Newsletter July 2023

Focus

Cybersecurity – Cornerstone of a Digital and Connected Europe

Cyberattacks and cybercrime are increasingly making headlines. Dozens of large companies and SMEs but also the public administration and emergency services have been hacked in Switzerland in the past months. Cyberthreats are increasing in number and sophistication all over Europe, originating from a wide range of sources both inside and outside the EU.

It is thus vital to develop effective solutions and new technologies to protect essential services such as hospitals, energy grids, railways, and the ever-increasing number of connected devices used in our homes, offices and factories.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the European Commission and a cornerstone of a digital and connected Europe. The EU is prioritising cybersecurity in its support of research and innovation through Horizon Europe (HE) and the Digital Europe Programme (DEP). For the moment, it is not possible for Swiss entities to take part in DEP but they can participate in collaborative projects in HE. It would be a pity to miss out on this opportunity, especially as there is a thriving ecosystem of companies, including SMEs, and universities active in cybersecurity research in Switzerland. In the Romandy, the Trust Valley centre facilitates innovative projects in digital trust and cybersecurity. In Horizon 2020, 34 Swiss organisations were active in 25 cybersecurity projects, with a total budget of €14.8 million.

The 2023 calls for proposals in HE Cluster 3 "Civil Security for Society" have just opened with 22 topics, including several focused on cybersecurity (reinforcing the resilience of critical infrastructures; securing the computing continuum; preserving privacy and identity technologies; securing AI systems). Would you like to contribute to secure services, processes and products, and robust digital infrastructures capable of resisting and countering cyberattacks and hybrid threats? The deadline for submission is 23 November 2023.

Author: Nicole Wyss, National Contact Point for Civil Security for Society
Illustration: Alexandra Rosakis

European Partnership on One Health AMR – Draft Agenda Published

The preparation for the future European Partnership on One Health Antimicrobial Resistance is progressing and the first draft of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda has now been published!

Horizon Europe 2025-27 Strategic Plan Analysis

The European Commission has published an analysis document that will provide the basis for the creation of the 2025-27 Strategic Plan, which will guide development of the Work Programmes for the final 3 years of Horizon Europe.

EIT HEI – Third Call Results and End of Pilot Phase

The European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) has announced the results of the third call of its Higher Education Initiative (HEI), boosting entrepreneurship education at higher education institutions. The call focused on supporting the development of deep-tech talents and 16 projects received funding, bringing the total number of projects funded over all three calls to 65. The "Interdisciplinary Creative Education in Deep Tech" (INCREDIT) project includes the IdeaSquare at CERN as an Associated Partner from Switzerland.

European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) – Current Status

The 9 Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are thematic partnerships that will be funded for 14 years. The latest KIC is "Culture and Creativity". The 10th KIC, "Water", is foreseen to start in 2026. A flagship of the European Innovation Agenda is the Deep Tech Talent Initiative, also being delivered by the EIT. The EIT Campus is a one-stop shop for all EIT education programmes. In July, a call for proposals will be launched to find solutions for the dissemination of deep-tech curricula.

Innovative Health Initiative Launches First 5 Projects

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) has launched its first 5 projects. The projects address key challenges in health research, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis, with a total budget of €129 million. Half of the funding comes from Horizon Europe and half from industry partners and other IHI contributors. Out of the 5 projects, 4 have Swiss partners (GUIDE.MRD, IMAGIO, IDERHA, CLAIMS)!

Supporting Material for 2023 MSCA PF and DN Calls

The 2023 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) and Doctoral Network (DN) calls are open for submission. On our MSCA webpage, you will find links to supporting material, such as a recorded webinar, a 6-step guide to preparing an application, and the recently updated MSCA-NET Postdoctoral Fellowship Handbook.
Deadline PF: 13.09.2023
Deadline DN: 28.11.2023

Innovative Health Initiative Calls 4 and 5 Draft Topics

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) has released draft topic information for the upcoming calls, which are scheduled to be launched by the end of July. For further information, see the recording of the IHI Call Days, which covers important aspects of the individual topics. Swiss-based researchers are eligible to participate, with funding provided by SERI.

ERC Synergy Grant 2024 Call and Info Event

The 2024 ERC Synergy Grant will open on 12 July. Researchers based in Switzerland are eligible to apply as part of a team of 2-4 PIs to address ambitious research questions (max budget €10 million). Join Euresearch's national info event to learn more about the Synergy Grant from the Call Coordinator, Dr. Agnes Kulcsár.
Info event: 06.09.2023, Online
Call deadline: 08.11.2023

Participation of Swiss Companies in Horizon Europe Collaborative Projects

The Horizon Dashboard is an interactive online platform developed by the European Commission to report on key project data in a graphically appealing way. Results can be filtered by programme, pillar, country, type of entity, etc. Which are the top Swiss companies in terms of participation in Horizon Europe Pillar 2 collaborative projects? Click on the link to find out!

Medtech Innovation Event

The Medtech Innovation Event is a Swiss matchmaking event for start-ups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, service providers and investors as well as academic and global players from the medtech sector. At the event, you will learn about relevant Horizon Europe funding opportunities from the National Contact Point for Health, Sasha Hugentobler. Have a look at the programme.
04.09.2023, Biel

EIT Opportunities for Switzerland – National Info Event

Euresearch is organising a national information event, with speakers from the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). Do not miss this opportunity to learn about EIT activities, the 9 thematic Knowledge and Innovation Communities, and all their funding opportunities. Participants in running projects will also share their experiences.
19.10.2023, Online

Online Training for MSCA Global
Fellowships

Euresearch is offering an online Applicants' Training for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships. Are you preparing a Global Fellowship application with a Swiss institution in the outgoing phase? Join our half-day training, featuring exercises related to all the evaluation criteria of the proposal.
25.07.2023, Online

Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Events

The Cluster 6 Info Days will give potential applicants the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming funding opportunities and their specific requirements. The Brokerage Event is the perfect opportunity to find partners and start building a consortium!
Brokerage Event: 26.09.2023, Brussels
Info Days: 27.-28.09.2023, Online/Brussels