Horizon Europe Overview and Proposal Writing course at Policlinico di Milano

March 24, 2026

On 16 March, Innovation Acta delivered a hands-on training course at Policlinico di Milano titled “Horizon Europe Overview and Proposal Writing”. The course was designed for researchers and professionals interested in transforming their project ideas into competitive proposals under the Horizon Europe framework.

Navigating the complex world of funding opportunities can be challenging, and a good idea alone is often not enough. Writing an effective proposal requires the ability to identify the most suitable funding instrument, define a solid strategy and present the project with clarity and coherence.

During the course, participants explored the key features of Horizon Europe, the structure and logic of calls, and the main sections of a successful proposal. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, they worked on how to align their ideas with the expectations of evaluators and how to clearly demonstrate excellence, impact and quality of implementation.

Innovation Acta remains committed to supporting institutions and research teams in accessing European funding, providing tailored training and consultancy services to strengthen their capacity in proposal development and project management.


LIFE

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will present a series of virtual information sessions on the LIFE 2026 Calls for proposals during the EU LIFE 2026 info days from 28 to 30 April. The programme and all useful information can be found here. The Info Days also aim to explain how to prepare an application and what makes an excellent proposal.

These live sessions will guide potential applicants through the new Calls for proposals and the priority topics for 2026 under the four LIFE sub-programmes:

  • Nature and biodiversity;
  • Circular economy and quality of life;
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation;
  • Clean energy transition.

More detailed information on the LIFE Programme is available on the CINEA Website

Open Calls

https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2026_en

The LIFE Calls for proposals 2026 will be published on the Funding & Tenders portal on 21 April 2026.

The Calls will subsequently be presented at the EU LIFE info days, planned from 28 to 30 April 2026. Registrations will open on 2 March.



BE READY

Open Calls

BE READY Joint Transnational Call 2026: Advancing knowledge of host and pathogens dynamics to better combat emerging diseases.
LINK: https://beready4pandemics.eu/joint-transnational-calls/

Deadline for pre-proposal submission – 13 April 2026
Deadline full proposals – 20 August 2026



BrainHealth JTC2026

EP BrainHealth – European Partnership for Brain Health

The European Partnership for Brain Health (EP BrainHealth) is a major initiative involving over 55 partners from more than 30 countries across Europe and beyond, co-funded by the European Commission. Launched in January 2026, it is one of the largest collaborative efforts in brain research worldwide.

LINK: https://www.brainhealth-partnership.eu/

Open Calls

EP BrainHealth Call 1
Biological, social and environmental factors that impact the trajectory of brain health across the lifespan in the field of neurological, mental and sensory disorders

EP BrainHealth Call 2
Biological, social and environmental factors that impact the trajectory of brain health across the lifespan in the field of neurodegeneration

Strengthening brain health research – EP BrainHealth

Deadline for pre-proposal submission – March 10, 2026
Deadline full proposals – June 30, 2026



EUP AH&W

The submission tool of the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare

Open Calls

Second transnational call within the framework of the European Partnership Animal Health and Welfare
LINK: EUPAHW: Call 2 PP

Deadline for pre-proposal submission – March 30, 2026



HorizonEurope 2026 Final Work Programme is out!

January 9, 2026

📣 hashtagHorizonEurope 2026 Final Work Programme is out!
🔗https://lnkd.in/dKumbqJQ

With new calls expected to open in early February and first deadlines in April 2026, now is the perfect time to align hashtagideas, build hashtagconsortia, and turn strategic hashtagresearch priorities into hashtagcompetitive proposals!

💡 Whether you’re shaping a new concept or joining an experienced consortium, early preparation is the key to success and hashtagInnovationActa can top that with a long-standing proposal writing expertise.

📌 Stay tuned for call openings and start the conversation now – drop us a few lines on your interest at 📧 info@innovationacta.eu


The New EIC Work Programme Is Out!

January 9, 2026

The New EIC Work Programme Is Out! The 2026 Calls are packed with opportunities you cannot miss! Are you curious about what’s new?🔗Learn more here

Now is the time to start shaping your strategy, validate eligibility of your potential partners, and align your proposal with evaluators’ expectations.

The European Innovation Council has just released its Final Work Programme for the upcoming year for Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator and more. This is the moment for deep-tech and science innovators, research teams, and ambitious startups to position themselves for one of the most competitive and impactful funding instruments in Europe.


