Canadian researchers can now participate in Pillar II calls, which focus on Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness. This pillar, one of three in the Horizon Europe Program, welcomes researchers from all disciplines.
Don't forget to also consult the Starter Guide for information about this complex funding program, basic application procedures for various calls, and to benefit from expert guidance and hands-on advice from specialist administrative teams and experienced consultants.
Consortia typically include eight to twelve partners from, on average, five countries, working on projects lasting three to five years.
Horizon Europe provides substantial funding. Grant amounts vary by proposal call but average four to five million euros.
What is TRL?
TRL stands for Technology Readiness Level. It could be considered as a basic roadmap or (topic-tailored) blueprint, showing how far along your idea is in the journey from concept to market.
Understanding Technology Readiness Levels
Before considering Horizon Europe, it's important to determine both the starting and projected ending TRL of your concept in line with the objectives and expected outcomes of the topic.
The TRL scale, which ranges from 1 (Basic Principles Observed) to 9 (Actual System Proven in Operational Environment), provides a standardized way to assess the current maturity of your technology and its anticipated advancement within the project.
Why is TRL Important?
Knowing your (anticipated) TRL helps us connect you with the right resources and partners and determine your fit to a topic or team in Horizon Europe.
For example, a project at TRL 3 (Technology Concept Formulation) might benefit from early-stage research funding and collaboration with a group comprised mostly of academic experts. An expected project output at TRL 7 (Demo in Operational Environment) might be more suited for industry partnerships and pilot testing of the concept.
It's worth noting that many Horizon Europe projects typically expect projects to reach a low to mid range of the TRL scale upon completion or generally between TRL 2 and TRL 8, pointing to a focus on research and development activities.
How to use the Scale
Each level represents a stage of development, from basic research to full commercial application. It's important to remember that these levels provide a general indication of where your concept stands. There can be some overlap and nuance. By understanding where your concept broadly fits, you can better understand your role and fit in a consortium.
Note for Social Sciences and Humanities Researchers
SSH researchers are encouraged to engage with Horizon Europe opportunities across the spectrum of research areas.
Why?
While the TRL scale provides a useful framework for assessing the maturity of technologies within applied and STEM focused projects, it is essential to recognize the integral role of SSH expertise across the Horizon Europe program, irrespective of specific TRL levels.
Horizon Europe projects, even those primarily focused on deploying technological advancements, increasingly require a robust consideration and assessment of societal impact, associated ethical dimensions, and effective communication strategies.
SSH researchers bring critical skills to most Horizon Europe projects in areas such as:
These contributions are fundamental to ensuring that the requirements of most Horizon Europe topics are addressed with a focus on responsible development and successful implementation of research outcomes.