International Research Funding Circular – 2 October 2026

Please see the latest European and International research funding information, event and opportunity updates.

News

 

1. NEW: BIST (Technopolis) survey of Horizon Europe participation: https://www.research.net/r/KDVTT2S

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), are currently undertaking a survey of those involved in Horizon Europe proposals. The survey forms part of an evaluation of Horizon Europe performance that BIST is conducting. There are three objectives for this work. The first is to evaluate the UK’s participation and performance in HEU, the second is to generate evidence on the full range of outcomes, impacts and benefits that resulted from the UK’s participation, and the third is to assess the role of various barriers and facilitators to UK participation and how the UK Boosting Participation programme aided participation and where it could be improved. To better support our research and innovation communities, BIST want to understand what barriers exist, which this survey is helping to uncover. If you have any questions please contact louis.mansfield@international.ac.uk. Deadline: 6 November 2026

 

 

2. NEW: Horizon Europe 2027 Updated with €507M in New Calls: https://sciencebusiness.net/news/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-2027-plans-updated-eu507m-new-calls

The European Commission has revised its 2027 Horizon Europe plans, introducing €507 million in additional funding through two new horizontal funding streams: NATURE (€237 million), which will support research and innovation for a nature-positive economy and biodiversity goals, and BRIDGING (€260 million), which will help prepare the transition to the EU’s next research and innovation framework programme after Horizon Europe. The new funding aims to address growing demand for research support amid low success rates and includes opportunities spanning biodiversity, sustainability, energy systems, AI, skills development and European competitiveness. Researchers should review the updated work programmes as several budgets, call topics and deadlines have changed, with some new calls opening in October 2026 and closing from January 2027 onwards.

Events

 

3. Horizon Europe Info Day to cover NATURE and BRIDGING calls, 16 October, Online, 08:30 (GMT+01:00) https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/horizon-europe-info-day-to-cover-nature-and-bridging-calls/

The European Commission will hold an online Horizon Europe Info Day on Horizontal Activities on 16 October 2026, focusing on the NATURE and BRIDGING calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027. Please see event link with programme.

 

4. Free Horizon Europe Webinar Sessions October 2026: https://freewebinars.europamediatrainings.com/2026-october

Two free live webinars where practical lessons learned directly from experience of managing, coordinating and implementing Horizon Europe projects:

  • Preparing the Grant Agreement and Consortium Agreement from a project management perspective. Wednesday 21 October at 10:00 UK time (1 hour)
  • Reporting on Impact – The most challenging part of reporting or a chance to impress the reviewers? Thursday, 15 October, 10:00 UK time (1 hour)

Please register to attend here.

5. EIT Community AI & Robotics: ‘AI Entrepreneurs Lab’ Call Launched: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/eit-community-ai-robotics-ai-entrepreneurs-lab-call-launched/

The EIT AI & Robotics Community has recently launched its new initiative called the ‘AI Entrepreneurs Lab’ which is a five-day bootcamp for aspiring applied AI and robotics founders, designed to help technical talent move from research to entrepreneurship. This call is open to master’s and PhD students, graduates and early-stage founders with an AI or robotics idea at the core of their proposed venture. Up to 15 participants may take part, either individually or as a team of two (in personal capacity only). Deadline: 21 October 2026

 

6. Introduction to Horizon Europe webinars: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/introduction-to-horizon-europe-2026/

Register for this one-hour UKRI webinar if you are based in the UK and would like to gain a general understanding of the opportunities offered by Horizon Europe and the basics about how to explore these opportunities further for yourself. Upcoming dates: 10:00-11:00 repeated 29 October, 26 November, and 16 December 2026.

7. Series of European Commission webinars

A series of free online European Commission Horizon Europe webinars will take place between September and November, providing practical guidance on finding funding opportunities, proposal submission, grant preparation, project management, and lump sum funding. The sessions are aimed at researchers, research support staff, and project teams looking to strengthen their understanding of Horizon Europe processes and maximise their success in European funding programmes.

 

 

European related funding

 

8. NEW: Horizon Europe 2026-2027 Work Programme Update: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-work-programmes_en

The European Commission has published revised Horizon Europe 2026-2027 Work Programmes, including updates to call topics, budgets and deadlines across most programme areas. Researchers are encouraged to review the latest work programmes to identify any changes affecting planned applications. Some calls open in October 2026 with deadlines from January 2027, and a dedicated Horizontal Activities Info Day (16 October 2026) will provide further guidance.

Useful links:

9. NEW: SPRIND and Dutch Innovation Agency Launch €39 Million AI Chip Design Challenge: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/ai-native-chip-design  

Up to €39 million is available to support multidisciplinary teams developing AI-driven approaches to accelerate semiconductor chip design and strengthen European competitiveness in advanced chip technologies. Eligible applicants include universities, research organisations, companies and start-ups based in the EU, EFTA or UK, working in collaborative teams. Funding is available in two stages, with up to €2.6 million available in Stage 1 and up to €7 million in Stage 2 for successful teams. Deadline: 30 November 2026.

