Preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects

This grant supports the preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects as identified in the 2026 update of the ESFRI Roadmap. Projects are expected to boost scientific capacity, performance, and excellence of the European research infrastructure landscape. The programme addresses legal, financial, and technical issues to lay the foundation for new infrastructures and ensure the commitment of Member States/Associated Countries to their long-term operation and use. The scope includes developing legal and financial frameworks and agreements, planning governance, logistics, and human resources, addressing technical design and technology implementation, and ensuring access to data and alignment with FAIR principles. Proposals should also consider socio-economic impacts and links with regional strategies and previous EU grants, including environmental impacts and resource optimisation.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	9 Mar 2027
End date	15 Jun 2027
Max funding	1,500,000 EUR - 3,500,000 EUR per project
Budget	30,000,000 EUR (for HORIZON-INFRA-2027-DEV-01-01 action in 2027)
Coverage	Eligible costs are reimbursed as lump sum contributions according to Horizon Europe rules.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility Conditions	Proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and in Part B of the Application Form.
Eligible Countries	Beneficiaries can be legal entities from EU Member States, Associated Countries and, under specific conditions, non-associated third countries with specific funding provisions as per Annex B.
Applicant Consortia	Consortia must include all stakeholders necessary for project development and financial commitments, including (but not limited to): national/regional ministries, research councils, funding agencies, research facilities, universities, and industry partners as appropriate.
Other Eligible Conditions	Applicants must fulfill financial and operational capacity requirements and are subject to exclusion criteria as described in Annex C.
Evaluation and Award	Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds as described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes as outlined in Annex F and the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual. Indicative evaluation and agreement timelines as described in Annex F.
Legal and Financial Set-up	Grants are provided as lump sums as defined in the relevant Horizon Europe Programme decisions and Annex G of the General Annexes.
Specific Objectives	Address all key legal, financial, and technical issues necessary for establishment and operation. Develop governance and operating plans, including site selection, internal rules, and financial agreements. Prepare documentation such as Memorandum of Understanding or signature-ready agreements.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-INFRA-2027-DEV-01-01

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements