Funding opportunities
EU R&D Framework Programme
The main source of EU R&D funding comes from the framework programme, known as Horizon Europe.
Pillar 1
Pillar 1 primarily funds frontier research through the following programmes:
- The European Research Council (ERC) funds individuals pursuing groundbreaking frontier research. Several CERN scientists have won ERC funding in the past.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funds doctoral education and training and postdoctoral experience for researchers. It also provides secondments to industry and exchange opportunities. At CERN, the Marie Curie Steering Group reviews MSCA ideas and proposals.
- The Research Infrastructures call supports the development of large research facilities, resources and services, and is one of the principal ways CERN personnel receive Horizon Europe funding.
Pillar 2
This pillar supports large, collaborative projects, usually involving many beneficiaries, clustered around six themes.
CERN has won several signficant grants from pillar 2 in areas such as health, digital, space, and climate.
Pillar 3
Pillar 3 supports innovation activities, and is positioned to back technologies or products that are closer to being market ready.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) finances projects to develop and scale up breakthrough technologies.
The European innovation ecosystems programme aims to build connections across the EU. This programme has provided funding for ATTRACT, a CERN-led project designed to support the process of turning groundbreaking research into commercial applications.
Other funding types
The below programmes are also available to CERN applicants under certain conditions. If you are interested in any of these, please contact the EU Projects Office to find out more about eligibility.
Erasmus+
All EU programmes for Education, Training and Youth are covered under one single programme known as Erasmus+.
COST
European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) could be useful for scientific networking.
European Science Foundation
The European Science Foundation (ESF) could be useful for funding for workshops, networking programmes, conferences and collaborative research.
Eurostars
Eurostars supports projects led by R&D SMEs towards the development of innovative products, processes and services.
Joint Undertakings
Joint Undertakings are partnerships between the European Union and industry and/or Member States. These projects co-fund ambitious research and innovation projects, bringing together a wide range of participants to advance specific technological areas.
Innosuisse – the Swiss Innovation Agency
CERN is eligible to apply for Innosuisse support or research projects. Contact the EU Projects Office for more information.