Financing Programmes
This section reports on EU funding programmes (non Horizon 2020) and non-EU funding programmes.
Following each programme, a link goes to the latest open calls.
The Third Health Programme is the main tool used by the European Commission to fully implement the EU Health Strategy. The total budget is 449.4 million euros.
The programme has four priority goals:
• promote health, prevent diseases and encourage environmental sustainability for healthy lifestyles by adopting the principle of "health in all policies";
• protect Union citizens from serious transnational threats to health;
• contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems;
• facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for Union citizens.
Link to the calls of this programme
The Italian Space Agency – ASI - is a national public body supervised by the Ministry of Education, University and Research specialized in space science and satellite technologies, on the development of new ways to reach and explore the cosmos. Today, the ASI has a leading role both at European level, where Italy is the third country that contributes most to the European Space Agency, as well as worldwide. In fact, the Agency has a close and continuous collaboration relationship with the NASA, participating in many of the most interesting scientific missions in recent years.
Link to the calls of this programme
ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL (AHRC)
The British Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) promotes and finances research in the field of arts and humanities through specific research and networking programmes. Proposals must be submitted by UK proposers. Foreign institutions and researchers can participate only as 'Co-Investigators'. It will be necessary to send a letter of support from the belonging institution. Another organization, participating in the project with its own funds, will be identified as a 'Project Partner'. In this case, a Support Letter must be included in the belonging organization. RESEARCH AREAS: all subject areas related to art and humanities.
ASYLUM, MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION FUND (AMIF)
The EU AMIF programme contributes to the efficient management of migration flows and the development of a common European immigration policy. It focuses on four goals:
• strengthen and develop all aspects of the common European asylum system;
• support legal immigration to Member Countries in relation to their economic and social needs and promote the effective integration of immigrants;
• develop effective strategies to combat illegal immigration;
• develop solidarity and responsibility sharing among Member Countries with particular regard to those most exposed to migration flows.
For the 2014-20 period, € 3.1 billion were initially made available, of which € 385 million for loans and other direct actions (Union actions, Emergency assistance and the European Migration Network). In response to the immigration crisis, the funding has increased.
Link to the calls of this programme
The British Academy promulgates research grants to support academic research and career development in the field of humanities and social sciences. The funding opportunities cover UK and international research from the post-doc level, supporting the best ideas, people and intellectual resources.
Link to the calls of this programme
CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY (CEF)
CEF is a key EU funding tool to promote growth and competitiveness through targeted European infrastructure investments. The programme supports the development of high-performance, sustainable and efficient trans-European networks in the transport, energy and digital services sectors. In addition to grants, financial support is offered to projects through innovative financial instruments such as bank guarantees and bonds. These financial instruments attract additional funding from the private sector. The total budget is 27.4 billion.
Link to the calls of this programme
The 2014-2020 Consumer Programme, with a budget of 188.8 million euros, supports the EU consumer policy. It aims to help citizens to fully enjoy their consumer rights and actively participate in the market.
It focuses on four points:
• a single market of safe products for citizens and part of assets and competitive businesses;
• a single market where citizens are well represented by professional consumer organizations able to relate to the economic challenges of the present;
• a market where citizens are informed and exercise their rights as consumers;
• effective cooperation between national bodies to support the strengthening of citizens' rights and warn consumers.
Link to the calls of this programme
COOLEY’S ANEMIA FOUNDATION, UNITED STATES
The Cooley's Anaemia Foundation supports research projects on the understanding and treatment of thalassemia.
Link to the calls of this programme
COSME - EUROPE’S PROGRAMME FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES.
COSME is the EU programme for the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises for the period 2014-2020, with a budget of 2.3 billion euros.
COSME intends to support small and medium-sized enterprises in four directions:
• improve access to finance for SMEs in terms of capital and debt;
• improve access to markets;
• improve the contextual conditions for the competitiveness and sustainability of Union companies;
• promote entrepreneurial culture.
Link to the calls of this programme
COST - EUROPEAN COOPERATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COST is the European programme that supports transnational cooperation between researchers, engineers and students from all over Europe. Based on a European intergovernmental framework for scientific and technological cooperation, COST has contributed - since its creation in 1971 - to closing the gap between science, politics and society across Europe and beyond. As a precursor of advanced multidisciplinary research, COST plays a very important role in the construction of a European Research Area (ERA).
Link to the calls of this programme
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL, GB
The Economic and Social Research Council is the most important British organization for the financing of economic and social research. The available budget for the period 2016/17 is around 192 million pounds.
EU programmes:
- Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The € 14.7 billion budget provides opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train and volunteer abroad
Link to the calls of this programme
- Creative Europe, with a budget of € 1.46 billion, represents the EU's framework programme to support the cultural and audio-visual sectors
Link to the calls of this programme
The LIFE programme is the EU funding instrument for environmental and climate actions. The overall aim is to contribute to the enrichment, updating and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation through the co-financing of projects with European added value. The budget is 3.4 billion euros for the 2014-2020 period.
