H2020 launched with €15bn for 2014-2016
H2020 launched with €15bn for 2014-2016 © NASA 11 December, 2013

H2020 launched with €15bn for 2014-2016

The European Commission has presented the first calls for projects under Horizon 2020.

Worth over €15bn during the first two years, the funding is intended to help boost Europe’s knowledge-driven economy and tackle issues that will make a difference in people’s lives. A total of twelve research focus areas will funding during 2014-2015, including personalised healthcare, digital security and smart cities.

European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, said: “Horizon 2020 funding is vital for the future of research and innovation in Europe and will contribute to growth, jobs and a better quality of life. We have designed Horizon 2020 to produce results, and we have slashed red tape to make it easier to participate.”

The Commission has indicated funding priorities over the first two years, providing researchers and businesses with more certainty on the direction of EU research policy. Most calls from the 2014 budget are open for submissions from today, with more to follow over the course of the next few months.

Calls for the 2014 Work Programme are worth around €7.8bn, with funding focused on the three key pillars of Horizon 2020. Excellent Science will receive around €3bn, including €1.7bn for the European Research Council and €800m for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

Industrial Leadership is set to receive €1.8bn to support Europe’s industrial base, whilst Societal Challenges will receive €2.8bn for innovative projects addressing Horizon 2020’s seven societal objectives.

You can view the first calls here.