Better understanding and attribution of land and ocean carbon sources and sinks

Overview

Funding for research projects advancing the scientific understanding of land and ocean carbon sources and sinks, their drivers, and attribution under climate scenarios. Targets consortia of researchers, institutions, and organizations addressing gaps in carbon flux quantification and modeling.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, private companies) established in eligible countries. International cooperation with low- and middle-income countries is encouraged but subject to Horizon Europe funding rules.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €15,000,000 per project
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Eligible costs: Lump sum contributions

What Is Funded

Projects must address one of the following areas: 1. Oceanic CO₂ sources and sinks: Mechanisms, drivers, and dynamics under past, present, and future climate scenarios, including marine carbon dioxide removal potential. 2. Land CO₂ sources and sinks: Key factors driving land carbon fluxes, including natural and anthropogenic influences, under climate and land-use scenarios. 3. Reconciliation of land-use CO₂ emission estimates: Bridging discrepancies between climate science and national emissions reporting, with a focus on lateral carbon transfers.

Coordination with ESA’s FutureEO programme and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is required for data and methodology alignment.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6 (validation in lab to relevant environment)

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-03

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Submission System.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Open science practices: Mandatory open access to new models, tools, or code developed under the project.
• Coordination: Participation in cluster meetings and joint activities with ESA and other funded projects.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select third countries (subject to funding rules).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data if satellite-based earth observation is employed.
• A balanced portfolio will ensure at least two grants per area (A and B) and one for area C, provided thresholds are met.
• Lump sum funding applies; detailed budget tables are required.