Early phase implementation of ESFRI Projects that entered the ESFRI Roadmap in 2021

This opportunity aims to support the early-phase implementation of selected European research infrastructure projects. The main goal is to address critical challenges that might delay or hinder these projects from progressing to full implementation. The focus is on strengthening governance, securing funding, developing ICT and data management, expanding service offers, and building international collaboration. Activities also include establishing access policies and addressing staff and procurement issues. The scope covers Member States and Associated Countries of the European Union, with some exceptions for non-EU countries.

• The project must target one of the following ESFRI Projects: EBRAINS, SLICES, SoBigData++, MARINERG-I, EIRENE RI, ET, EuPRAXIA, GGP, GUIDE, OPERAS, or RESILIENCE.
• The proposal must clearly state which ESFRI Project it supports.
• All necessary stakeholders must be involved to ensure project advancement.
• Projects should focus on overcoming early-phase implementation bottlenecks.
• Legal entities from non-associated third countries may participate if exceptionally eligible.

Examples:

• A consortium working on MARINERG-I develops a governance structure and secures initial funding commitments.
• Partners in the EBRAINS project create a data management plan and expand their service offer to new user groups.
• Stakeholders in the SoBigData++ project establish international collaborations and define clear access policies for users.

• Staff salaries and personnel costs for project management and coordination
• Costs related to establishing governance structures
• Expenses for developing ICT and data management systems
• Funding to expand or improve service offers
• Travel and meeting expenses for project stakeholders
• Costs for developing and implementing access policies
• Procurement costs linked to early-phase activities
• Training and capacity-building expenses
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Administrative and overhead costs related to eligible activities

Restrictions: All expenses must be directly linked to early-phase implementation activities as described in the project proposal. Funding is provided as a lump sum under Horizon Europe rules.

• Budget for this Call: 16,500,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 11
• Maximum value per project: 1,500,000€
• Minimum value per project: 1,000,000€

• The applicant must be a legal entity established in a Member State or Associated Country of the European Union.
• Legal entities from non-associated third countries may participate only if exceptionally eligible for funding.
• The project must target one of the specified ESFRI Projects from the 2021 Roadmap.
• All relevant stakeholders required for project advancement must be involved.
• Applicants must follow the eligibility rules outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme Guide.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate their capacity to manage and implement early-phase research infrastructure projects.
• Consortia are encouraged, especially those that include partners from multiple countries.