Preparatory actions exploring future frameworks for research infrastructures investment plans and funding streams

The main goal of this opportunity is to explore and develop new frameworks for investing in research infrastructures, diversifying funding sources, and creating better access and technology development schemes. It aims to strengthen investment planning for research infrastructures and ensure sustainable, integrated access to top-tier scientific resources. The opportunity also seeks to foster collaboration and innovation by supporting joint technology development and resource sharing. Focus areas include improving investment strategies, designing flexible access schemes, and building frameworks for joint technology initiatives. The geographic scope covers EU countries, Associated Countries, and certain non-EU countries with special provisions.

• Projects must include at least two different research infrastructures as beneficiaries (ESFRI Landmarks, ERICs, or other international European organizations).
• The consortium should represent at least two ESFRI domains and involve key research infrastructures.
• Additional research infrastructures can join through engagement letters or endorsements.
• Proposals must follow page limits and layout requirements.
• Projects must meet evaluation criteria thresholds.
• Proposals should clearly identify participating research infrastructures and show support from scientific communities, user organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Examples:

• A project bringing together a European biobank and a climate research center to develop joint investment plans and funding models.
• A consortium of a distributed ERIC and a major physics lab working on a new EU-wide access scheme for scientific facilities.
• A partnership between two ESFRI domain leaders to create a collaborative framework for developing new research infrastructure technology.

• Personnel costs for project management and coordination
• Costs for stakeholder engagement activities
• Workshops, meetings, and networking events
• Development of investment plans and funding models
• Preparation of access schemes and user support systems
• Joint technology development initiatives
• Travel and subsistence for consortium partners
• Communication and dissemination of results
• Administrative and overhead costs related to the project

Restrictions: All eligible expenses are covered as a lump sum. Specific eligible cost categories must comply with Horizon Europe lump sum guidance.

• Budget for this Call: 4,500,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Maximum value per project: 1,500,000€
• Minimum value per project: 1,000,000€

• Applicants must be from EU countries, Associated Countries, or eligible non-EU countries with special provisions.
• Consortia must include at least two different research infrastructures as defined (ESFRI Landmarks, ERICs, or similar).
• At least two ESFRI domains must be represented in the consortium.
• Additional research infrastructures can participate via engagement or endorsement.
• Proposals must comply with layout and page limits.
• Projects must meet evaluation criteria thresholds.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a consortium member.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate the relevance and support of the participating research infrastructures.