Closing knowledge gaps on Earth system science in support of global and regional assessments and climate policy

Overview

Funding for research projects addressing critical knowledge gaps in Earth system science to improve climate change projections, inform policy, and support global assessments like the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. Targets researchers, institutions, and consortia advancing climate science with policy-relevant outcomes.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, private companies) from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are encouraged, particularly those involving international cooperation under IPCC, WCRP, or GCOS frameworks.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €9,000,000
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Total budget: Not specified
• Co-funding: Not required (lump sum model)

What Is Funded

Research addressing knowledge gaps in Earth system science, including but not limited to:

• Uncertainties in global and regional climate change projections
• Gaps identified in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) or other authoritative sources
• Policy-relevant climate science evidence
• Use of satellite remote sensing data (collaboration with ESA’s FutureEO and EC-ESA Earth System Science Initiative encouraged)
• Novel scientific insights and approaches not prominently covered by other Horizon Europe topics

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Projects must demonstrate scientific rigor, policy relevance, and alignment with the scope of IPCC Working Group I (Earth system science).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-17
• Deadline: 2026-04-14T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Two-stage process:

1. First stage: Blind evaluation (applicants must not disclose organization names, logos, or personnel in the abstract or Part B of the proposal). 2. Second stage: Full proposal submission for selected applicants.

• Submission portal: Funding & Tenders Portal.

Post-Award Obligations

• Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data if satellite-based earth observation is employed.
• Collaboration with ESA’s FutureEO or EC-ESA Earth System Science Initiative (if applicable).
• Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements (details in the Model Grant Agreement).

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must avoid overlap with other Horizon Europe topics in the 2025–2027 Work Programmes.
• International cooperation (e.g., IPCC, WCRP, GCOS) is strongly encouraged.
• First-stage proposals undergo blind evaluation; anonymity must be maintained in initial submissions.