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

November 5, 2026

Around €3,000,000 per project; single grant expected

Supports research to prevent and mitigate the misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism, focusing on risk analysis, regulation, detection, and preparedness.

--- ## Description This grant from the European Commission under Horizon Europe targets the prevention and mitigation of the misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism purposes. The call aims to enhance the understanding and preparedness of European policymakers, researchers, biotech companies, and security practitioners regarding the threats posed by synthetic biology in the context of bioterrorism. Projects are expected to address the risks associated with the accessibility of synthetic biology and related technologies, particularly as they may be exploited by malicious non-state actors. Proposals should review current and emerging risks, identify regulatory and monitoring gaps, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to develop a comprehensive approach to prevention, detection, and response. The scope includes both technical and legal aspects, and emphasizes the need for improved detection technologies and robust regulatory frameworks. Coordination among funded projects and engagement with relevant EU agencies (e.g., Europol Innovation Lab) is encouraged to maximize impact and avoid duplication. --- ## Due Dates - Full proposal deadline: **November 5, 2026** (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Indicative budget:** €3,000,000 for this topic - **Number of grants:** 1 expected - **Funding type:** Lump sum grant under Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Typically, legal entities (universities, research organizations, SMEs, industry, public bodies, NGOs) established in EU Member States or associated countries. Some non-EU/non-associated countries may be eligible under specific conditions (see [Annex B](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)). - **Consortium requirements:** Proposals should bring together interdisciplinary consortia; minimum consortium composition as required by Horizon Europe RIAs (at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries). - **Other requirements:** Proposals must address all expected outcomes and applicable considerations from the relevant work programme destination. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Single-stage application via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Application templates:** Use 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:** Proposals will be evaluated based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation as detailed 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). - **Grant agreement:** Lump sum model; legal and financial setup as per Horizon Europe MGA. --- ## Additional Information - Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with other projects funded under this topic and to engage with the Europol Innovation Lab. - If proposals address drug-related issues, engagement with the EU Drugs Agency is expected. - The integration of the gender dimension should be considered if relevant. - Detailed eligibility, admissibility, and evaluation criteria are provided in the [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) and [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Page (EU Funding & Tenders Portal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&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 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 | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Contact the Commission | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points| [Find NCPs](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) | ---

Prevention and mitigation of misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism purposes - European Commission

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