Part of the Horizon Europe Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence actions the Twinning programme aims to strengthen research and innovation performance in Widening countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and all Associated Countries with equivalent characteristics in terms of R&I performance, as well as the Outermost Regions) by enhancing cooperation with advanced partners. This cooperation is implemented via networking and training activities such as workshops, conferences, staff exchanges, summer/winter schools, and other supporting actions.
What is Twinning?
Twinning is a funding opportunity that enhances networking activities between a research institution of a Widening country, that must coordinate the project, and top-class leading European and international counterparts. Widening research institutions link with at least two other research institutions from two different member states or associated countries. This aims to build on the huge potential of networking for excellence through knowledge transfers and exchange of best practices.
What’s new?
This year’s call for proposals focuses on two topics, allowing the “classic” bottom-up proposals, and proposals in line with the European Green Deal. Both topics aim for the same objectives, scope and expected impact.
Applicants will have to exclusively submit their proposals under one of the following topics:
Topic A: The Twinning Bottom-Up
Topic B: The Twinning Green Deal
What should you know before applying?
make sure to check the eligibility conditions and the expected outcomes in the Work Programme. This tip is essential when applying for any Horizon Europe funding opportunity and it could get you instantly closer to the desired outcome.
Second, always keep in mind the expected project results:
- closing the still apparent research and innovation gap within the European Union;
- enhancing strategic networking activities between the research institutions and the internationally-leading counterparts;
- raising the reputation, research profile, and attractiveness of the coordinating institution and the research profile of its staff;
- strengthening research management capacities and administrative skills of the staff at the coordinating institution;
- improving creativity supported by the development of new approaches in Research and Innovation collaboration and increased mobility (inwards and outwards) of qualified scientists.
When specifically applying for the Twinning Green Deal topic, remember to focus on a defined area of research/innovation directly linked to at least one of the actions listed in the European Green Deal strategy: climate research, green technologies, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, biodiversity research or sustainable use of natural resources (land, water, air).
For both proposal topics, remember that the duration of the projects should be up to 3 years. This means the proposal should have a clearly outlined scientific strategy, for stepping up and stimulating scientific excellence and innovation capacity in a defined area of research and innovation. This extends to the scientific quality of the partners involved in the twinning exercise.
Conclusion:
Collaboration has no borders. It is essential for the development of the European Research Area (ERA) and is a must for the scientific community. Society as a whole benefits from European funding opportunities such as the Widening Twinning programme.
For more information and to submit your proposals, access the Funding & Tenders portal.
The deadline for applications is 2️8 September.