Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European research infrastructures

Overview

Supports the evolution, long-term sustainability, and adaptation of pan-European research infrastructures (ESFRI Landmarks or ERICs) to address emerging scientific, societal, and policy challenges. Targets research infrastructure operators seeking to enhance service capacity, expand membership, or integrate new technologies and methodologies.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities hosting ESFRI Landmarks or European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs). Proposals must explicitly identify the participating research infrastructure(s) and their operating beneficiaries. Distributed ERICs must apply as the ERIC itself.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €40,000,000
• Funding rate: 80% of eligible costs (lump sum)
• Co-funding: Beneficiaries must provide the remaining 20% share

What Is Funded

Activities critical to the sustainability, optimization, or evolution of ESFRI Landmarks or ERICs, including:

• Expansion of membership, particularly in widening and candidate countries
• Addressing gaps identified in assessments or monitoring exercises
• Strengthening international cooperation
• Revising business or funding plans
• Developing managerial and technical skills for staff
• Structuring national or thematic nodes
• Extending remote or virtual access
• Implementing FAIR data management principles
• Reorienting or evolving the research infrastructure’s scope to fill landscape gaps
• Greening technologies and methodologies
• Enhancing interaction with industry/SMEs and innovation ecosystems

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 4 to 6

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-03-08
• Deadline: 2027-06-14

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland
• Application language: English

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate complementarity with existing EU initiatives and prior grants (e.g., INFRADEV, INFRATECH).
• Synergies with Horizon Europe partnerships and alignment with EU strategies are encouraged.
• Specific attention must be given to environmental sustainability, innovation potential, and integration into regional/global ecosystems.