Brussels – The European Commission has announced an information day aimed at potential applicants for the 2026 calls within the Horizon Europe Perform Programme 2026-2027, specifically focusing on research infrastructures. This event signals a key step in the implementation of the EU’s flagship research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, and its commitment to bolstering European scientific capabilities.
The upcoming work programme builds on the existing Horizon Europe framework, a program with a total budget of €95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027, as established in 2021. The program aims to strengthen the EU’s scientific and technological bases, boost Europe’s innovation capacity, and deliver on the EU’s climate and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026-2027 iteration will continue to prioritize these objectives, with a significant emphasis on climate action, as evidenced by the allocation of €4.9 billion dedicated to this area, according to the European Commission.
Horizon Europe: A Focus on Research Infrastructure
Research infrastructures are crucial for advancing scientific discovery and innovation. They encompass unique facilities, resources, and services used by researchers across disciplines. The Horizon Europe program recognizes the importance of these infrastructures and actively supports their development, maintenance, and accessibility. The information day is designed to guide prospective applicants through the intricacies of the 2026 calls related to these vital resources.
The Commission’s release of the final work programmes for 2026-27, as reported by Science|Business, underscores the EU’s commitment to a long-term vision for research and innovation. These programmes outline the specific themes, priorities, and funding opportunities available to researchers and innovators across Europe and beyond.
Armenian Participation and the MSCA & Citizens Call
The Horizon Europe program extends its reach beyond EU member states, actively encouraging participation from associated countries. Armenpress reports that a proposal from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (NAS RA) has been selected for funding under the 2025 MSCA & Citizens Call, demonstrating the program’s inclusivity and its support for scientific endeavors in associated countries. This highlights the program’s ambition to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on a global scale.
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are a key component of Horizon Europe, focusing on funding excellent research projects and fostering researcher mobility. The “Citizens” call aims to engage the public in science and research, promoting a more inclusive and participatory approach to innovation.
What to Expect from the Information Day
The online information day will provide a platform for potential applicants to learn about the specific requirements, evaluation criteria, and application procedures for the 2026 calls related to research infrastructures. It will likely feature presentations from Commission officials, successful applicants from previous calls, and opportunities for networking and Q&A sessions. Attendees can expect detailed guidance on preparing competitive proposals and maximizing their chances of securing funding.
The Horizon Europe program, as outlined in the European External Action Service (EEAS), is a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to remain a global leader in science and technology. The upcoming information day is a crucial step in ensuring that the program’s resources are effectively deployed to support cutting-edge research and innovation across Europe.
Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 will be vital for achieving the EU’s ambitious goals in areas such as climate change, digital transformation, and public health. The information day represents an important opportunity for researchers and innovators to engage with the program and contribute to these critical efforts.
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