10. Water4All Launches €34 Million Call for Sustainable Water Management Research: https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/joint-activities/water4all-2026-joint-transnational-call

Funding for UK based researchers to collaborate with international partners and submit joint application to the Water4All 2026 joint translational call: sustainable water management is available (funded through NERC and EPSRC). The full economic cost (FEC) of the total requested budget from all UK partners on a project can be up to £312,500, over 36 months. To be eligible, transnational research consortia must include teams from a minimum of three countries financially participating in the call. Submission deadline of preproposals: 10 November 2026.

 

11. REMINDER: Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture): https://www.biodiversa.eu/2026/06/09/2026-2027-joint-call/

This funding opportunity allows UK based researchers to collaborate with international partners and submit joint application to the Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027 joint funding opportunity Novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture). Transnational research consortia must include team members from a minimum of three countries financially participating in the funding opportunity, including at least two different EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries. The full economic cost (FEC) of the total requested budget from all UK partners on a project can be up to £375,000. Applications are via Biodiversa+ as the UK component funding is through NERC, please see NERC call for additional details. Deadline: 10 November 2026.

 

12. REMINDER: ERC Consolidator Grant 2027: https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/consolidator-grant

The ERC Consolidator Grant 2027 call is now open, offering up to €2 million in funding for mid-career researchers (5-15 years post-PhD) to consolidate their independent teams. Applications can be made in any field of research where the PI has a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent groundbreaking frontier research idea. If interested to apply, please reach out to Jarlath.mckenna@newcastle.ac.uk to discuss. UK webinar on 30 September 2026, 10:00-12:00. Deadline: 12 January 2027.

 

13. €96 Million Available for New EU Cybersecurity Projects: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/digital-programme

The call, DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11, provides funding across seven topics aimed at improving cybersecurity technologies, resilience and preparedness across Europe. The opportunities will be of particular interest to research and technology organisations, universities, public authorities, cybersecurity companies and SMEs working on cybersecurity technologies, AI, critical infrastructure and digital resilience. Eligibility and funding conditions vary between topics. Deadline: 14 January 2027

 

14. EIC to revamp Pathfinder and Transition grant schemes in 2027: https://sciencebusiness.net/sites/default/files/inline-files/2026.07.07%20EIC%20WP2027_seconddraft.pdf

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is proposing significant changes to its funding landscape for 2027, with updates to the Pathfinder and Transition schemes and the introduction of new challenge areas aimed at accelerating breakthrough research and innovation. Key highlights from the draft EIC 2027 Work Programme include:

 

EIC Pathfinder Challenges

  • Breakthroughs in Advanced Materials for Future Resilient, Sustainable, and Efficient Energy Grids
  • Safe and Controlled Continual Learning in Open World for Reliable AI Agents (CLOWAI)
  • Quantum Energetics

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges- Pilot

  • Accelerating Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AIPowered Robotics
  • Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice

EIC Accelerator Challenges

  • Advanced in-situ Ocean Observation Technologies for Scalable, High-Resolution Marine Monitoring
  • Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
  • Alternative Concepts and Key Enabling Technologies for Fusion Power Plants
  • Carbon removal and circularity for climate change mitigation and EU industrial resilience

15. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks

MSCA Doctoral Networks fund doctoral programmes, consisting of a European consortium recruiting up to 15 PhD studentships, designed to respond to identified needs in various research and innovation areas. MSCA Doctoral Networks design doctoral programmes to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates. The aim is to equip these candidates with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies, enhancing their career perspectives both within and outside academia. The funded Doctoral Networks will hold open recruitment procedures throughout the course of the maximum 48-month project and the recruited candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the MSCA Work Programme. Please reach out to jarlath.mckenna@newcastle.ac.uk if interested with the next annual deadline 24 November 2026.

16. COST Actions Networking Grants Open for 2026: https://www.cost.eu/how-to-apply/

The 2026 COST Actions call is open to researchers from academia, industry, SMEs and public organisations to establish international research networks in any scientific or technological field. COST funds networking activities such as workshops, conferences, training schools and research visits, rather than research itself. Successful Actions typically receive around €150,000 in the first year and €180,000 per year for the following three years, with up to 80 new COST Actions expected to be funded in this round. Deadline: 28 October 2026.

17. Horizon Europe – FINAL Work Programmes 2026-27 published

The European Commission has published the final versions of the 2026-27 call topics for all the clusters and missions and a number of the other main funding instruments (to download work programmes see here: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-work-programmes_en ). For convenience, we have put together summary tables of all call topic titles in the ​​ linked Excel spreadsheet​​​ ​which has been updated to reflect the final work programmes – please use these to browse any topics that are of interest to you and that you may be able to contribute to (if you have looked at earlier versions, please check in case of changes). Once you have identified a topic(s) of interest, please search their call reference within the relevant full Work Programme PDF for full details. Many of the 2026 call topics have deadlines in March-April with some later around September — while we advise you to already start taking action for the 2027 calls. [For reference, you can find historic and future draft work programmes at: https://sciencebusiness.net/horizon-papers] They include:

