European Union and Research
Investing in research and innovation is investing in Europe’s future. It helps us to compete globally and preserve our unique social model. It improves the daily lives of millions of people here in Europe and around the world, helping to solve some of our biggest societal challenges.
EU support for research and innovation adds value by encouraging cooperation between research teams across countries and disciplines that is vital in making breakthrough discoveries.
Through its multiannual research and innovation framework programmes, the EU provides funding to:
- strengthen the EU’s position in science
- strengthen industrial innovation, including investment in key technologies, greater access to capital and support for small businesses
- address major social concerns, such as climate change, sustainable transport and renewable energy
- ensure technological breakthroughs are developed into viable products with real commercial potential – by building partnerships with industry and governments
- step up international cooperation on research & innovation
Horizon Europe - Investing to Shape Our Future
The new framework program, with a budget of €80.9 billion, is one of the most ambitious EU initiatives, aimed at reshaping the European research and innovation system.
The goal of the new framework program and the new elements incorporated into the design of Horizon Europe, following the evaluation of the previous framework program Horizon 2020, is to enhance the European research and innovation landscape. Specifically, the new framework program aims to:
- Support disruptive innovation with the goal of creating new markets.
- Strengthen the contribution of research and innovation in addressing global challenges.
- Encourage active participation of citizens.
- Promote flexible cooperation with third countries to jointly tackle global challenges.
- Strengthen open science for the free dissemination of generated knowledge.
- Redefine partnerships between the European Commission, industry, academia, other stakeholders, and member states.
- Encourage and support the participation of organizations from countries with low performance in research and innovation.
- The structure of Horizon Europe includes information about each of the pillars of the new framework program. Specifically, the three pillars are presented succinctly:
Pillar 1: Excellent Science
Pillar 2: Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness
Pillar 3: Innovative Europe
Additionally, the horizontal sector for widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (Widening Participation & Strengthening of the European Research Area) is presented. This includes funding tools and advisory support for member states with low research and innovation performance, aimed at reforming their national frameworks.
For detailed information about the upcoming framework program, refer to “Horizon Europe (2021-2027): The EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation.”
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Fellowships for Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research
The “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions” are named after the Polish-French scientist who won two Nobel Prizes and became famous for her work on radioactivity. These actions fund researchers at all stages of their careers, regardless of nationality. Researchers from all scientific fields are eligible for funding, ranging from vital healthcare to fundamental research. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions also support the completion of doctoral theses in industry, combining academic research with work in businesses, as well as other innovative training methods that promote employability and career development.
In addition to generous funding, scientists have the opportunity to gain experience abroad and in the private sector, while also enhancing their skills or specializing in areas that are valuable for their careers.
