative highlights the importance and benefits of research, especially EU-funded projects, and their impact on everyday life. Focus areas include inclusiveness, gender balance, diversity, and engaging underrepresented groups in STEAM fields. Activities are intended to cover as many EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries as possible, through events like school visits, hands-on experiments, and public gatherings.

• Organisation of the European Researchers’ Night for both 2026 and 2027 editions.
• Implementation of Researchers at Schools activities throughout the project duration.
• Development of science communication formats targeting young audiences and underserved communities.
• Promotion of EU-funded research and its societal impact through public engagement events.
• Establishment of regional, national, or cross-border partnerships to ensure wide outreach and avoid overlaps.

Example projects:

• A nationwide series of science fairs in schools across an EU country, involving researchers and students.
• Interactive public science nights in museums, engaging diverse communities and promoting gender balance in STEAM.
• Workshops for underrepresented youth groups, led by researchers, to encourage interest in research careers.

• Staff costs for organizing and running events
• Travel and accommodation for researchers or participants
• Materials and supplies for hands-on experiments and workshops
• Venue rental for public events or school activities
• Communication and outreach materials (posters, flyers, digital content)
• Costs for developing educational resources
• Technical equipment for demonstrations or interactive activities
• Translation and interpretation services to ensure inclusiveness
• Administrative and project management expenses
• External services (e.g., event facilitators, trainers)

All eligible expenses are covered as lump sum contributions. Activities outside eligible countries are not funded.

• Budget for this Call: 16,253,880€
• Number of Grants attributed: 50
• Maximum value per project: 350,000€
• Minimum value per project: 100,000€

• Consortium may consist of one or multiple legal entities, with no mandatory partnership requirement; single applicants are allowed.

• Organisations must be legally established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

• Eligible applicants include research institutions, public authorities, NGOs, museums, science outreach organisations, schools, media organisations, or similar entities active in STEAM engagement.

• The action is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) under the MSCA and Citizens scheme.

• Projects must deliver two successive editions of:

  • the European Researchers’ Night events (2026 & 2027 editions), and

  • Researchers at Schools activities engaging pupils across multiple years.

• Target audiences include general public (particularly children, families, under‑represented groups in STEAM), with the aim to boost science awareness and public recognition of research.

• Proposals must show ability to organise large public science engagement activities and have capacity for event management, communication, coordination, and outreach.