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

September 23, 2027

€3,000,000–€4,000,000 per project (lump sum, up to 3 awards anticipated)

Supports interdisciplinary research to identify causes and policy solutions for declining youth skills in mathematics, reading, and science across Europe.

--- ## Description This European Commission funding opportunity seeks proposals for research projects aimed at uncovering the structural causes behind the decline in young people's skills in mathematics, reading, and science, as evidenced by international assessments over the past 15 years. The grant targets interdisciplinary projects that combine quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze factors such as teaching methods, curriculum changes, digital influences, socio-emotional skills, school environment, parental involvement, and the roles of socio-economic background and gender. The ultimate aim is to generate actionable, policy-relevant evidence and advice to help reverse this trend and inform future education policies and programs throughout the EU. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2027: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Each funded project will receive a lump sum grant between €3,000,000 and €4,000,000. - Up to 3 projects are expected to be funded under this call. - Funding covers all eligible costs as defined in the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant rules. --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe. - Proposals must involve a consortium (multi-partner collaboration is typical for Horizon Europe RIA calls). - Eligible applicants include universities, research organizations, public bodies, private entities, and NGOs. - Certain non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they provide their own funding—refer to the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) for details. - Proposals must comply with the admissibility and eligibility conditions outlined in the [Horizon Europe General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Submission is single-stage via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-TRANSFO-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The call opens on May 13, 2027, and closes on September 23, 2027 (17:00 Brussels time). - Applications must use the standard Horizon Europe RIA application template, available through the portal. - Proposals must address all expected outcomes and adhere to the page limits and formatting requirements. - Evaluation is based on Horizon Europe criteria: excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of the implementation. - Projects must ensure engagement with youth and relevant stakeholders in data collection and policy development. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are encouraged to use experimental or quasi-experimental methods and may complement these with qualitative research. - Interdisciplinary approaches are highly encouraged, including economics, sociology, psychology, neuroscience, and education sciences. - Collaboration and clustering with other projects under this call and related Horizon Europe actions is recommended. - Proposals should include a cost evaluation for proposed interventions. - For detailed rules, refer to the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) and [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-TRANSFO-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&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, legal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Contact Details | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT/Portal Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contacts | [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) |

Closing the learning gap: uncovering causes and effective policy interventions for declining youth skills in mathematics, reading, and science - European Commission

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