Link to the calls of this programme
EUREKA is an intergovernmental network founded in 1985. It aims to increase the productivity and competitiveness of commercial activities through technological investment. The programme supports small and medium-sized enterprises and technology-driven organizations through groups, networks and individual projects. EUREKA has a network of national contact points (NCPs) that cooperate in the drafting of projects and in the search for partners.
Link to the calls of this programme
EUROPEAN METROLOGY PROGRAMME FOR INNOVATION AND RESEARCH (EMPIR)
EMPIR is the main European research programme on Metrology managed by EURAMET, the European Association of National Metrological Institutes (NMI), responsible for the processing and implementation of the European metrological research (EMRP) and the European metrology for innovation and research (EMPIR) programmes, designed to encourage collaboration between Metrology Institutes, the industrial sector and the academic world.
Link to the calls of this programme
The ESA aims to develop European space capabilities and to ensure that space investment continues to provide benefits for European and non-European citizens. ESA promotes cooperation between European States in the field of space research and technology and their applications, in view of their use for scientific purposes and application systems.
Link to the calls of this programme
The EuroTransBio programme aims to support the growth of small and medium-sized European enterprises in the biotechnology sector and involves several Ministries and Government Agencies operating in several countries and regions. ETB has been operating within the ERA-NET plan since 2004. ETB's mission is to encourage the competitiveness of the European biotechnology industry by supporting SMEs with high research potential.
Link to the calls of this programme
FINANCING FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AT REGIONAL LEVEL
Both Horizon 2020 and Cohesion Policy promote research and innovation (R&I) in the EU boosting the economic development. Horizon 2020 promotes R&I through the European Research Area, with projects selected in open competitions and following an independent evaluation process. The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), on the other hand, reduces the significant economic, social and territorial disparities that still exist between European regions. Cohesion Policy programmes for the 2014-20 period aim to further increase investment in R&I. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will focus on most R&I funding, giving emphasis on four priorities:
• Innovation and research
• Digital agenda
• Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Low-carbon economy
The future ERDF support on investment in innovation and research depends directly on the development of innovation and research strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) by Member States and European regions. A Commission, through the Smart Specialisation Platform
Italy: regional policy, provides support to Member States and regions on RIS3.
HERA - HUMANITIES IN THE EUROPEAN RESEARCH AREA
HERA – Humanities in the European Research Area – is a partnership between 24 European Humanities Research Councils and the European Commission, with the aim of asserting humanistic studies in the European research area and in the Commission's framework programmes
Link to the calls of this programme
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a German non-profit foundation aimed at promoting international research cooperation. The Foundation offers highly qualified researchers of any nationality the opportunity to spend research periods in Germany. Applications must generally be submitted by German research institutes, as specified in the announcement. Therefore, interested parties are invited to contact these institutions well in advance, and to verify additional specific requirements.
INNOVATIVE MEDICINES INITIATIVE (IMI)
Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) works to improve the health sector by accelerating the development, and patient access to innovative medicine, especially in areas where there is medical and social need by facilitating cooperation between universities, pharmaceutical companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, patient organizations. IMI is the result of a partnership between the European Union and the European pharmaceutical industry (represented by EFPIA, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations). IMI is the largest partnership in the world in the field of life sciences with a budget of 3.3 billion euros for the period 2014-2024. Of which: 1.638 billion come from Horizon 2020, 1.425 billion are engaged in the programme by the EFPIA industries, 213 million can be engaged by other life science industries or organizations that decide to contribute to the second IMI programme as members or associated partners in individual projects. EFPIA industries and other associated partners do not receive EU funding, but contribute to 'in kind' projects, for example by donating their researchers' work time or by providing access to research facilities.
Link to the calls of this programme
INTERNAL SECURITY FUND - BORDERS AND VISA (ISFB)
The European ISFB programme is part of the Internal Security Fund. It promotes the development of the internal security strategy, legal cooperation and management of European borders.
The programme focuses on:
• supporting a common residence permit policy;
• safeguarding borders outside the Union. For the period 2014-20, 2.76 billion were initially allocated for this programme with subsequent increase following the migration crisis.
Link to the calls of this programme
INTERNAL SECURITY FUND - POLICE (ISFP)
The European ISFP program is part of the Internal Security Fund. It contributes to ensuring a high level of security in the EU and focuses on the following objectives:
• prevent crime, organized crime and terrorism by reinforcing cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the member countries and relevant European forces, such as EUROPOL, and international non-EU organizations;
• improve the EU's ability to manage risks and crises, to protect citizens and sensitive infrastructures against terrorist attacks and other security incidents.
For the 2014-20 period, 342 million are available.
