Pillar III: Science comes to town 2029

Overview

Funding for a consortium of European cities to design and host a year-long "Science comes to town 2029" program, connecting citizens with science through inclusive events, competitions, and participatory activities. Targets cities, research organizations, and stakeholders aiming to strengthen public engagement in research and innovation.

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 based in Member States. Must include public authorities of participating cities (minimum 3, maximum 6 cities across at least 3 countries) and demonstrate strong local commitment via signed letters from city leadership.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000
• Funding type: Grant
• Co-funding: Applicants must mobilize additional resources (monetary or in-kind) beyond the EU contribution.
• Financial support to third parties: Limited to prizes (€70,000 for EUCYS, €100,000 for EU TalentOn; max €60,000 per third party).

What Is Funded

• A joint 1-year program of science communication activities, including:

- EUCYS (European Union Contest for Young Scientists, ages 14–20). - EU TalentOn (European Union Contest for Early Career Researchers, ages 21–35). - Inclusive, participatory events engaging diverse age and social groups (e.g., citizen science, public debates, career promotion). - Coordination, communication, and outreach activities.

• Synergies with European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at School initiatives encouraged.
• Activities not funded by the EU grant (e.g., additional events, satellite cities) must be detailed but will not require cost reporting.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Not explicitly specified. Focus is on organizational and outreach capacity rather than technological maturity.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-07
• Deadline: 2027-03-10
• Project duration: 24–30 months (activities to culminate in Q3 2029).

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must include:

- Commitment letters from public authorities of all participating cities. - A draft program of activities (to be finalized for approval 3 months before launch). - Breakdown of additional resources (sponsorships, in-kind contributions).

Post-Award Obligations

• Submission of a detailed draft program for approval by the granting authority.
• Reporting on implemented activities, including those not funded by the grant (without cost declarations).
• Compliance with Horizon Europe reporting and dissemination requirements.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States and Associated Countries (majority of participating cities must be in Member States).
• Language: English.

Notes

• The host city for EUCYS 2029 must provide a commitment from its National EUCYS Organiser.
• Subcontracting is permitted without restrictions.
• Proposals must demonstrate long-term vision and scalability of the initiative.