International Research Funding Circular – 5 June 2026

 News

1. NEW: UK’s association to Horizon Europe reverses years of decline in research funding, new analysis shows, https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/topics/international/uks-association-horizon-europe-reverses

 This UUKi report provides new data analysis and insights from members, illustrating the distinct value of Horizon Europe to UK universities; the reversal of long-term decline in the framework programmes following association; and the next steps required to ensure that the UK realises its full potential in the programme. It recommends that the Government provides early and clear signals of intent to associate to FP10, and continues to offer initiatives to support engagement and build system-wide capability, with a particular focus on Pillar II and Pillar III. It also recommends that universities continue to support applications to Pillar II and Pillar III, building on the strong results delivered so far and working with industry partners to develop capacity and take full advantage of the breadth of the programme.

 

2. NEW: France and UK Set Out Roadmap to Deepen Higher Education and Research Partnerships: https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/fr/une-feuille-de-route-pour-renforcer-la-relation-partenariale-franco-britannique-101543

France’s ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Espace (MESRE – Ministry of Higher Education and Research) has published a new roadmap aimed at strengthening Franco-British cooperation in higher education, research and innovation, signalling renewed bilateral engagement at a time of evolving post-Brexit relations. The plan outlines shared priorities to reinforce institutional partnerships, expand mobility and support joint research, with the goal of maintaining close academic ties between the two countries. The agreement was formalised this week at the comité franco-britannique pour la Science, la Technologie et l’Innovation (COMIX – Franco-British Committee for Science, Technology and Innovation).

3. NEW: European Universities Urged to Adopt Flexible Frameworks for Defence Research Governance, https://www.leru.org/publications/defence-research-in-european-universities-a-conceptual-framework

 The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has published a new conceptual framework addressing how universities should approach defence and security-related research, highlighting growing governance challenges as traditional distinctions between civil and military research blur. The paper argues that evolving geopolitical tensions and the expanding scope of security research make existing policy approaches increasingly unfit for purpose and calls for clearer, institution-specific principles to guide decision-making.

4. NEW: Horizon Europe negotiations shape up for October start: https://sciencebusiness.net/news/fp10/horizon-europe-negotiations-shape-october-start?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=EU%20governments%20miss%20target%20for%20FP10%20agreement&utm_campaign=Science%7CBusiness%20Bulletin%20No%20%201306%20%28Copy%29

The Parliament’s research committee plans to adopt its reports on the next Horizon Europe, also known as Framework Programme 10 (FP10), and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) on September 10. Adoption in plenary should follow on October 5, which means that negotiations with the Council could begin in the middle of the month. In April, Council President António Costa told governments they have a “collective responsibility” to reach an agreement on the EU budget by the end of the year, so that the new budget can be ready from the beginning of 2028.

5. NEW: Updated EC Guidance on Lump Sum Funding in Horizon Europe: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/updated-ec-guidance-on-lump-sum-funding-in-horizon-europe-published/

The European Commission has updated its guidance on lump sum funding in Horizon Europe, with key clarifications on budgeting, reporting and implementation.

 

Events

 

6. REMINDER: MSCA Doctoral Networks (DN) Workshop 2-Thursday 25 June 2026, 13:00–14:30,  PGR Learning Lab (HDB.6.19)

Researchers planning to apply to the MSCA Doctoral Networks are invited to attend this practical workshop, which will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the proposal. The session will guide participants through the structure and key sections, offering useful insights for preparing a strong submission. To register your interest, please email Jarlath.mckenna@newcastle.ac.uk  indicating your wish to attend.

7. NEW: Getting Started with COST Actions, Tuesday 14th July, 12:00-13:00, Online, https://forms.office.com/e/67UtPSUcUL

Join us for a one-hour online session exploring COST Action networking grants and how they can help researchers, especially early career, build international networks and get started with European funding. The session will include input from the UK Representative on the COST Scientific Committee, along with short talks from academics sharing their experiences of taking part in COST Actions. This session is aimed at researchers who are interested in developing international collaborations and future funding opportunities. Full agenda on the registration form

8. NEW: The British Academy, Social Sciences and Humanities in Horizon Europe Pillar 2 Workshop, Tuesday 30^th June, In-person or online (places limited): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-sciences-and-humanities-opportunities-in-horizon-europe-pillar-2-tickets-1990447377688?aff=oddtdtcreator

The British Academy will host a one-day workshop on 30 June 2026 for UK-based social sciences and humanities (SSH) researchers interested in Horizon Europe Pillar 2 opportunities under the 2026–27 Work Programme. The session will explore how SSH expertise contributes across Pillar 2 clusters, with input from the European Commission (DG RTD) and stakeholders on building competitive proposals and navigating the programme. Open to researchers and research support staff, the workshop can be attended in person or online (places limited). Registration closes 29 June 2026.

