Newsletter April 2024

Focus

On your mark, get set – and go! Continue the Horizon Europe journey with Euresearch!

Exciting news is on the horizon as Switzerland and the EU begin negotiations on Switzerland's association to Horizon Europe and the transitional arrangement 2024 is put in place.

In anticipation of this important development, let us take a closer look at what Swiss-based researchers and innovators can expect from their participation in Horizon Europe in 2024. Most collaborative projects in Horizon Europe continue to be accessible to Swiss-based entities. Switzerland can continue to participate in 2024 calls for proposals as an “Associated Partner” and be funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

While the negotiations are ongoing, the transitional arrangement 2024 allows Swiss-based researchers to participate in the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant 2024 call. The ERC, a cornerstone of EU research and innovation funding, operates independently and is dedicated to supporting frontier research in various fields. Starting with the call for proposals in 2025, and subject to the initialling of a corresponding agreement between Switzerland and the EU, researchers will have access not only to the full portfolio of ERC funding opportunities (Starting Grant, Consolidator Grant, Advanced Grant, Synergy Grant and Proof of Concept Grant), but also to the full Horizon Europe and Euratom funding opportunities.

In summary, in 2024 Swiss researchers and innovators should be prepared for continued participation in collaborative projects as Associated Partners and access to the ERC Advanced Grant 2024 call.

With these opportunities in mind, Euresearch is gearing up to support researchers and innovators every step of the way. From informative webinars to personalised proposal reviews, we are here to support you. It is time to get back to the forefront of EU research and innovation. Get ready, get set and let's go!

Author: Rita de Brito, National Contact Point for ERC and EIC Accelerator
Illustration: Alexandra Rosakis

Trends in Advanced Manufacturing Research and Innovation

In November 2023, the European Commission published a report that looks at the portfolio of EU projects supporting advanced manufacturing, mostly under the “Factories of the Future” and “Made in Europe” partnerships. The report also analyses trends in the manufacturing industry and the vision of the various stakeholders.

Best and Promising Practices for Mental Health

An online marketplace took place to showcase best practices for mental health. The Expert Group on Public Health selected best practices in: 1. Good mental health in schools and the workplace, 2. Suicide prevention, and 3. Better access to mental health. Take a look at the overview. You might find collaborators for a future EU project.

Info Session: Proposed Partnership on Advanced Materials

An info session on the proposed “Innovative Advanced Materials for Europe” (IAM4EU) Partnership took place on 13 March. A video recording is available. The partnership is supported by the two initiatives “Advanced Materials 2030” and the Graphene Flagship's “2D Materials Industry & Innovation Consortium”.

R&D Involving Technologies with Dual-Use Potential

The EC has released a White Paper on enhancing support for R&D involving dual-use technologies. It highlights AI, advanced semiconductors, and quantum and biotechnologies. One challenge is the lack of a common definition of “dual-use”. The EC has opened a public consultation to allow for a comprehensive dialogue with all parties concerned.
Deadline: 30.04.2024

Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027 is Published

The EC has published the second strategic plan for Horizon Europe, setting out 3 key strategic orientations for 2025-2027: Green transition; Digital transition; and A more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe. These aim to address global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, the digital transition, and an ageing population.

New Horizon Europe Success Story

Prof Julia Steinberger (Institute of Geography and Sustainability, University of Lausanne) works in the field of ecological economics. She examines the interconnections between resource use and societal performance, focusing on human well-being. This Success Story video gives you an insight into how she became a successful recipient of a European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant in 2022.

MSCA COFUND 2024 Call

The Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions “COFUND” call is a monobeneficiary Action that supports regional, national and international PhD and postdoctoral programmes. Swiss-based institutions can participate as Associated Partners. The currently indicated call opening and closure dates, as well as the budget are indicative until the revised Horizon Europe 2023-2025 work programme is adopted.
Call opens: 23.04.2024
Call deadline: 26.09.2024

MSCA PF 2024 Call

The call for proposals for the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions “Postdoctoral Fellowships” (PF) will open soon. Switzerland can currently only participate in the “Global Fellowship”. The currently indicated call opening and closure dates, as well as the budget are indicative until the revised Horizon Europe 2023-2025 work programme is adopted.
Call opens: 23.04.2024
Call deadline: 11.09.2024

EIT Health Bootcamps:
Develop your start-up to its full potential

Do you have a business idea for the European health landscape? EIT Health Bootcamps help your start-up explore its full market potential and connect with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators. See the FAQs (Q.3, Q.11) for funding eligibility for Swiss entities.
Deadline: 21.05.2024

EIT Health Flagship Calls

EIT Health Flagship calls tackle specific challenges relating to 3 priority areas: 1. New models to deliver healthcare, 2. Digital transformation of healthcare, and 3. Re-Industrialisation of Europe. If you are seeking funding, collaborators, or support to bring your ideas to life, take a look to find out more.
Deadline: 18.09.2024

Legal & Financial Training

This Legal & Financial training will guide you through the financial and contractual rules of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation for Horizon Europe collaborative projects. The training will provide insights on the entire process, from application to grant, and will share good practices on grant management.
03.05.2024, Online

Towards Healthcare of the Future

Converging technologies (e.g., bio- and nanotechnologies, engineering, digitalisation, and big data) have the power to drive research and innovation in healthcare. Explore this idea at “The convergence of technologies enabling R&I for the healthcare of the future” conference.
28.-29.05.2024, Brussels

EIC Impact Report 2023

The report gives an overview of the impacts delivered by innovators funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC). The overall portfolio value of EIC-supported companies is almost €70 billion, an increase of over €20 billion in just over a year. Read the report for additional figures and detailed analyses.

Innosuisse International Calls

Innosuisse provides support for Swiss companies, research institutions and other organisations to collaborate with international partners. The current calls are of particular interest if you would like to collaborate with entities in Brazil, the Netherlands, Korea, and Germany.

EU Missions Info Days

This event aims to inform potential applicants about new topics included in the EU Missions 2024 Work Programme under Adaptation to Climate Change; 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030; Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030; A Soil Deal for Europe; and New European Bauhaus.
25.-26.04.2024, Online

Cancer Mission: Call Topics

On the second day of the EU Missions Info Days, a session will present the 6 topics of the newly opened Cancer Mission call and allow participants to ask questions. Registration will be open soon. Additionally, a virtual brokerage event to support potential applicants in finding project partners will be available soon on the same webpage.
26.04.2024, Online

Europe United Against Old and New Pandemics

This 2-day event will provide an overview of lessons learnt from the COVID pandemic and discuss options to globally prepare for future health threats. The role of the European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness will be discussed.
14.-15.05.2024, Antwerp

12th European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products

This patient-lead conference provides an opportunity to network and exchange insights within the rare diseases community. The aim is for the discussions to result in both EU and national policy recommendations.
15.-16.05.2024, Online & Brussels

Circular Bio-Based Joint Undertaking: Swiss Event

Swiss-based applicants will receive first-hand information from the call coordinator on the 2024 CBE JU call. A Swiss company with an ongoing project will also share their experiences. Swiss entities are eligible to participate in the call and receive funding from SERI.
16.05.2024, Online

SMI2G Brokerage Event