Horizon Europe: more accessible than you think
As a researcher in the health and biomedical fields, you might feel both excited and daunted by the potential opportunities provided by the Horizon Europe programme. With its reputation for high competition, many potential applicants might feel discouraged. However, the truth is, Horizon Europe is more approachable than it might seem.
This blog post aims to demystify the programme and encourage you to take advantage of this incredible funding opportunity.
A programme for everyone
One of the most encouraging aspects of Horizon Europe is the diversity among its successful applicants. This isn’t a programme only for the elite; it’s accessible to a wide range of researchers across various demographics. Here are some key points to consider:
- Institutional affiliation: Successful grantees come from a mix of universities, research centers, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This diversity indicates that the programme supports a broad spectrum of research environments, not just well-established institutions.
- Career stage: Horizon Europe is open to researchers at different stages of their careers. Whether you are an early-career researcher or an established professor, there are opportunities tailored to your experience level.
- Geographical distribution: The programme funds researchers from across Europe, providing support to projects in numerous countries. This geographical diversity ensures that innovative ideas from all corners of Europe have a chance to be heard and funded.
- Research disciplines: Horizon Europe doesn’t pigeonhole its applicants. Researchers from a variety of disciplines, within health and biomedicine, are encouraged to apply. This interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration and innovation across fields.
- Diverse organizations: Given the importance of cross-cutting themes like gender, open science, and social sciences and humanities, the programme is attracting a broader range of organizations. This includes NGOs, policy think tanks, and community organizations, further enriching the research ecosystem.
The takeaway here is clear: Horizon Europe is designed to be accessible to a diverse range of researchers, making it an inclusive and supportive programme. Your unique perspective and expertise could be exactly what the programme is looking for!
More funding, more opportunities
One of the standout features of Horizon Europe is its substantial budget. With approximately €95.5 billion allocated for the programme, there is a significant increase in funding opportunities compared to its predecessor, Horizon 2020. This expanded budget means more grants, more projects, and more chances for your research to receive the support it needs.
For health and biomedical researchers, this increase in funding is particularly promising. The field is rapidly evolving, and substantial financial support is crucial for advancing groundbreaking research and innovations.
Familiar ground: the proposal structure
If you've been intimidated by the application process, here's a reassuring fact: while Horizon Europe may seem complex at first glance, its core elements are likely familiar to you. The main components of a Horizon Europe proposal are similar to those required by many national funding bodies:
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Work plan
- Impact
These elements are the backbone of any strong research proposal, regardless of the funding source. While Horizon Europe may require a greater level of detail or specific formatting, the fundamental aspects of your proposal remain consistent. This means that if you've prepared proposals for national funding, you already have a solid foundation for a Horizon Europe application.
Conclusion
Horizon Europe offers exciting opportunities for health and biomedical researchers at all career stages and from diverse backgrounds. With its increased budget, structured application process, and commitment to funding a wide range of projects, it's more accessible than ever. Don't let the competitive nature of the programme deter you. Your innovative ideas deserve a chance to shine on the European stage. Take that first step and explore what Horizon Europe can offer you and your research. The next groundbreaking project could be yours!
Picture by Aaron Burden on Unsplash