Link to the calls of this programme
JOINT PROGRAMME – NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE RESEARCH (JPND)
EU Joint Programme - Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) is the largest international research initiative on neurodegenerative diseases. JPND aims to increase coordinated investments among participating countries in researching the causes and developing cures of neurodegenerative diseases. In total, 20 States participate and finance the call; Italy finances the call for bids through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, University and Research. Public and Private Scientific Institutes of Hospitalization and Care (IRCCS) can access the Ministry of Health funds, while MIUR funds can request companies, private research centers, universities and public research centers.
Link to the calls of this programme
The EU Justice programme offers concrete financial support to various organizations specializing in the area of justice. The budget is 378 million for the period 2014-2020.
The programme focuses on the following areas:
• Legal cooperation in civil matters, including civil and commercial matters, insolvency, family matters and succession, etc.
• Legal cooperation in criminal matters
• Legal training, including language training on legal terminology, encouraging a common legal culture
• Effective access to justice in Europe, including the rights of victims of crime and procedural rights in criminal proceedings
• Initiatives in the field of drugs policy.
Link to the calls of this programme
LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY (LLS)
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a non-profit US agency sponsoring research on leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Since there is no means of prevention or possibility of early detection for most blood cancers, the research activity promoted by LLS focuses on the cure. LLS finances the most promising research projects and creates partnerships between academic institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in order to accelerate the development of new therapies.
Link to the calls of this programme
LEUKEMIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, UNITED STATES
The Leukemia Research Foundation deals with blood cancers by funding research to improve the quality of life of people with these diseases.
Link to the calls of this programme
LIFE supports projects for the protection of the environment, nature preservation and climate action across the EU. Since 1992, LIFE has co-funded over 4500 projects. For the 2014-2020 funding period, LIFE will contribute around 3.4 billion euros to environmental and climate protection.
LIFE - Ministry of Environment and Protection of the Territory and the Sea
Link to the calls of this programme
The Sergio Lombroso program derives from the will of the lawyer Sergio Lombroso. In 1998, the programme became a reality thanks to the collaboration between the lawyer Lombroso's niece and the prestigious Weizmann Scientific Institute in Israel. A fund has been set up at the Institute to annually fund an International Prize and a scholarship to support cancer research.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
US funding in the field of health research. The NIH are the world's largest public funders of biomedical research, with an investment of over $ 32 billion a year to improve life and reduce diseases and disability.
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, UNITED STATES
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports both basic and applied clinical or non-clinical studies, including projects related to the treatment, care and rehabilitation of patients affected by sclerosis.
Link to the calls of this programme
NATO - SCIENCE FOR PEACE AND SECURITY PROGRAMME
The NATO, through the "Science for Peace and Security Programme", supports international cooperation between scientists from different countries, with the aim of contributing to security, stability and solidarity among nations. In particular, the Programme funds projects, technical workshops and training courses, involving scientists from NATO member countries and partner countries. The research priorities are inherent to security in a broad sense and include telecommunications, environment, energy, politics, psychology, sociology, transport, protection from chemical and biological agents, etc.
PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
The main aim of this EU programme is to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in the European Union.
Specific aims are:
• raise awareness regarding the quality of agricultural products and the high standards applicable to the production methods within the Union Countries;
• increase the competitiveness and consumption of Union agricultural products and foods and raise their profile both inside and outside the Union;
• increase awareness and recognition of EU quality schemes;
• increase market sharing of agricultural products and some foods of the Union, by specifically focusing those markets in third countries with the greatest growth potential;
• restore normal conditions in cases of serious market turbulence, loss of consumer confidence and other specific problems.
Link to the calls of this programme
RESEARCH FUND FOR COAL & STEEL (RFCS)
The EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) programme funds high quality research projects that support the competitiveness of the European coal and steel industries. The programme deals with production processes of new products and applications, quality control, use and conversion of resources, job safety, environmental protection through the reduction of the emissions deriving from carbon use and steel production, and social problems.
Link to the calls of this programme
RIGHTS, EQUALITY AND CITIZENSHIP (REC)
The EU Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme defends the rights and freedoms held by citizens through the European legislation. The programme budget is 439.5 million euros for the 2014-2020 period.
This programme aims to:
• promote equality;
• combat racism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of intolerance;
• promote gender equality and gender culture;
• prevent violence against children, adolescents, women and other groups at risk;
• promote children's rights;
• ensure the protection of personal data in the EU;
• promote the rights of European citizenship;
• apply consumer rights.
Link to the calls of this programme
URBAN INNOVATIVE ACTIONS (UIA)
The "Urban Innovative Actions" initiative aims to support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development. Based on Article 8 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the programme has a budget of € 372 million for the period 2014-2020.
Link to the calls of this programme
WELLCOME TRUST: FUNDING FOR RESEARCH IN THE BIOMEDICAL FIELD
The Wellcome Trust Foundation (UK) offers several funding programmes for research activities (experimental or theoretical) and doctoral programmes in the field of biomedical sciences. For most Programmes, the research period should be performed at Institutes/Organizations in the UK and/or Ireland; however, some calls are also specific for other locations/countries. Funding is divided into research grants, PhD programmes, and Strategic Awards.
