[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

April 16, 2026

€1.5M–€1.9M (lump sum, 1 grant expected, typical duration 3–4 years)

Supports projects enhancing public trust in life sciences through innovative science communication, citizen engagement, and community outreach.

--- ## Description This grant, under Horizon Europe (HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-STAYHLTH-03), funds initiatives aimed at building public trust and improving outreach in the life sciences. The focus is on empowering stakeholders—researchers, policymakers, funders, civil society, and the public—to engage in effective science and risk communication, foster citizen participation, and counter misinformation. Funded projects will deliver advisory support, training, and practical tools for engaging the public, with special emphasis on inclusivity, participatory approaches, and long-term impact. Activities may include developing guidance for citizen engagement, creating repositories of communication tools, and organizing community-based activities, especially in areas like agriculture and food technology. --- ## Due Dates - April 16, 2026: Full application deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available: €1,900,000 (indicative, 2026 budget) - Expected contribution per project: €1,500,000–€1,900,000 (lump sum) - Number of grants: 1 - Funding type: Coordination and Support Action (CSA), Lump Sum Grant --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Consortia coordinated by legal entities established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country - Partners may include research organizations, universities, civil society, industry, science museums, and community organizations - **Eligible countries:** - EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)) - US entities may exceptionally participate and receive funding - Legal entities from China are NOT eligible - **Other restrictions:** - Coordinators must be from an EU Member State or Associated Country - Entities assessed as "high-risk suppliers" for EU communication networks are excluded --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** - Single-stage application via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-STAYHLTH-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - **Opening date:** February 10, 2026 - **Deadline:** April 16, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time - **Documents required:** - Application form (HE CSA) - Detailed budget table - Supporting documents as specified in the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - **Evaluation criteria:** - Excellence, Impact, Implementation (threshold: 4/5 for each, total 12/15) - **Results:** - Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: see [Annex F](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - The selected project should connect with the European Competence Centre for Science Communication (launch expected in 2027) and leverage existing European repositories and guidance. - At least one community engagement activity must focus on agriculture and food technology. - Proposals should ensure the long-term accessibility of tools and resources developed. - Collaboration with other Horizon Europe projects and relevant local actors is encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-STAYHLTH-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (Eligibility, Evaluation, etc.)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual (Application Process)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General queries | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National support | [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/portal support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Building public trust and outreach in the life sciences - European Commission

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