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Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe aims to drive scientific excellence, foster innovation, and address societal challenges by supporting collaborative research and innovation projects across various scientific disciplines and sectors. Canadian researchers are eligible to collaborate in calls under Pillar 2 of the Horizon Europe program.

Ontario Tech’s participation in Horizon Europe Pillar 2 opportunities:

In a recent webinar hosted by the Mission of Canada to the European Union, it was emphasized repeatedly that a competitive application to Horizon Europe is one led by an applicant who has prior experience with the extremely complex Horizon Europe program requirements.

Due to the resource intensive nature of Horizon Europe applications, and the advisory provided by ISED, we strongly recommend that researchers explore joining a consortium led by another institution with significant experience and resources to support the project compliance requirements if funded.

Ontario Tech researchers are encouraged to reach out to their colleagues in the European Union and Associated Countries to explore whether any project consortia are being developed for current or upcoming Horizon Europe Pillar 2 calls. This can offer opportunities to join proposals as a co-applicant, with a European-based institution leading the project.

Overview of Pillar 2

Pillar 2 supports collaborative research and innovation projects responding to thematically specific calls for proposals within the following six clusters that address key societal challenges:

  • Health
  • Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
  • Civil Security for Society
  • Digital, Industry and Space
  • Climate, Energy and Mobility
  • Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

For each of the six thematic clusters, a Work Programme, released every two years, sets out more detailed objectives. While the final 2025 Work Programmes will be released late May 2025, drafts have been pre-published for all six clusters. Please note that the calls for proposals might still be adjusted until they are officially released. The deadlines will vary by call, and are anticipated to fall within September, 2025.

Applications for Horizon Europe calls are put forward by partnership-based consortia made up of at least three partner organizations, with at least one partner from an EU member state and two partners from different EU member states or associated countries. Organizations from outside the EU or from countries not associated with HE can participate but are not eligible for funding. On average, there are 8-12 partners per consortium for projects of three-to-five years’ duration.

Canada is an “associated country” in Pillar II, enabling Canadian researchers to participate in Horizon Europe project consortia and obtain funding directly from Horizon Europe in that pillar.

Horizon Europe is a very competitive program: on average, the success rate is 15%. We highly recommend that researchers join a large consortium whose membership is greater than the three-partner minimum. Consortia can take years to cultivate and applications require a minimum of 6-8 months to develop.

Conducting a research project funded by Horizon Europe implies following European procedures, including both the application process and the financial assessment process for successful candidates. European program requirements are very different from those of Canadian funding agencies: Horizon Europe participants are required to provide a host of information to allow for continuous reporting and to generate periodic reports (technical and financial). HE funds are not granted as a single installment; rather, expenses must be appropriately recorded for reimbursement. For example, timesheets that justify expenditures and staffing are essential to Horizon Europe project implementation.

Resources and support form the Office of Research Services:

Applications to this program are complex and require intensive planning. At this time, ISED is advising that researchers in Canada join consortia led by European partners with previous experience leading Horizon Europe successful applications.

Please refer to the attached PDF for a list of helpful resources on Horizon Europe and collaboration opportunities. Ontario Tech researchers who are participating in a Horizon Europe consortium are asked to get in touch with their Grants Officer:

Joanne Hui (FEAS)

Raluca Dubrowski (FS, FHS)

Amber Zapletal (FBIT, FSSH, FEd)