Palaeoclimate science for a better understanding of Earth system dynamics

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Overview

Funding supports research into past climate changes, Earth system dynamics, and natural climate variability to improve Earth system models and inform future climate scenarios. It targets consortia of research institutions, universities, and other entities with expertise in palaeoclimate science, Earth system modelling, and data integration.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, public bodies, and consortia from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions. Collaboration with international partners is encouraged.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project is 15,000,000 EUR. Eligible costs are reimbursed as a lump sum, with funding rates and conditions specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme.

What Is Funded

Key activities include:

• Producing and aggregating high-resolution, well-dated palaeoclimatic records in interoperable databases.
• Developing Earth system models for direct comparison with palaeo data,- Modelling climate variability, thresholds, and impacts across timescales.
• Quantitative reconstructions of past climate periods using multiple proxies.
• Identifying climate-related tipping points and their consequences using palaeo data and model experiments.
• Integrating large-scale and regional/local factors into climate models using natural forcings.

Projects must rely on palaeoclimatic data from scientific drilling, sediment records, dendrochronology, or other appropriate sources.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects should use established palaeoclimatic proxies and Earth system modelling techniques. No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range is specified, but proposals must demonstrate scientific rigor and feasibility.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-03

Application Process (High-Level)

The application process is single-stage, with proposals submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe criteria, including excellence, impact, and implementation.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries include EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Projects using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
• Collaboration and clustering with other relevant projects are strongly encouraged.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and formatting requirements specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.