International Research Funding Circular -16 October 2026

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

 

News

 

1. NEW: Budget negotiations continue for the next Horizon Europe programme: https://sciencebusiness.net/news/fp10/zaharieva-defends-commissions-research-budget-proposal

The European Commission pushed back on the European Council’s floated 9.6% cut to the €175 billion budget proposed by the Commission for the next Horizon Europe programme.

 

2. NEW: Science and Innovation Council strengthens UK-India ties: https://www.ukri.org/news/science-and-innovation-council-strengthens-uk-india-ties/

The eighth UK-India Science and Innovation Council highlighted strengthened UK-India research and innovation collaboration, including a new £3 million investment from India in the STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source partnership, while reaffirming shared priorities in scientific excellence, technology commercialisation, and future cooperation in areas such as batteries, medtech and skills development.

3. NEW: Countries associated to Horizon Europe present joint statement on association to future EU programmes: https://www.ukri.org/news/science-and-innovation-council-strengthens-uk-india-ties/

Ten countries associated with Horizon Europe, including the United Kingdom, have issued a joint statement urging the EU to keep association at the core of future research and innovation programmes by ensuring an open, predictable and strategically integrated framework that allows trusted partner countries to participate from the outset and contribute meaningfully to programme governance.

4. NEW: SeReMa (Security Research Map) networking platform returns: https://security-research-map.b2match.io/

SeReMa is a free platform that connects researchers, universities, public authorities, practitioners, infrastructure operators, and security solution providers involved in civil security research and innovation across Europe (ideal for Cluster 3 call topics). Register to showcase your expertise, find Horizon Europe partners, expand your network, access collaboration tools and funding opportunities, and raise your organisation’s profile within Europe’s civil security research community.

Events

 

5. NEW: Call for Expressions of Interest: EMERGE-EU 3.0 Biodiversity Networking Visit for Emerging Researchers on 18-20 January 2027 in Brussels: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/call-for-expressions-of-interest-emerge-eu-3-0-biodiversity-networking-visit

The main aim of the visit is to enhance the ability of emerging researchers in biodiversity domains to navigate the European research and innovation landscape, widen their professional network and strengthen their engagement with key EU-level stakeholders. To express your interest complete this form by 28 October 2026.

 

6. NEW: Getting those Grants: Maximising your Chances of Funding Success (26 November, 27 January, 27 April or 30 June): https://elements.ncl.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2841

The workshop will cover information and practical skills to help you to develop high-quality proposals for research funding. In addition to this workshop, there are a selection of other specific funder training sessions on LMS.

 

7. NEW: Free Horizon Europe Webinar Sessions by Europa Media:

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. 21 October at 10:00 UK time (1 hour). Register
• Making your results go further: Leveraging European Commission tools to maximise visibility and impact of your Horizon Europe project. 18 November at 10:00 UK time (1 hour). Register
• Knowledge Valorisation and Innovation in Horizon Europe. 18 November at 10:00 UK time (1 hour). Register
• Personnel Cost Calculation Challenges across Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and other EU Funding Programmes. Recording available in October.

8. NEW: Green Transition and SSH brokerage, online 01 December 2026 – registration open: https://cluster2-community-platform.b2match.io/home

An event for both STEM and Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) experts. 13 topics have been identified where Green transition and/or climate resilience has a pivotal role in the topic text either in the expected outcomes or in the scope sections, and integration of SSH is expected.

9. NEW: FOREU4ALL Policy Learning Lab Series: UK Deep Dive, 30 October, 11:30–15:00 (UK) | Online (recorded): https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=TYUtujDWCEClRtGavGcIjHN4GCvMHy1Hv0JerampNwpUN1UxOEJJWEJWM09PSDFDVDJNWEFNQkFWUi4u&route=shorturl

FOREU4ALL is happy to announce its upcoming Policy Learning Lab Deep Dive, titled Partnerships in Practice: The Role of UK Universities in the European Universities Initiative, focused on European Universities Alliances’ collaboration with UK partners. Deadline to register is 29 October.

 

10. 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.

 

 

European related funding

 

11. NEW: European Commission amendments to New European Bauhaus Work Programme calls in 2026-2027: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/european-commission-amendments-to-new-european-bauhaus-work-programme-calls-in-2026-2027/

The European commission recently published an updated version of the Work Programme for Horizon Europe. One NEB call – HORIZON-NEB-2027-01-REGEN-03 Revitalising neighbourhoods around existing railway and motorway corridors has been cancelled, with two new calls added. The new funding opportunities are to support the NEB Academy: HORIZON-NEB-2027-01-REGEN-04: Enabling environments for a sustainable and circular construction sector – Innovation Action – Opens 5 May 2027 and closes 1 December 2027. And a further €2 million public procurement for the NEB Academy Coordination and Support Centre. This will help connect skills development, research and innovation, and real-world experimentation, strengthening the Academy as an integrated learning system for the transition of the construction sector.

 

12. NEW: SPRIND ‘Engineering Microbial Consortia’ Challenge: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/engineering-microbial-consortia#anchor-topic

This is a new funding opportunity aimed at accelerating the development of resilient, resource-efficient biomanufacturing processes that support a circular economy. Projects are expected to integrate AI-supported Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycles, combining experimental measurements with artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve process design, prediction and control. The competition will run for up to 38 months across three stages with Stage 1 (14 months), up to ten teams will receive up to €1.2 million each to demonstrate consortium-based production and establish initial process-control capabilities, and Stages 2 & 3 covering later development and validation steps. Webinar on 3 November 2026. Deadline: 16 November 2026.

 

13. NEW: Eureka collaborative R&D: Globalstars Japan 2027: https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2586/overview/d9e61ae4-6e56-4f38-9206-5d91ef98c916

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of £2 million for collaborative industrial research and development (R&D) projects with partners from Japan and select Eureka countries. We will fund projects in: Semiconductors, Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Advanced Connectivity Technologies, Biotechnology (including Engineering Biology), Space. To be eligible for grant funding your collaboration must include at least one UK registered business and a Japan registered SME as a minimum. Deadline: 20 January 2027.

 

14. REMINDER: 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.

Useful links:

• Horizon Europe Work Programmes: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal
• NATURE & BRIDGING Horizontal Activities: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal

15. 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 for pre-proposals: 10 November 2026.

16. 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.

 

17. €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

 

18. 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.

 

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.