  • Cluster 1 – Health: FINAL
  • Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society: FINAL
  • Cluster 3 – Civil security for society:  FINAL
  • Cluster 4 – Digital, industry, space: FINAL
  • Cluster 5 – Climate, energy and mobility: FINAL
  • Cluster 6 – Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment: FINAL
  • Missions: FINAL
  • New European Bauhaus Facility: FINAL
  • Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: FINAL
  • European Research Council: 2026 (2027 is expected around May 2026)
  • European Innovation Council: FINAL
  • European Innovation Ecosystems: FINAL
  • WIDERA (Widening, European Research Area): FINAL
  • Research infrastructures: FINAL
  • Horizontal activities: FINAL

For reference: General Introduction and General Annexes

**Please do reach out to the Research Funding Development team for support: jarlath.mckenna@newcastle.ac.uk or sarah.urquhart@newcastle.ac.uk**

 

Opportunities for Researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in Horizon Europe: https://horizoneuropencpportal.eu/sites/default/files/2026-01/ssh-opportunities_2026-27_final.pdf

A guide that maps all Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) funding opportunities for 2026–2027, including an in‑depth analysis of SSH‑relevant topics across the entire Work Programme has been released.

 

General international 

18. NEW: Thoma Foundation Art of the Spanish Americas Fellowships and Awards: The Carl & Marilynn: https://grants.thomafoundation.org/marilynn-thoma-fellowships/

Thoma Foundation is offering funding to support research on the art of the Spanish Americas, including colonial-era painting and sculpture in Latin America. Opportunities include predoctoral fellowships ($50,000), postdoctoral fellowships ($65,000), and research and travel awards of up to $25,000 for scholars, curators, art historians, and advanced postgraduate students. Applicants must be able to conduct research in both English and Spanish. Deadline: 15 December 2026.

 

19. NEW: ISPF Funding: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/international-science-partnerships-fund-ispf/international-science-partnerships-fund-ispf

ISPF supports targeted international partnerships where there is clear alignment with UK and partner priorities. The ISPF has a settlement of up to £611 million over the 4-year spending review period 2026-2027 to 2029-2030. Of this, up to £285 million is Official Development Assistance (ODA).

 

20. NEW: British Academy ODA Research Management Capacity Strengthening: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/oda-research-management-capacity-strengthening/

The British Academy is offering grants of up to £150,000 for 18-24 month projects that strengthen research management capacity and support equitable international research partnerships between UK institutions and organisations in eligible ODA countries, including Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Least Developed Countries. The scheme aims to enhance research management systems, skills and institutional practices to enable sustainable international collaboration. Deadline: 2 December 2026 (17:00 GMT).

 

21. Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2026-2027: https://grants.commonwealthfoundation.com/prog/september_2026_annual_grants_call_/

The Commonwealth Foundation has launched its latest grants call, offering up to £60,000 for projects of up to two years that strengthen collaboration between civil society and decision-makers. Funding is available through both individual organisation and collective action grants, with projects expected to address at least one of the Foundation’s priority areas: freedom of expression, climate and environmental justice, or economic inclusion. Deadline: 26 October 2026

22. REMINDER: BBSRC International Travel Award Scheme for the Biological Sciences: https://www.schmidtsciences.org/energy-decarbonization-modeling-program/

Apply for funding to visit international partners, in order to initiate collaborations, prepare joint funding proposals, visit overseas facilities or attend European consortia-building events. Stays may be of up to one month in duration with up to £3000 available. Deadline: 20 October 2026

23. UPCOMING: NIHR Announces Upcoming Call for UK-Japan Collaborative Clinical Trials on Paediatric Cancer: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/uk-japan-collaborative-clinical-trials-children-and-young-peoples-cancer/97059

IHR and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) are launching a joint funding opportunity to support up to two UK-Japan collaborative clinical trials focused on improving outcomes for children, adolescents, and young people with cancer, particularly in solid tumours, haematological cancers, and brain cancers. The call will fund 3 to 5-year projects, with NIHR contributing £2 million to UK-based research, and encourages strong international collaboration, patient and public involvement, inclusive research practices, and capacity building for early- and mid-career researchers. Applications are expected to open in October 2026, with funding decisions anticipated in May/June 2027

 

24. British Academy International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2027: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/schemes/knowledge-frontiers-international-interdisciplinary-research/

The programme aims to support projects which engage with questions concerning the relationship between expertise, public understanding and policy delivery internationally, and highlight the importance of collaboration between communities of practice, disciplines, capacities and borders. Deadline: 07 Oct 2026

Project Initiation Form (PIF): https://www.cognitoforms.com/NewcastleUniversity1/NewcastleUniversityNuTHProjectInitiationFormV2

If you’re in the process of developing a research proposal please ensure you submit a PIF as soon as possible. The PIF is not just a mechanism to initiate a costing, it enables the research support team to identify and engage on your behalf the varying types of research and business support beneficial to your bid. Please note you don’t need to define all resources required before engaging with the team. To maximise the support available to you, PIF submission is advised at your earliest convenience.

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