9. NEW: June Free Webinar Week: Practical Insights for EU-Funded Projects, 22–26 June, 11:00 CES: https://freewebinars.europamediatrainings.com/2026-june-free-webinars?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=June%20Free%20Webinar%20Week:%20Practical%20Insights%20for%20EU-Funded%20Projects&utm_campaign=EMTNL20260602

Europa Media have prepared a special week of free live webinars where they will share practical lessons learned directly from their own experience managing, coordinating and implementing Horizon Europe projects:

• Mon 22 June- Stress-free Communication & Dissemination Reporting
• Tue 23 June- Why Nobody Wants to Talk About Exploitation: Creative Methods to Engage Horizon Europe Partners
• Wed 24 June- Designing and Managing Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) in Horizon Europe
• Thu 25 June- Personnel Cost Calculation Challenges Across Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and Other EU Funding Programmes
• Fri 26 June- From the Detailed Lump Sum Budget to the Integrated Part A Forms: A New Challenge Ahead

Feel free to join one session that matches your immediate needs or attend multiple. Please register here

10. NEW: mERCury’s Project’s ERC Starting Grant Webinar, 26 June 2026, 10:00-12:00, UK time, https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/mercurys-erc-starting-grant-webinar/

The network of ERC National Contact Points (mERCury) is organising an online event for researchers interested in the ERC Starting Grant. This webinar provides guidance for researchers preparing an ERC Starting Grant proposal, including insights into the application process, evaluation criteria and tips for success. Suitable for early-career researchers planning to apply. Register to attend.

11. NEW: ERC Starting Grant 2027 Webinar, 2 July 2026, 10:00-12:00:https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/erc-starting-grant-2027-webinar/

This webinar provides guidance for researchers preparing for the ERC Starting Grant 2027 call, including eligibility, application requirements and the evaluation process. Register to attend.

 

12. ERC Advanced Grant 2026 Webinar, 8 June 2026, 10:00-12:00: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/erc-advanced-grant-2026-webinar/

The UK National Contact Point for the European Research Council (ERC), is organising a webinar for UK researchers interested in applying for the 2026 ERC Advanced Grant call (ERC-2026-AdG). The webinar will provide information on the submission process, how proposals are evaluated and other elements to consider when designing a project for your research excellence idea. Also joining is Professor Adam Carter from the University of Glasgow, who will share details of his journey towards getting an ERC Advanced grant. Registration for the webinar is required.

13. Horizon Europe NEB [New European Bauhaus] Festival 2026 Cohort Visit to Brussels, 9-12 June 2026: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/horizon-europe-neb-festival-2026-cohort-visit-to-brussels/

The NEB Festival takes place every two years as the European Commission’s flagship conference updating on 5 years of NEB so far and looking forward under the Horizon Europe Work Programme for NEB in 2026-2027 and beyond. Past and current NEB projects and leading experts will be showcasing groundbreaking transdisciplinary NEB projects, ideas and approaches in Brussels across several days at the NEB Festival. These will span all the key NEB touchpoints of sustainability, inclusivity and beauty (aesthetics) in the built environment, common spaces, cultural heritage and communities. Those seeking potential consortium partners for a future NEB project in Horizon Europe would benefit from attending in person and engaging with those presenters from their sub-sector or field of expertise with successful NEB projects. UKRI intend to support a cohort of UK stakeholders to each attend 2 days of this event subject to funding. This is a competitive process, EOI deadline 27 May 2026 (noon)

14. British Academy ERC Advanced Grants Webinar, Friday 19 June 2026, 10:30-12:00 UK time: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mNaqV-vazkuTDP-jhsLUf9kLpzhfw55CkU-5X4zalJVUNDU2RFZUR002MzZHNDEyUzdDR0I5VDhBQy4u

The British Academy will be hosting its next webinar on Friday 19 June 2026, 10:30-12:00 UK time for UK based researchers in the humanities and social sciences interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants. The webinar will focus on the ERC Advanced Grants.  If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest on the registration form and send your B1 draft to Barbora Krasova (b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than Thursday, 4 June at 12:00 (midday).

15. Register: COST Info Day – 16 June 2026, Online, 16 June 2026, 10:00 CEST, https://www.cost.eu

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding organisation for research and innovation networks. An online session open to researchers and innovators at any career stage and from all disciplines will take place 16th June. The event will explain how to join or propose a COST Action, outline programme impacts, and highlight the benefits for early‑career researchers.

   

 

European related funding

 

16. NEW: Horizon Europe Travel Fund: https://forms.office.com/e/R7Swf3Ag2X

A small pot of funding has become available for the Horizon Europe Travel Fund and is now open to support Newcastle University staff developing grant proposals. The fund offers small awards (e.g. £500-£1,000) to cover travel and subsistence for meeting EU partners, National Contact Points or brokerage events. We will consider requests in two rounds, the first deadline is 17 June 2026 and the second is 8 July 2026 (if funds are still remaining). All expenditure must be made by 31 July 2026, even if trips occur afterwards. Please submit your request here.

