Co-funded European Partnership for Social Transformations and Resilience

Overview

A co-funded European partnership supporting long-term research and innovation in social transformations and resilience, targeting policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in social sciences and humanities (SSH). The program aims to address megatrends like climate change, digitalization, and demographic shifts through evidence-based solutions for social protection, work, education, and climate neutrality.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of national or regional research funding agencies, ministries, universities, research institutions, social partners, civil society organizations, and private sector entities (e.g., employment agencies, social entrepreneurs). Applicants must represent EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries, with openness to third-country participation.

Funding Details

• Total EU contribution: Up to €60,000,000 (30% funding rate of eligible costs).
• Financial support to third parties (FSTP): Grants awarded to transnational projects, with a maximum of €3 million per third party over the partnership’s duration (7–10 years). The €60,000 FSTP threshold does not apply.
• Co-funding: Required from participating national/regional programs (financial or in-kind contributions).

What Is Funded

Research and innovation activities addressing four interconnected impact areas: 1. Modernization of social protection systems and essential services. 2. Future of work (skills demands, labor shortages, digital divides). 3. Education and skills development. 4. Fair transition to climate neutrality.

Activities include:

• Comparative studies and best-practice sharing.
• Stakeholder engagement (policymakers, citizens, social innovators).
• Social experimentations at subnational, national, or European levels.
• Development of analytical tools and methodologies.
• Capacity-building for R&I communities and policymakers.
• Gender and intersectional analysis across all activities.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must align with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6, focusing on applied research and early-stage development of solutions.

Key Dates

• Call opens: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-10-12

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must include a 70-page Part B template and additional annexes.
• Evaluation involves an expert committee, including EU institution representatives.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Regular updates on progress, outcomes, and financials.
• Dissemination: Sharing results with stakeholders and policymakers.
• Synergies: Collaboration with other Horizon Europe partnerships, missions, and initiatives.
• Ownership/licensing: The EU may object to transfers or exclusive licensing of results up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and third countries with specific funding provisions.
• Language: English.

Notes

• Only one project will be funded.
• Predecessor networks (e.g., CHANSE, HERA, NORFACE) and EU agencies (e.g., Eurofound, CEDEFOP) should be engaged for coherence.
• Proposals must justify any retroactive starting date (costs incurred from submission date may be eligible).
• Gender and intersectional perspectives are mandatory across all activities.