Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

Overview

Funding for consortia to establish "talent ecosystems" that improve early research careers by fostering cross-sectoral cooperation, career interoperability, and attractive working conditions for researchers and R&I staff. Targets organisations committed to implementing the European Charter for Researchers.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Associated Country, with at least two entities based in a Member State. Eligible applicants include universities, research organisations, businesses, and other public or private entities employing researchers.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 6,000,000 EUR
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Project duration: Up to 3 years (longer if justified)

What Is Funded

• Development of talent ecosystems to enhance researcher employability, skills, and career development
• Implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and organisational changes to improve working conditions
• Activities such as mapping challenges, upskilling, career development services, mentoring, well-being initiatives, and networking
• Cooperation between academic and non-academic sectors to align training with labour market needs
• Outreach to attract international researchers

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Targets projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-07
• Deadline: 2027-03-10

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal
• Evaluation based on standard Horizon Europe criteria (excellence, impact, implementation)

Post-Award Obligations

• Implementation of the European Charter for Researchers within the grant duration
• Participation in networking and cooperation with other funded projects under this topic

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

• Does not fund individual researcher salaries or mobility
• Participating organisations must either hold the HR Excellence in Research Award or commit to applying the European Charter for Researchers
• Consortia must demonstrate sustainability of the talent ecosystem beyond the project duration