Research infrastructure services to enable R&I addressing main challenges and EU priorities related to the health domain

The main goal of this opportunity is to provide access—either in person or virtually—to advanced research infrastructure services for tackling key challenges in health. It aims to support projects that enhance epidemic preparedness, accelerate clinical research for paediatric patients, and investigate the links between environmental factors and human health. The initiative encourages improvement and development of research services to address urgent and emerging health needs. Activities are open to participants from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and select non-EU countries, with a strong emphasis on international collaboration, including with Low-to-Middle-Income Countries.

• Projects must provide access to existing research infrastructure services, either trans-nationally or virtually.
• They should include activities to improve, optimize, or develop new research services addressing health-related challenges.
• Proposals must ensure the long-term sustainability of the services offered.
• Adherence to the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures is required.
• Projects must address data management, interoperability, and align with major European or international initiatives.
• At least one ESFRI Landmark or ERIC must be included as a beneficiary, and the project should focus on one of the specified health-related scientific areas.

Example projects:

• A network providing virtual access to genomic sequencing facilities for rapid analysis during infectious disease outbreaks.
• An initiative improving data-sharing platforms to accelerate clinical trials for new paediatric treatments.
• A consortium developing new analytical tools to link environmental pollution data with health outcomes across multiple countries.

• Unit costs for providing trans-national access to research infrastructure
• Unit costs for providing virtual access to research infrastructure
• Resources for improving and optimizing existing research services
• Development of new research services relevant to health challenges
• Expenses related to ensuring long-term sustainability of research services
• Costs for data management and ensuring data interoperability
• Compliance with FAIR data principles
• Activities aligned with the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures

Restrictions: Expenses must directly relate to access provision, service improvement, or development, and comply with the principles and guidelines outlined above.

• Budget for this Call:  10,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 8
• Maximum value per project:  1,500,000€
• Minimum value per project:  1,000,000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries, including EU Member States, Associated Countries, and certain non-EU countries (such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA, etc.) if they offer access to their infrastructures for EU and Associated Country researchers.
• Proposals must include access provision activities to research infrastructures.
• Each project must involve at least one ESFRI Landmark or ERIC as a beneficiary.
• The project must clearly address one of the specified scientific challenges or EU priority health areas.
• Applicants must provide detailed information about the research infrastructures involved.
• Proposals must not exceed 100 pages in length.
• Participation of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a consortium member is allowed.
• International collaboration beyond Europe, including with Low-to-Middle-Income Countries, is strongly encouraged.