EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation
Horizon 2020 is the European Union's flagship funding programme for research and innovation, with nearly 80 billion euros available over seven years (2014-2020). The programme aims to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation, and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.
For global health research, Horizon 2020 provides unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration, addressing major health challenges through coordinated research efforts and innovative partnerships.
Health Research Priorities
Personalised Medicine
Supporting the development of tailored treatments based on individual patient characteristics, including genomics, proteomics, and other omics technologies.
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Pharmacogenomics research
- Patient stratification tools
- Clinical decision support systems
Infectious Diseases
Addressing emerging and re-emerging infectious threats through innovative diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies.
- Antimicrobial resistance research
- Vaccine development platforms
- Rapid diagnostic technologies
- Outbreak preparedness systems
Chronic Diseases
Research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of major chronic diseases affecting aging populations across Europe and globally.
- Cardiovascular disease research
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Diabetes and metabolic diseases
- Cancer prevention and treatment
Health Technologies
Innovation in medical devices, digital health, and healthcare delivery systems to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
- Digital health and telemedicine
- Medical device innovation
- Health data analytics
- Healthcare delivery optimization
Funding Opportunities
Types of Funding Actions
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Projects focused on establishing new knowledge and/or exploring the feasibility of new or improved technologies, products, processes, or services. Funding rate: typically 100% of eligible costs.
Innovation Actions (IA)
Projects focused on producing plans and arrangements or designs for new, altered, or improved products, processes, or services. May include prototyping, testing, and demonstrating in operational environments. Funding rate: typically 70% of eligible costs (100% for non-profit organizations).
Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)
Activities such as standardization, dissemination, awareness-raising, networking, coordination, or support services. Funding rate: typically 100% of eligible costs.
European Research Council (ERC) Grants
Highly competitive grants for individual researchers at various career stages (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, Synergy). Focus on frontier research with potential for breakthrough discoveries. Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs.
Key Requirements for Applications
Consortium Requirements
Most calls require multi-national consortia with partners from at least three different EU member states or associated countries. International partners welcome.
Excellence Criteria
Proposals evaluated on scientific excellence, innovative potential, and the quality and efficiency of the implementation approach.
Impact Assessment
Clear demonstration of expected impact on health outcomes, innovation, and European competitiveness in the life sciences sector.
Dissemination Plan
Comprehensive strategy for communicating results to scientific community, stakeholders, and the public, including open access requirements.
Ethical Considerations
Careful attention to ethical issues, including data protection, informed consent, and responsible research practices.
Gender Dimension
Integration of sex and gender analysis in research content where relevant, and promotion of gender equality in research teams.
Funded Projects Examples
SysMedPD - Systems Medicine of Parkinson's Disease
International consortium developing systems-based approaches to understand Parkinson's disease mechanisms, integrating multi-omics data from patient cohorts across Europe to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
COMBACTE - Combating Bacterial Resistance in Europe
Pan-European network developing new antibiotics and conducting clinical trials for drug-resistant infections, establishing sustainable clinical trial infrastructure for antimicrobial resistance.
iPC - individualized Paediatric Cure
Developing personalized treatment approaches for rare childhood diseases through integration of genomic, clinical, and molecular data, establishing frameworks for pediatric precision medicine.
Resources and Support
National Contact Points
Expert advisors in each country providing guidance on Horizon 2020 applications
Find NCPPartner Search
Databases and networking events to help build international research consortia
Search PartnersTraining Workshops
Regular workshops on proposal writing, project management, and funding strategies
View TrainingReady to Apply for Horizon 2020 Funding?
Horizon 2020 offers unprecedented opportunities for collaborative health research. Start building your consortium and developing your proposal today.