Developing methods to assess the presence, functions and sensitivity of groundwater ecosystems

Overview

Funding for research projects developing innovative methods to assess groundwater ecosystems, their functions, sensitivity, and ecological status to support EU water policy and protect biodiversity. Targets researchers, public authorities, and technical experts in environmental science and water management.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, public bodies, SMEs, NGOs) from eligible countries. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €10,000,000
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Currency: EUR

What Is Funded

• Development of innovative methods (e.g., biosensors, remote sensors) to assess groundwater ecosystems and their sensitivity.
• Harmonized, validated, and standardized methods for ecotoxicity assessment of pollutants in groundwater ecosystems.
• Identification of biological and physico-chemical quality elements for potential inclusion in EU water legislation.
• Data generation to support hazard assessments and derive protective groundwater standards.
• Integration of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, including use of European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and relevant research infrastructures.
• Cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and alignment with IPBES assessments.
• International cooperation with Mediterranean countries is encouraged.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4–6

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-16
• Deadline: 2026-09-16

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout described 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 address all specified activities and integrate interdisciplinary expertise.
• Synergies with past and ongoing EU-funded projects (e.g., Water4All) are encouraged to avoid duplication.
• The JRC may test developed methods for continental-scale assessments of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.