New grants to close research excellence gap across Europe

The EU has announced new grants that will help bridge the research excellence gap between member states and strengthen competitiveness and growth across Europe.

The new Teaming instrument, under which these grants are awarded, will help improve research performance and increase investment in countries with lower research excellence rankings. With funding from Horizon 2020, 31 projects from such countries have now been selected to prepare operational plans for new centres of excellence by teaming up with high calibre institutions from all over Europe.

European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas said: “Put simply, we want Horizon 2020 funds to benefit as wide a range of European universities and research institutes as possible. We are determined to see that no part of Europe is left behind in research and innovation. Teaming now helps to achieve this by creating partnerships between those at the top and those with the most potential. Horizon 2020 rewards excellence and, most importantly, the pursuit of excellence.”

The first projects selected for funding will be led by research institutions or agencies as well as national or regional authorities. In phase 1 of this action, the projects will receive up to €500,000 each (€14.5 million in total) to prepare operational plans for new centres of excellence or for upgrading existing ones.