Horizon Europe newsletter

Pictured L-R: Dr Maria Nash, ERC National Delegate, Research Ireland; Anita Kucharska, Head of Unit, European Research Council Executive Agency; Prof. Susi Geiger, ERC Ambassador, University College Dublin; Prof. Orla Feely, President, University College Dublin; Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO, Research Ireland; Prof Luke O’Neill, Trinity College Dublin and ERC Scientific Council; Patrick Lansley, ERC National Contact Point, Research Ireland and Kevin Burke, National Director for Horizon Europe, Enterprise Ireland. Photo: Jason Clarke.

On 27–28 April, Research Ireland hosted an ERC Grant Management Event for Principal Investigators and host institutions at University College Dublin, welcoming ERC awardees and research support colleagues for two days of European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA) workshops on ERC grant management. Eight specialist representatives from the ERCEA travelled from Brussels to lead interactive sessions combining presentations and case studies, with content relevant to both Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects.

The programme supported open dialogue and peer-to-peer exchange between ERC-funded researchers, research office personnel and ERCEA representatives, with a networking reception at the end of day one. It was a rare opportunity to bring the national ERC community together in one room, and the workshops strengthened existing relationships and helped spark new, lasting connections.

NEW! Grant for Work Package leaders
We are pleased to announce that, for a limited trial period until the end of 2026, academic researchers intending to lead a work package in a Horizon Europe project will be eligible to apply for funding of up to €6,250 (including VAT) under Enterprise Ireland’s Horizon Europe Coordinator Support grant. This eligibility option applies across six thematic programme areas: Health; Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society; Civil Security for Society; Digital, Industry and Space; Climate, Energy and Mobility; and Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.

Please note that only one grant per institution per project is permitted. Therefore, institutions may not submit applications for both Coordinator Support and Work Package Leader Support for the same project where the researchers are based at the same organisation. This new grant option will go live on Enterprise Ireland's SmartSimple grant application platform before the end of the month.

European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) country participation
A new report on country participation in the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) programme has been published. The report contains country page overviews of national participation and drawdown figures across relevant EIE calls, with figures from Ireland - find the details here.

National Support Network team updates

In this month's newsletter:

Read about Ireland's strong performance in marine and maritime-related research from Cluster 6 National Contact Point (NCP) Fiona Grant
Get a detailed overview of upcoming energy opportunities and dates for your diary from NCP Philip Cheasty
Get insights into the highly competitive 2026 Cluster 4 calls by NCP Claire Whelan
Discover Franco-Irish collaboration opportunities under the EuroHPC programme outlined by International Technical Expert Jean-Michel Portefaix
Find details on new actions to be published under the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) programme and an online info day here.

Contact us
Questions about the Horizon Europe programme? Get in touch with Ireland's National Support Network team - you'll find contact details in our directory and you can email us for more information.

A Technology Council for Advanced Materials meeting took place in Brussels on 14 April attended by Cluster 4 National Delegate, Sergio Fernandez-Ceballos. Advanced materials are critical enablers across key sectors, including batteries, semiconductors, construction, clean energy and healthcare. As Europe builds on the Critical Raw Materials Act and prepares to launch a new Advanced Materials Act by the end of 2026, maintaining global leadership in this field remains essential. The meeting focused on key priorities for the forthcoming legislation, including reducing supply chain risks, enhancing regulatory preparedness to accelerate innovation, and scaling up production capacities to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Fiona Grant, National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe Cluster 6 – Natural Resources and NCP for Ocean and Waters Mission

Fiona discusses Ireland’s strong performance in Horizon Europe, particularly in marine and maritime research. She highlights the strategic importance of the EU Mission to Restore Our Ocean and Waters, as well as the emerging Ocean Pact. She also provides updates on ongoing projects, funding opportunities and upcoming events, such as the PHAROS Mega Event, reinforcing Ireland's position as a hub for marine innovation and collaboration. Read the full article here.

Philip Cheasty, National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe Cluster 5 - Energy, NCP Nuclear Fission and Fusion Energy, NCP for New European Bauhaus R&I and NCP for Climate-neutral and Smart Cities Mission

Philip highlights key Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Energy opportunities, including new calls on batteries, clean technologies, and buildings, alongside the Clean Industrial Deal and LIFE Clean Energy Transition programmes. Philip also highlights upcoming events, including the New European Bauhaus Festival and European Sustainable Energy Week, as key networking and collaboration opportunities. Read the full article here.

Jean-Michel Portefaix, International Technical Expert

Expertise France

EuroHPC is entering a new phase, expanding beyond supercomputing to integrate large-scale AI and quantum technologies under one framework. This shift strengthens Europe’s digital infrastructure and creates a more joined-up ecosystem from research to deployment. For Ireland and France, it signals growing alignment and practical collaboration opportunities—particularly through shared AI infrastructure, complementary quantum strengths, and new access and funding routes within the EuroHPC network. Jean Michel discusses.