If you have any questions, please contact sarah.urquhart@newcastle.ac.uk.

17. NOW OPEN: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call will open in April. Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) target researchers holding a PhD with up to eight years of research experience who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.  If you are interested in hosting (as named supervisor) a MSCA Postdoctoral Fellow currently based overseas we encourage you to reach out to them and get in touch with sarah.urquhart@newcastle.ac.uk. Deadline: 9 September 2026.

18. NEW: 80 new COST Actions, that will officially start in Autumn 2026:  https://www.cost.eu/80-new-cost-actions-oc20251/

These new networks cover topics as wide and varied as phychosis prevention, silent fans, neuromorphic computing, vaccines for overall health benefits, artificial intelligence, conservation of modern art, and parental and children well-being. On Friday 12 June 2026 these new COST Actions (OC- 2025-1), including all Memorandums of Understanding, will be available on the COST website, so if you see a network that is of interest then you can apply to join. In the meantime, a booklet covering the actions is able to be downloaded. Potential applicants are also reminded that the COST 2026 Open Call opens on 31 July at noon CET and closes 28 October at noon CET with the COST Association advising applicants to ensure familiarity with the changes to the application process since the 2025 Open Call.

19. NEW: Jérôme Lejeune Foundation – Autumn 2026 Call (Down Syndrome Research): https://www.fondationlejeune.org

The Jérôme Lejeune Foundation invites applications for its Autumn 2026 call supporting research on Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Grants fund fundamental, translational and clinical projects aimed at advancing understanding or developing new therapeutic approaches. Two grant types are available: pilot grants (up to €50,000) and advanced grants (up to €80,000). Applicants must hold a PhD, MD (or equivalent) and a permanent position at an academic institution. Open internationally. Deadline: 14 August 2026

20. NEW: ERC Plus Grant Launched 2026: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/erc-plus-grant-2026/

The European Research Council has introduced the ERC+ Grant 2026 to provide additional support to leading researchers building on ERC-funded projects. The scheme aims to strengthen research impact and capacity. Further details on eligibility and implementation are expected. The submission deadline is on 2 September 2026.

 

21.Henry Jacques Le Même Architecture Writing Prize 2026: https://sfa.wiin.io/fr/
The Société française des architectes (SFA) invites submissions for the 2026 Henry Jacques Le Même Prize, an architecture writing competition exploring the relationship between writing and the built environment. Applicants must submit a text (max. 20,000 characters, in French) offering a detailed depiction of a place centred on a constructed building; entries may be in any literary genre and submitted individually or in teams of up to three. The competition is open to all, regardless of nationality. Prizes are €2,500 for first place, €1,000 for second, and €500 for third. Deadline: 7 September 2026.

 

22. SPRIND Launches FUNKE Quantum Challenges for Sensing Data Integration: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges

Bundesagentur fur Sprunginnovationen (SPRIND, German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation) has opened applications for two FUNKE challenges focused on quantum sensing and data use. The FUNKE Quantum-Driven Intelligence Challenge focuses on connecting high-precision quantum sensor data with existing data sources, models and sensor systems to derive decision-relevant information that is not otherwise accessible. Supported projects are expected to develop practical applications or scenarios where quantum sensing integration materially improves existing systems, models or analytical methods. Stage 1 will support 15 teams for four months at €200,000 per project. Stage 2 will support 10 teams for two months at €100,000 per project. The FUNKE Quantumsense Exploration Challenge supports teams developing methods to identify and leverage new quantum sensors or quantum systems for sensing applications more rapidly, systematically and at greater scale. Possible approaches include AI-supported exploration based on physical simulations and systematic, AI-assisted analysis of cross-disciplinary scientific literature. This second challenge will support 10 teams in Stage 1 for five months at €450,000 per project, followed by Stage 2 support for seven teams for two months at €150,000 per project. Deadline: 6 September 2026

23. SPRIND Launches Orbital Bioworks Challenge: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/orbital-bioworks

Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen (SPRIND – German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation) has opened its Orbital Bioworks Challenge to support the development and validation of the first commercially viable use cases for orbital biotechnology with a clear microgravity advantage. Projects should create experimental and technological foundations in the three focus areas of cell-free peptide manufacturing, differentiation of stem cells and organ-on-a-chip for drug testing. The goal is to implement biopharmaceutical production processes in LEO in a reproducible, scalable, and economically assessable manner. These developments are intended to be the starting point for the build-up of a European, commercially oriented industry in the field of in-space biomanufacturing. Financial support is stated as up to €250,00 in Stage 1 and up to €1.4 million in Stage 2. Deadline: 3 July 2026

24. 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**

 

25. 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.

26. NOW OPEN: 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.