Support to the operation and further development of soil-health science-policy interfaces and national soil-health hubs

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen science-based policies that support soil health at various levels of governance. It focuses on making scientific knowledge about soil health more accessible to decision-makers and improving the way research and innovation activities are anchored at national and regional levels. The opportunity aims to support the creation or enhancement of structures that coordinate soil-health research and policy, and to encourage exchanges with similar organizations in other EU Missions. Addressing the causes of soil degradation and promoting sustainable soil management are central themes. This grant is open to all EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with international exchanges encouraged.

• Assess and compare existing science-policy interfaces on soil health across sectors (e.g. agriculture, environment, climate), including case studies on their strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned.

• Strengthen or establish national/regional soil‑health hubs that connect scientific knowledge with policymaking across all EU Member States and interested Associated Countries.

• Foster better coordination and synergies among these hubs and existing soil‑health science-policy mechanisms at European, national and international levels.

• Propose and evaluate options for a Europe-wide soil‑health science interface, potentially including a central EU-level service to field administration support.

• Develop one or more knowledge-management tools (e.g., databases, dashboards) to synthesize soil-health research outputs for policy relevance.

• Ensure hubs are inclusive—engaging public authorities, researchers, private sector, citizens, and philanthropy—and address all land‑use contexts.

• Coordinate closely with Mission Soil structures (e.g. Mission Soil Platform, Soil Mission Board, SoilWise) and the European Commission’s JRC efforts (e.g., EU Soil Observatory).

• Align with the upcoming Soil Monitoring Law, enabling hubs to support its implementation and policy guidance.

Example projects:

• A national initiative to create a central hub for soil-health research coordination, connecting policymakers and scientists.
• A regional project that develops accessible online resources to help local authorities implement sustainable soil management practices.
• An international exchange program linking national soil-health structures with counterparts in other EU Missions to share best practices.

• Personnel costs for project staff
• Costs for organizing workshops, meetings, and events
• Travel and accommodation for project-related activities
• Development and maintenance of digital platforms or tools
• Consultancy and expert fees
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Purchase of equipment and materials directly related to the project
• Subcontracting for specific project tasks
• Administrative and overhead costs

All expenses must be necessary for the project and fit within the lump sum funding model.

• Budget for this Call: 6.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate if they meet special funding provisions.
• Proposals must follow the required format, including page limits and layout.
• Applicants must submit through the official system and meet all submission requirements.
• Projects must align with the goals of supporting soil health policy and research coordination.
• Applicants may need to demonstrate capacity for collaboration and knowledge exchange with similar structures in other regions or countries.