The Horizon Europe program, the EU's key funding instrument for research and innovation, presents a wealth of opportunities for researchers across various disciplines. While the specifics of the 2025 calls are still under development by the European Commission, we can anticipate certain areas based on current priorities and previous years' funding initiatives. This guide offers a preview of potential focus areas and provides strategic advice for researchers aiming to secure funding in 2025.
Anticipated Focus Areas for Horizon Europe 2025 Calls
Horizon Europe's overarching goals continue to center on tackling global challenges and driving societal transformation. We anticipate several key themes will dominate the 2025 calls, building on the strategic priorities set by the European Commission. These include:
1. Green Transition and Climate Change
The fight against climate change and the transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral economy remain paramount. Expect substantial funding opportunities within this area, potentially focusing on:
- Renewable energy sources: Further advancements in solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable technologies.
- Energy efficiency: Innovative solutions for reducing energy consumption across sectors.
- Circular economy: Developing sustainable production and consumption models to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization.
- Climate adaptation and mitigation: Research addressing the impacts of climate change and strategies to lessen its effects.
2. Digital Transformation
Europe's digital ambitions will continue to drive significant investments in research and innovation. Areas of potential focus include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI): Ethical, trustworthy, and secure AI development and applications.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting critical infrastructure and digital systems from cyber threats.
- High-performance computing (HPC): Developing and deploying advanced computing technologies.
- Data science and big data analytics: Harnessing the power of data to drive innovation and decision-making.
3. Health and Wellbeing
Investing in health research remains a cornerstone of Horizon Europe. Expect calls related to:
- Infectious diseases: Developing tools and strategies for preventing and controlling outbreaks.
- Chronic diseases: Researching novel treatments and preventative measures for prevalent conditions.
- Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments to individual patients' genetic and lifestyle characteristics.
- Mental health: Addressing the growing burden of mental illness and promoting mental wellbeing.
4. Security and Defence
With the geopolitical landscape constantly evolving, security and defence research is increasingly important. Potential calls may address:
- Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
- Advanced materials and technologies for defense applications.
- Space-based technologies and services.
Strategic Advice for Securing Horizon Europe Funding in 2025
Successfully securing funding requires careful planning and preparation. Here's some key advice:
- Monitor the European Commission's website: Stay updated on official announcements and publications related to Horizon Europe.
- Network and collaborate: Build strong partnerships with researchers across Europe to increase your chances of success.
- Develop a strong proposal: Focus on impact, innovation, and excellence in your research proposal. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and its potential societal benefit.
- Address the evaluation criteria: Pay close attention to the evaluation criteria outlined in the call text and tailor your proposal accordingly.
- Seek expert advice: Consult with experienced grant writers or funding agencies for support in developing a compelling application.
Conclusion
Horizon Europe 2025 calls promise exciting opportunities for researchers to contribute to Europe's future. By closely monitoring developments, proactively building collaborations, and crafting strong proposals, researchers can significantly improve their chances of securing funding and making impactful contributions to critical global challenges. Remember to regularly check the official Horizon Europe website for the latest updates and call announcements as they become available. This detailed preview should equip you to prepare effectively for the upcoming funding opportunities.
