Open topic for role of the human factor for the resilience of critical infrastructures

The main objective of this grant is to develop innovative solutions and strengthen capabilities that address the human factor in the resilience of critical infrastructures. The focus is on improving how critical infrastructure systems prepare for, withstand, and recover from crises, whether caused by natural hazards or harmful human actions, including cyberattacks. The opportunity seeks to deepen understanding of human roles in resilience, enhance risk and threat assessments, and improve post-incident investigations. It also aims to address insider threats and support the creation of training programs for key stakeholders. Eligible activities must involve multiple countries within the EU or Associated Countries.

• Development of tools to improve risk assessment, threat forecasting, and crisis preparedness for critical infrastructure.

• Design of systems to detect and mitigate insider threats, including privacy-compliant background checks.

• Research on human factors affecting resilience and response capabilities of critical infrastructure.

• Creation of post-incident analysis and investigation tools to enhance future crisis prevention.

• Design and delivery of training curricula for infrastructure operators, authorities, or first responders.

Examples:

• Developing a training program for critical infrastructure operators in three different EU countries to improve response to cyber threats.
• Creating a cross-border platform that uses Copernicus satellite data to monitor and assess risks to energy grids, involving civil protection authorities from three nations.
• Designing new investigative tools for post-incident analysis, with input from law enforcement agencies in several EU Member States.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 7,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per grant: 3,500,000€

• Projects must involve at least three relevant practitioners from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• Practitioners should include critical infrastructure operators, authorities responsible for resilience, civil protection authorities, law enforcement, or private security providers.
• Applicants must complete all required information about security practitioners in the application form.
• If using satellite-based data and services, Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS must be utilized.
• Proposals must align with the scope of addressing the human factor in infrastructure resilience.
• Applicants must comply with page limits and layout rules as specified in the application guidelines.