Pillar III: Promoting public engagement in R&I and scientific literacy
Pillar III: Promoting public engagement in R&I and scientific literacy supports researchers and civil society in youth science participation and public dialogue to strengthen scientific literacy and trust in science.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: December 8, 2026 (Opening) | March 11, 2027 (Application deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)
Funding Amounts: Around €1 million per project; €2 million total for two expected grants; up to 3 years
Summary: Supports public engagement and scientific literacy through youth participation in science or scaling science–society dialogue across Europe.
Key Information: Consortia need at least three independent beneficiaries in different EU Member States or Associated Countries, including two in Member States.
Description
This European Commission Horizon Europe topic supports Coordination and Support Actions that strengthen science–society links, scientific literacy, and trust in science. It contributes to the European Research Area (ERA) Structural Policy on citizen participation, engagement, and science communication. The goal is to align research and innovation with society’s needs, expectations, and values while enhancing science’s democratic character and impact.
Applicants must choose one of two areas: “Youth, science and democracy” or “Scaling up science engagement at EU level.” The first supports participatory science with young people, communities of practice, and jointly developed engagement guidance. The second scales public engagement through online dialogue platforms and researcher visits to civil society organisations, workplaces, and youth centres. Both emphasise broad geographical reach, accessibility, inclusive gender equality, and people not habitually involved in science.