Cluster 6 - Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

These calls help deliver sustainable food systems, protect biodiversity, and drive circular bioeconomy approaches. Spanning agriculture, ecosystems, and natural resources, this cluster offers rich opportunities for researchers and innovators building a greener, more resource-efficient Europe. 

Focus: Ensuring sustainability and resilience of food systems and ecosystems.
Key areas: 

  • Biodiversity and ecosystem services 
  • Sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 
  • Circular bioeconomy 
  • Food systems and security 
  • Water and soil management 

Open Calls

Topic Type Budget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
N° of projects expected to be funded Deadline
 

Destination Biodiversity and ecosystem services

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01: Understanding and tackling the decline of insects RIA 13.00 6.50 2 17 Sep 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02: Developing methods to assess the presence, functions and sensitivity of groundwater ecosystems RIA 10.00 5.00 2 17 Sep 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-06: Boosting agrobiodiversity for food security and sustainable competitiveness RIA 10.00 5.00 2 17 Sep 2026
 

Destination Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-01:Improving circularity of multilayer flexible plastic food contact packaging IA 11.00 5.00 to 6.00 2 17 Sep 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-07:Advancing the European bio-based innovation enabled by biotechnology and biomanufacturing concepts RIA 12.00 4.00 3 17 Sep 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-09: Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives while unlocking sustainable value chains RIA 12.00 6.00 2 17 Sep 2026
 

Destination Clean environment and zero pollution

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01- ZEROPOLLUTION-01: Toward a comprehensive assessment of the disturbance of marine ecosystems by anthropogenic underwater noise RIA 10.00 10.00 1 17 Sep 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02: Bioremediation of Ukraine’s ecosystems contaminated by conflicts IA 11.00 5.00 to 6.00 2

 

17 Sep 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03: Developing managed aquifer recharge techniques (MAR) in a rural context RIA 12.00 6.00 2 17 Sep 2026
 

Destination Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-05: Boosting circularity and diversification strategies of terrestrial livestock production systems RIA 12.00 6.00 2 14 Apr 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-07: Strengthening the       EU        plant   protection ecosystem for a future-proof agriculture CSA 3.00 3.00 1 14 Apr 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-09:Sustainable and healthy diets for cardiovascular diseases prevention with the support of digital applications IA 12.00 Around 6.00 2 14 Apr 2026
HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-11:
Integrating a holistic perspective in microbiome research for resilient, competitive and sustainable food systems
RIA 11.00 5.00 to 6.00 2 14 Apr 2026
 

Two-Stage Calls 2026

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage: Open topic: Uncovering the causes of specific species’ rapid decline and exploring actionable solutions RIA 12.00 3.00 4 16 Apr 2026 (First Stage), 23 Sep 2026 (Second Stage)

 

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01-two-stage: Open topic: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector by enhancing the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural production factors IA 13.50 4.50 3 14 Apr 2026 (First Stage), 15 Sep 2026 (Second Stage)

 

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02-two-stage: Open topic: Boosting organic farming for a competitive, sustainable and resilient farming sector IA 13.50 4.50 3 14 Apr 2026 (First Stage), 15 Sep 2026 (Second Stage)

 


All the Open Calls


Cluster 5 - Climate, Energy & Mobility

These calls support forward-looking collaborations tackling climate change and accelerating the green transition. Opportunities cover clean energy systems, sustainable mobility, and climate adaptation. Whether your work advances low-carbon solutions, smart transport, or resilience strategies, this cluster provides a strong platform for impact.

Focus: Achieving climate neutrality and sustainable transport and energy systems.
Key areas:

  • Climate science and solutions
  • Energy systems and grids
  • Renewable energy
  • Smart and sustainable mobility
  • Energy efficiency and storage


All the Open Calls


Cluster 4 - Digital, Industry & Space

These calls empower cutting-edge projects shaping Europe’s digital transformation, industrial leadership, and space innovation. With topics ranging from advanced manufacturing to AI and next-generation space systems, this cluster offers exciting possibilities for innovators driving Europe’s technological future.

Focus: Driving digital and industrial transformation and ensuring technological sovereignty.
Key areas:

  • Advanced manufacturing and materials
  • Artificial intelligence, data, and robotics
  • Microelectronics and photonics
  • Space technologies and applications
  • Circular and low-carbon industry


All the Open Calls