Researchers from the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region, including from industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are invited to apply for EU grants for participation in large-scale brokerage events and similar activities related to the EU’s Horizon 2020 program for research and innovation. The aim of the grant scheme is to extend scientific networks between EU Member States/non-EaP associated countries and EaP countries, as well to increase the number of EaP participants in project proposals submitted to Horizon2020, IPN reports, quoting a press release.

The scheme will financially support EaP researchers from research entities, industry, municipalities and SMEs. It will also fund participation in large-scale brokerage events and similar activities related to Horizon 2020, as well as preparatory meetings for developing project proposals targeting selected thematic calls within the program. The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2018.

Horizon 2020 is the EU’s biggest ever research and innovation framework program, with a budget of €77 billion over seven years (2014-2020). The vast majority of this funding will be allocated on the basis of competitive calls which are open to applications from researchers, businesses and other interested organizations located in any of the EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon 2020, including the EU Neighborhood countries. As of October 2017, Horizon 2020 has in total funded more than 15,000 grants, amounting to €26.65 billion.