Open topic: Impact-driven research on realising the full potential of cultural heritage, arts and cultural and creative industries

Overview

Funding for impact-driven research that advances the role of cultural heritage, arts, or cultural and creative industries (CCIs) as drivers of sustainable innovation or European identity. Targets researchers, institutions, and organizations proposing transformative, actionable solutions beyond descriptive studies.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, public bodies, non-profits) from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and select non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are permitted but not explicitly required.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €4,000,000 per project.
• Funding form: Lump sum contributions.
• Total budget: Not specified.
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules likely apply).

What Is Funded

Research and innovation projects addressing:

• Realizing the full potential of cultural heritage, arts, or CCIs as drivers of sustainable innovation or a European sense of belonging.
• Transformative, actionable knowledge (not descriptive studies).
• New groundbreaking methods or findings with practical applications.
• Focus areas may include (but are not limited to) specific cultural, artistic, or creative sectors, provided they align with the expected outcome.

Projects must avoid duplicating existing EU-funded activities and should build on prior research where relevant.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to impact and practical application of research outcomes.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-03-01
• Deadline: 2027-05-03T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Two-stage process:

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

• Submission portal: Funding & Tenders Portal.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting: Standard Horizon Europe reporting requirements apply (details not specified).
• Ownership/licensing: The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.
• Lump sum specifics: Eligible costs are pre-defined; no detailed cost reporting required.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Associated Countries, and select non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions (see Horizon Europe Programme Guide).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Blind evaluation: First-stage proposals must anonymize applicant details to ensure unbiased assessment.
• Lump sum funding: Projects receive a fixed amount; no cost reporting is required, but outcomes must align with pre-defined deliverables.
• No duplication: Projects must not replicate existing EU-funded activities.