Preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects
Preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects supports infrastructure teams with legal, financial and technical planning to establish new facilities and secure long-term commitments.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: March 9, 2027 (Opening) | June 15, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: €1.5 million–€3.5 million per project (lump sum), with €29 million total funding and 9 expected grants
Summary: Supports the legal, financial and technical preparation needed to establish new research infrastructures identified in the 2026 ESFRI Roadmap update.
Key Information: Proposals should involve the stakeholders needed to make decisions and financial commitments before construction begins.
Description
This European Commission Horizon Europe topic supports the preparatory phase of new research infrastructure projects identified in the 2026 update of the ESFRI Roadmap, across all fields of science. Funded as Coordination and Support Actions, projects address the legal, financial and technical questions needed to establish infrastructures and secure Member State and Associated Country commitments to their long-term operation and use.
The work covers governance and financing frameworks, legal agreements, logistics and staffing, final technical designs, scientific user services, and FAIR data curation, preservation and access. The goal is to strengthen scientific capacity and excellence across the European Research Area and provide a sound basis for investment decisions. Proposals should demonstrate scientific and societal relevance, including regional socio-economic impacts, and develop synergies with existing infrastructures and EU-funded activities.
