Strengthening the human capital managing research infrastructures, including in international context

Overview

Supports specialized training and professional development for staff managing research infrastructures of European interest, including executive master’s programs, to enhance operational planning, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration. Targets research infrastructure managers, staff, and students pursuing careers in this field.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include consortia of universities, research infrastructures (e.g., ESFRI, ERICs, EIROforum), training providers, and relevant stakeholders. Participation from widening and candidate countries, as well as Ukrainian research infrastructures, is encouraged.

Funding Details

Maximum funding amount: €40,000,000. Funding is provided as a lump sum under Horizon Europe’s simplified cost model.

What Is Funded

• Development and delivery of specialized training programs, including executive master’s degrees in research infrastructure management.
• Staff exchanges, best practice sharing, and curriculum development for pan-European research infrastructures.
• Scholarships for staff from Ukrainian research infrastructures and widening/candidate countries.
• Training on digitalization (e.g., AI), geopolitical challenges, industry engagement, State Aid rules, financial sustainability, data management (FAIR principles), and research security.
• Collaboration with universities, national agencies, ERICs, and international organizations to ensure training relevance and accreditation (e.g., ECTS points).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

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

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the call documentation.

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 evolution from past projects (e.g., RItrainPlus, RAMIRI) and engagement with existing curricula.
• Training programs must lead to recognized accreditation (e.g., ECTS points).
• Emphasis on addressing digitalization, internationalization, and industry linkages.
• Lump sum funding model applies; detailed budget tables are required.