How health researchers can decode requirements of an Horizon Europe call (and align their proposal perfectly)

Navigating Horizon Europe calls can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces, especially if you're an early-career health researcher stepping into the coordinator role for the first time. You may have heard “Make sure your project aligns with the call requirements,” but rarely does anyone explain how to do this effectively.

That’s why misalignment with the call text is still one of the top reasons proposals fail. But how do you ensure your project fits perfectly?

Stop guessing: many of the answers are already there. The magic formula behind the success of your project is a skill you already have (and have had for a long time). The challenge isn’t in developing this skill—it’s in applying it to the call text.

Here’s a straightforward method to help you assess the fit of your research idea with the Horizon Europe calls, and avoid missing crucial elements.

Focus on key sections in the call

Every Horizon Europe call includes vital information that can shape your proposal. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Specific Conditions: These include deadlines, budget limits, and eligibility criteria. Skipping over these basics could mean disqualification before your proposal is even read
   • Deadline and deadline model: indicates when your proposal must be submitted, so that you can plan your proposal preparation timeline efficiently. For two-stage calls, the first submission requires a concise project overview (10 pages), followed by a full proposal if shortlisted.
   • Expected EU contribution and budget: Highlights the project’s scale, ambition, and funding potential. Comparing the expected contribution per project with the overall budget for the call helps estimate the competition level in the call.
   • Type of action: Defines the nature of activities, such as research, demonstration, or coordination.
   • Eligibility conditions: Notes any exceptions or specific requirements beyond standard eligibility.
   • Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Specifies the maturity level expected for project outcomes, guiding also the composition of your consortium.
2. Expected outcomes: Think of this section as the “why” of your project. It defines the benefits the European Commission expects your research to bring.
3. Scope: This is where the “what” and “how” are outlined. Carefully dissect this section for actionable clues, as this is your blueprint for aligning activities with expectations.
4. Cross-cutting priorities: Ethical considerations, gender equality, and open science. Incorporate them thoughtfully into your proposal narrative to strengthen your proposal.

The color-coding method: my simple way to break down the call text

Feeling lost in the details? Grab your highlighters and try this simple technique to uncover what’s essential:

• 🟢 Green for verbs

  Highlight action verbs in the “Scope” section, such as “develop,” “validate,” or “analyse.” These verbs signal the required activities for your project. Do these match your research activities? If not, consider refining your objectives.

  • Pro Tip: Treat phrases like “is recommended” or “should” as must-haves. Aiming to meet all expectations is key to a competitive proposal.
• 🟦 Blue for target groups

  In the “Expected Outcomes” section, identify who the European Commission expects to benefit from your research. For health calls, this could mean patients, healthcare providers, and public health authorities. If your project isn’t addressing these groups, rethink your focus or adjust your dissemination plan.

• 🟡 Yellow for collaboration hints

  Phrases like “synergies should be sought with...” or “involvement of…” highlight key partnerships. Use this information to identify gaps in your consortium and reach out to your network to fill them.

Watch for hidden traps in the text

Pay attention to small but critical words like “all,” “some,” or “most” that introduce bulleted lists. These indicate the level of alignment required. If the call states you must address all the points in a section, skipping one could significantly weaken your proposal.

From overwhelm to confidence

Reading and analyzing a Horizon Europe call may seem daunting for health researchers, but with the right approach, you can uncover exactly what the Commission is looking for. By using these practical steps and strategies, you can transform the overwhelming process into one that empowers you to write a competitive proposal.

Are you ready to take the next step toward your Horizon Europe project?

Start by applying the color-coding method to your next call text, and watch as patterns emerge, giving you clarity and direction.

Image by Kasturi Roy on Unsplash