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

September 18, 2025 (single-stage)

€1,000,000–€1,500,000 per project | Approx. 3 projects funded | Lump sum grants

EU grant supporting preparatory actions to strengthen strategies, access models, and technology frameworks for European research infrastructures.

Applicants must choose and address one of three focus areas: investment/funding, access schemes, or joint technology development.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe call supports projects aiming to reinforce the strategic and operational basis of European research infrastructures. Proposals must focus on one of three areas: - **Strengthening investment plans and diversifying funding streams** for research infrastructures, - **Preparing integrated and sustainable access schemes** to research infrastructures, - **Developing frameworks for joint research infrastructure technology advancements**. The objective is to improve stakeholder coordination, align funding and governance, and foster robust innovation ecosystems, ultimately enhancing the sustainability, accessibility, and technological capacity of European research infrastructures. --- ## Due Dates - **Opening date:** May 6, 2025 - **Submission deadline:** September 18, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available for this topic:** €4,500,000 - **Typical grant per project:** €1,000,000–€1,500,000 (lump sum) - **Expected number of funded projects:** 3 --- ## Eligibility - **Countries:** - EU Member States and associated countries (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf)) - Some non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they provide their own funding (see [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)) - **Consortium requirements:** - Proposals must address only one of the three areas and specify which one. - For Area 2, proposals should involve research infrastructures from different ESFRI domains and include at least one ESFRI infrastructure and/or ERIC per domain. - For Area 3, at least two different research infrastructures as beneficiaries, each being an ESFRI Landmark, ERIC, or international European research organization. - **Other:** The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a consortium member. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Proposal requirements:** Follow the page limits and layout as described in Part B of the Application Form (available in the submission system). - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated in a single stage; the highest-ranked proposal in each area will be funded, provided thresholds are met. - **Grant type:** Lump sum grants (see [Decision on lump sum contributions](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf)). - **Reference documents:** Applicants should review the [Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-3-research-infrastructures_horizon-2025_en.pdf), [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), and [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - **Focus areas:** Only one area may be addressed per proposal; applicants must state clearly which area is being targeted. - **Cooperation:** Proposals should foresee collaboration with projects funded in related areas, especially regarding access and funding models. - **Evaluation criteria:** Detailed in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - **Templates and guidance:** [Application forms](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf), [Evaluation forms](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-csa_en.pdf), and [Lump sum 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) are available. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&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 2025](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Work Programme: Research Infrastructures](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-3-research-infrastructures_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](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?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact / Link | |----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC contact | [European Commission Contact](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 | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Preparatory actions exploring future frameworks for research infrastructures investment plans and funding streams, for integrated and sustained scheme for access and for joint technology development.

Sign in to see full grant listing