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Thursday, 03 September 2026
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Horizon Europe Ireland - September update
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Ireland's performance in Horizon Europe - latest figures
With less than 16 months remaining in the Horizon Europe
programme, €63.63 billion has been awarded to more than 36,500 organisations worldwide to support research and innovation projects across a wide range of programme areas. There is still a considerable chunk of funding available, offering organisations the opportunity to secure grants to support important projects that address societal challenges and deliver lasting impact for future generations.
To date, 632 Irish organisations have signed 1911 grant agreements for a total of €1.22 billion in funding and Ireland is currently on track to achieve its ambitious €1.5 billion target by the end of the programme next year.
In this Sunday
Independent article, Horizon Europe National Director Kevin Burke highlights the opportunities currently available to Irish SMEs and explains how businesses can benefit from the programme's remaining funding calls.
Japan associates to Horizon Europe
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While the Horizon Europe programme is entering its final phase, non-EU countries are still keen to get involved. Japan is the latest country to join 22 others in becoming associated to the programme enabling Japanese entities to participate and receive funding for Pillar 2 collaborative research and innovation projects. Read more in this Silicon Republic article.
ERC Starting grants - five
awards to Ireland
The European Research Council (ERC) has today announced the results of its Starting Grants competition with five researchers based in Ireland among the successful awardees. The grants have been awarded to two researchers at University College Dublin, two at Trinity College Dublin and one at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). Congratulations to all five awardees who will receive a total of almost €9m in funding between them to support their groundbreaking research. Read the full details here.
Professor Christine Casey RIP
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We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Christine Casey, Trinity College Dublin. Christine's ERC-funded project, STONE-WORK, was one of three projects showcased at our Horizon Europe Impact Conference in December 2024 and it was a privilege to work with her in creating this video highlighting her research. Our sincere condolences to all of Christine's family, friends and colleagues - ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
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Latest updates from your National Support Network team
In this issue of the Horizon Europe Ireland newsletter, we have updates from:
- Patricia Clarke, National Delegate for Horizon Europe Cluster 1 Health, on the current strategy for European life sciences.
- Patrick Lansley, National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe ERC Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) on ERC novelties and award successes for Ireland.
- Sergio Fernandez-Ceballos, National Delegate and NCP Horizon Europe Cluster 4 - Industry on upcoming opportunities as well as brokerage and networking events for your diary.
- Kevin Flynn, EU liaison for R&I, on all the latest from Brussels, FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund.
Scroll down to read the full articles.
New Success Stories
As part of our Horizon Europe success story series, we’ve published two new articles on important Irish-led Horizon Europe projects. The PHAROS project is focused on exploring innovative ways to restore ocean health while the In-Touch research project aims to to address the complex care needs of people living with advanced dementia - you can read both stories further below.
Contact us
If you want to find out more about Horizon Europe opportunities, please get in touch with a member of our National Support Network team - find details in this directory.
Not sure who to speak to? Email us for
more information.
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| National Support Network team updates
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Patricia Clarke, National Delegate for Horizon Europe Cluster 1 – Health, Health Research Board
One year after its launch, the European Life Sciences Strategy is already influencing Horizon Europe investments and shaping future funding priorities. With major focus areas including One Health, climate and health, advanced therapies, AI, biotechnology and health data, researchers and innovators can gain valuable insight into emerging opportunities and the direction of EU policy and investment.
Read more here.
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Patrick Lansley, National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe ERC Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH), Research Ireland.
Significant changes to ERC eligibility rules, application restrictions and the 2027 call timetable will affect researchers planning future submissions. This update also celebrates
the success of five Irish ERC Advanced Grant awardees and three Proof of Concept winners, highlighting Ireland's continued excellence in frontier research and innovation across multiple disciplines.
Read more here.
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Sergio Fernandez-Ceballos, National Delegate and
National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe Cluster 4 - Industry, Enterprise Ireland
The Horizon Europe Cluster 4 Industry programme is supporting the Clean Industrial Deal through advanced materials, manufacturing innovation, circularity, decarbonisation and critical raw materials. This update outlines key priorities in the 2027 work programme, upcoming call deadlines, proposal statistics and a range of brokerage and networking events to help organisations prepare competitive proposals and build strong European partnerships. Read more here.
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Kevin Flynn, EU liaison for R&I,
Brussels, Enterprise Ireland
Negotiations on Framework Programme 10 and the European Competitiveness Fund have entered a decisive phase, with key decisions on governance, funding and strategic priorities still ahead. This update explores the latest developments, the role of the Irish Presidency, emerging opportunities in competitiveness and resilience, and what these changes could mean for Irish researchers and organisations. Read more here.
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The Horizon Europe-funded PHAROS project is developing natural-based solutions to protect our oceans biodiversity and reduce nutrient
waste. In Ireland, demonstrations in Bantry Bay have highlighted the potential of seaweed to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience, and contribute to more sustainable marine management in the face of growing environmental pressures.
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In-Touch: Improving the Quality
of Life of People with Dementia
This €7.5 million research project is pioneering person-centred dementia care across Europe, combining sensory engagement and family decision-support to improve comfort, connection and quality of life in nursing homes. The Horizon Europe-funded project also supports families and staff, creating compassionate, scalable models for care. Read more here.
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HORIZON EUROPE NEWS STORIES
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A European research consortium, coordinated by the University of Galway, has launched the first human trials of innovative gene-silencing eye drops for rare corneal diseases. The treatment aims to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye and could offer new hope for patients facing vision loss and limited treatment options. Read more here.
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FarmBioNet has become a partner in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030, supporting biodiversity-friendly
farming and helping create landscapes where pollinators can thrive across the island of Ireland.
Read more here.
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EuroHPC has launched six new quantum technology funding calls to accelerate next-generation quantum computing, secure communications and testing infrastructure, strengthening Europe’s leadership in quantum innovation and deployment.
Read more here.
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DCU will coordinate the €680,000 REFLEX-REC project, bringing together international partners to develop resilient, flexible and community-focused renewable energy systems that support Europe’s green transition.
Read more here.
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Hundreds of European policymakers, researchers and innovators will gather in Limerick for WIRE 2026, exploring how sustainable innovation can strengthen regional competitiveness and future resilience.
Read more here.
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An international team aboard the RV Celtic Explorer has begun a major expedition to monitor ocean change, investigating links between climate, circulation, carbon cycling and marine ecosystems.
Read more here.
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