European funding – how to get involved!

What is Horizon Europe?

Horizon Europe is the EU’s main research and innovation funding programme. It brings together universities, industry, policymakers and other organisations to work on big societal challenges, from health to climate to digital transformation.

What is Framework Programme (FP) 10?

FP10 is the next version of this programme. It hasn’t launched yet, but discussions are already shaping what future funding will prioritise. What researchers do now through Horizon Europe will often influence how well positioned they are for FP10 later on.

Do I need lots of experience to get involved?

No! And this is one of the biggest misconceptions. Many researchers assume they need a track record in EU funding before they can even consider applying. In reality, prior experience is not a requirement. What matters more is having something valuable to contribute, whether that’s expertise, methods, data, or connections.

So what’s the best way to get started?

The most effective starting point is usually not leading a project, but being a partner in one. Getting involved as a partner is often the easiest and most realistic entry route. This allows you to learn how things work (pre and post award) without the pressure of coordinating a large, complex bid.

How do people actually get into consortia?

There are several practical ways researchers begin to connect with consortia. Many get involved by responding to partner search requests or attending brokerage events and Horizon Europe information days. Others build connections through international conferences or existing research networks (such as the COST Actions). Institutional research development teams can also be very helpful, as they often circulate opportunities and support introductions to potential collaborators.

Key events relevant to Horizon Europe, like info-days, brokerage, webinars and conferences can be found on the Horizon Europe website.

What makes someone attractive as a partner?

You don’t need EU experience to be a strong partner, you just need to bring something useful. This might be strong subject expertise, a particular methodological skillset, access to unique data or populations, or links to industry, policy, or communities. These kinds of contributions are often exactly what consortia are looking for.

What do you actually gain from being involved?

Participating in a Horizon Europe project is a great way to build international networks and understand how proposals are structured. It also gives you first-hand experience of what evaluators are looking for, particularly around excellence, impact, stakeholder engagement, and implementation. For many researchers, this experience is just as valuable as the funding itself.

Are Horizon Europe proposals just about good research?

Not quite. While research excellence is important, it’s only one part of the picture. Strong proposals also need to show why the research matters, who will benefit, and how the outcomes could influence policy, practice, industry, or society more broadly. Increasingly, impact and collaboration are just as important as the research itself.

Why should I think about FP10 now?

Because waiting until FP10 launches can put you at a disadvantage. Researchers who are already involved in Horizon Europe projects tend to be in a much stronger position, as they have established networks, collaborative experience, and a better understanding of how European funding works. Starting now helps build that foundation.

What does “preparing for FP10” actually mean?

Preparing doesn’t necessarily mean writing a proposal straight away. It’s more about building the right conditions for future success. This could involve developing interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening international partnerships, engaging with non-academic stakeholders, and gaining experience in collaborative research environments. Even small steps can make a difference.

What can I do right now?

A good starting point is to begin building connections and visibility. Joining a European network in your field, attending an information or brokerage event, and speaking to colleagues who are already involved in EU projects can all help. It’s also worth thinking about what you uniquely offer and starting to engage with non-academic partners. Taking on smaller collaborative opportunities can be a really effective way to build confidence and experience.

So what’s the takeaway?

Horizon Europe isn’t just about securing funding. It’s about getting into the system and building experience over time. You don’t need to start by leading a large proposal. Starting small, building networks, and gaining experience can open the door to bigger opportunities later on.

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved in European funding but haven’t taken the first step yet, this is the moment to start. Begin building connections, explore opportunities, and look for ways to get involved, even at a small scale. That’s how most successful Horizon Europe and future FP10 applicants begin.

If you want to know more or would like an informal chat about progressing your ideas for EU funding then feel free to get in touch.