Research Management Facility

Overview

Supports institutions in Widening countries to establish or upgrade research management capacities through tailored training, needs assessments, and implementation planning. Targets research-performing organizations and their staff to strengthen governance, efficiency, and alignment with European Research Area priorities.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Associated Country, with two entities based in a Member State. The coordinator must be established in a Widening country. Organizations hosting WIDERA National Contact Points (NCPs) in Widening countries are exceptionally eligible.

Funding Details

Maximum EU contribution: €7,000,000. Total indicative budget: €7,000,000. No co-funding requirement specified.

What Is Funded

• Needs assessments for research management capacities in collaboration with interested institutions.
• Development of tailor-made implementation plans to establish or upgrade research management capacities.
• Peer exchange and best practice sharing between Widening countries and experienced institutions.
• Training modules for research managers aligned with the European Competence Framework for Research Managers.
• Networking opportunities for research managers at European and international levels.
• Documentation, reporting, and dissemination of support activities and outcomes.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Not applicable.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-22
• Deadline: 2026-09-23

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Documentation and reporting on support provided, follow-up actions, and impacts.
• Dissemination and communication of outcomes for continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Widening countries (as defined in the Horizon Europe regulation) and Associated Countries. Application language: English.

Notes

• The action does not fund the implementation of strategies, only the development of implementation plans.
• Proposals must demonstrate full geographical coverage for all Widening countries, including Outermost Regions and relevant Associated Countries.
• Applicants must estimate the number of institutions and individuals targeted and describe prioritization methods if demand exceeds resources.