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

April 14, 2026

€5,000,000–€6,000,000 per project; up to 2 projects funded; lump sum grant

Supports holistic, interdisciplinary microbiome research to advance resilient, sustainable, and competitive food systems through integrated data and technology.

--- ## Description This grant from the European Commission (HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-11) funds research projects that take a systems-level, holistic approach to microbiome research for resilient, competitive, and sustainable food systems. Projects are expected to deepen understanding of microbiome interactions across hosts and environments using a One Health perspective, promote the integration of advanced technologies (multi-omics, AI, predictive models), and enhance collaboration and data sharing among European research infrastructures. The goal is to generate innovative solutions for food security, agrifood system durability, industrial applications, nutrition, health, biodiversity, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Proposals must address: - Holistic systems approaches to studying microbiomes and their functions in ecosystems. - Integration of new and existing technologies (e.g., multi-omics, high-throughput phenotyping, AI, predictive modeling, organoids). - Synergy between research infrastructures (e.g., ELIXIR, MIRRI, BBMRI-ERIC, EOSC) for data integration and valorization. - Development and dissemination of reference strains, standard protocols, and quality control measures. A multi-actor approach is required, involving researchers, businesses (including SMEs and startups), public authorities, policymakers, research infrastructures, and civil society. --- ## Due Dates - April 14, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), by 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget per project: €5,000,000 to €6,000,000 (lump sum) - Up to 2 projects are expected to be funded under this topic --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and associated countries; some non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they secure their own funding (see [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](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)). - Proposals must apply a multi-actor approach, engaging a range of stakeholders. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. - Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout requirements (see [Annex A and E](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 eligibility details are in the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application: submit full proposal by April 14, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. - Use the [Submission System](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-11?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. - Follow the [standard application form for HE RIA, IA](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in [Annex D](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). - Proposals must use the lump sum funding model (see [guidance](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf)). - Consult the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step guidance. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should support EU policies such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Zero Pollution Action Plan, Life Science Strategy, and Food 2030 Framework. - Expected outcomes include improved understanding of microbiome functions, innovative solutions for sustainable food systems, and enhanced data sharing across infrastructures. - Partner search and support are available via the [Partner Search tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-11?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&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 2026-2027](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](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder main contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (European Commission) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Integrating a holistic perspective in microbiome research for resilient, competitive and sustainable food systems - European Commission

Sign in to see full grant listing