Within the Horizon Europe programme, the European Commission has opened the Twinning (HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02) call. It aims to strengthen scientific excellence and research management capacity in research institutions from Widening countries. The initiative supports strategic partnerships between a coordinating institution from a Widening country and at least two leading research or higher education institutions from different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
Twinning seeks to reduce the research and innovation gap within the European Union. At the same time, the call helps the coordinating institution increase its international visibility, sharpen its research profile and strengthen staff capacity.
Objectives and expected outcomes
Horizon Europe Twinning projects should improve research excellence and capacity in Widening countries. Moreover, they should deepen strategic cooperation between partner institutions. As a result, the coordinator should strengthen its scientific reputation and build stronger research management and organisational capacities.
In addition, the call encourages new approaches to international research collaboration. It puts special emphasis on researcher mobility, both inbound and outbound. It also promotes the involvement of early-career researchers and doctoral candidates.
Project format and content
Proposals must include a clear strategy to strengthen scientific excellence and innovation capacity in a defined R&I area. Furthermore, consortia should explain how Twinning cooperation will take the research agenda to a new level.
Projects can include short-term staff exchanges, expert visits, on-site or virtual trainings and workshops, as well as conference participation. Additionally, consortia may organise joint summer schools, dissemination and outreach activities, and engagement initiatives with external stakeholders.
Strengthening research management
Twinning also focuses on strengthening research management capacities at the coordinating institution. Therefore, the project must include a dedicated work package or task for this purpose. These activities should align with the European Competence Framework for Research Managers.
Moreover, institutions should establish or strengthen specialised research management teams. At the same time, they should actively draw on the experience and best practices of their international partners.
Research component
Projects may include a research and innovation component. However, its share must not exceed 30% of the total Horizon Europe grant, including indirect costs.
This component must appear as a dedicated work package and should focus on developing new ideas, methods or technologies. In addition, the coordinating institution must implement at least 50% of the budget allocated to this component.
Duration and funding
Twinning projects can run for up to 3 years. The call provides funding as a lump sum under Horizon Europe rules.
Grant size per project: from €800,000 to €1,500,000;
Indicative number of projects: around 210.
Key dates
Planned call opening date: 8 January 2026;
Application deadline: 9 April 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
The European Commission has published the call conditions, application requirements and official documentation on the Funding & Tenders Portal under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-02 Twinning call.
Find more current funding opportunities for research institutions and universities in the grants section of the GetGrant service.