Risk management, mitigation and contingency for ESFRI/ERIC and other world-class research infrastructures

Overview

Supports pan-European research infrastructures, including ESFRI and ERICs, in developing and implementing risk management, mitigation, and contingency plans for critical threats to data, equipment, or facilities, particularly in climate, health, and social sciences. Targets consortia of research infrastructures facing shared risks to ensure sustainability and EU strategic autonomy.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include pan-European research infrastructures such as ESFRI research infrastructures, European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), and other world-class research infrastructures in Europe. Consortia of these entities are encouraged, particularly those addressing shared or related risks.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding per grant: €40,000,000
• Funding type: Lump sum
• Total budget: Not specified
• Co-funding requirements: Not specified

What Is Funded

• Development and implementation of risk management, mitigation, and contingency plans for critical risks (e.g., data loss, equipment failure, supply chain disruptions, or geographical coverage gaps).
• Identification and preservation of "critical R&I services" essential for EU policy priorities and socio-economic challenges.
• Best practice exchange and guidance on risk assessment, research security, and foreign interference.
• Investments in secure storage, processing, and sharing of critical data, including integration with the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC).
• Dissemination of best practices and collaboration with initiatives like the European Centre of Expertise on Research Security.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7 to 9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-03-09
• Deadline: 2026-06-15

Application Process (High-Level)

• Process: Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Application form: Standard Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) or Innovation Actions (IA) template, adapted for lump-sum funding.

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

• Proposals must demonstrate sustainability of risk management plans beyond the project duration.
• Emphasis on collaboration among research infrastructures facing similar risks.
• Alignment with EU recommendations on research security and foreign interference is required.
• Proposals should address the broader impact of risks on EU policy, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.