Expected Outcome:
The action is intended to set the foundation for future collaborative activities between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) on climate change research in the context of the implementation of the Partnership on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (CCSE)[1] under the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) on Science, Technology, and Innovation[2] and its Innovation Agenda[3].
Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
Scope:
African societies and productive sectors are already experiencing widespread impacts from both natural hazards and human induced climate change. These include loss of lives and biodiversity, increased disease burden, water shortages, ocean acidification, reduced food production, and diminished labour efficiency and economic growth. The IPCC warns that with additional warming, the risks will further escalate, making a strong case for prioritising climate risk reduction and adaptation efforts while transitioning to low-carbon future. Socioeconomic, political, and other environmental factors - such as high demographic pressure, violent conflicts, biodiversity loss and pollution, unsustainable land and ocean use, strong reliance on agriculture and natural resources - interact with climate change to amplify the region’s vulnerability. These compounded challenges undermine Africa’s socio-economic advancements, hindering its efforts towards sustainable development. Yet, the continent is very poorly equipped to deal with these challenges: only 40% of its population has access to early warning systems[4] – the lowest rate of any region of the world, and many countries lack quality climate knowledge and data.
In addition, despite multiple efforts to promote climate research and capacity development, African scientists, scholars, and practitioners are still significantly underrepresented in international fora, such as the IPCC. Furthermore, the bulk of research concerning the region is performed by groups from developed and emerging countries, not sufficiently incorporating indigenous knowledge, local contexts and needs. It is now vital that the assessments of climate change, and its related impacts, risks and response strategies are increasingly delivered by the African community.
This action is intended as a preparatory step towards future joint collaborative activities between the EU and the AU, and their respective Member States to support the implementation of the “Climate Action for adaptation and mitigation” Pillar of the CCSE partnership. This pillar encompasses 1) climate-related data, 2) climate services, 3) and an integrated knowledge approach to support AU countries in their efforts to implement the Paris Agreement. These priorities should be used to frame the activities of the project. The action should establish a joint strategy for improving the availability and accelerating the uptake of advanced climate knowledge, data, and products across Africa. The aim is to enhance climate literacy, to develop and increase uptake of climate services and early-warning systems, and to support capacity building while taking into consideration the continent’s socio-economic circumstances and user needs. It is expected to address all of the following aspects:
The action should bring together core European and African funding agencies (and define a credible pathway for mobilising additional funders), research organisations and other key African entities such as regional and national climate service centres. Strong representation of African partners in the consortium is a core requirement (see eligibility conditions). In addition, the action should strive at better connecting scientists, policy makers, practitioners, and local communities for integrated solutions, at mobilising private sector engagement and at promoting the uptake of indigenous knowledge and Citizen Science. Efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is managed according to the FAIR principles[6].
The action should build on and aim at improving the coordination between existing and forthcoming multilateral and bilateral initiatives, such as the Climate Services for Risk Reduction in Africa (CS4RRA)[7], the ClimSA[8] programme, as well as projects funded by the EU (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe) and the JPI-Climate (ERA4CS). Synergies should also be sought, where possible, with relevant activities of the World Climate Research Programme, the World Adaptation Science Programme, the World Meteorological Organisation, the Group on Earth Observations, or the Copernicus programme. It is advisable that the action integrates the lessons learnt from the implementation of the energy pillar of the CCSE Partnership[9].
For ERC grants, excellence is the sole selection criterion—evaluations focus exclusively on the quality of the research and track record .
Peer-reviewers adhere strictly to predefined criteria (e.g., Horizon ITN evaluations), and weaknesses—rather than strengths—often decide the outcome .
Horizon Europe emphasizes Green & Digital Transitions and resilience, with specific budget steering across biodiversity, climate, digital, and societal missions .
Proposals that clearly align with these strategic orientations and EU missions are significantly more competitive.
Horizon projects demand well-balanced consortia across Europe—geographically and disciplinarily diverse, including academia, industry, SMEs, NGOs .
Effective leadership, communication, trust, and active collaboration are key success factors.
A strong publication record—especially in high-impact venues—and prior grant awards bolster chances .
ERC starting, consolidator, or advanced grants require exceptional citation records, strong proposals, and investigator track records .
For large collaborative grants, project coordination, administration, and communication are just as crucial as scientific content .
Demonstrating realistic budget planning (100% direct costs + 25% indirect costs), administrative frameworks, and governance structures strengthens proposals .
Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships emphasize researcher mobility, interdisciplinary training, and developing future talent .
Northern and certain Eastern European institutions currently have higher success rates (≈22% vs below 18% in Southern Europe) .
ERC gender data: male and female applicants have similar success rates, though male applicants apply more frequently .
Factor | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Excellence-first | Superior science and investigator record are non-negotiable. |
Strategic fit | Alignment with EU green, digital, and mission goals is essential. |
Consortium quality | Geographic, sectoral, and expertise balance enhances impact. |
Management capacity | Good PM builds confidence in successful delivery. |
Experience track record | Publications, previous funding, and citations build credibility. |
Mobility & careers | MSCA focuses on researcher development and interdisciplinary collaboration. |
Master criteria & avoid weaknesses: Make sure your proposal addresses common reviewer pitfalls—methodology, innovation, budget clarity.
Map to EU priorities: Explicitly connect your objectives to Horizon Europe’s strategic plan (2025–2027).
Build strong consortia early: Prioritize complementary expertise, geography, gender balance, and partner roles.
Show robust project management: Include a Work Package structure, governance plans, and clear communication strategies.
Leverage your track record: Highlight high-impact papers, leadership in projects, and previous awards.
Consider MSCA opportunities: Use them for mobility grants or integrating training into your project.
✅ In Summary
To maximize success with European Commission grants—especially ERC or Horizon Europe—focus relentlessly on scientific excellence, strategic EU alignment, consortium strength, and solid project planning. Combine these with a strong publication record and researcher development elements, and aim to close off any potential reviewer concerns.
General conditions
1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout
described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3. Other Eligible Conditions
If eligible for funding, legal entities established in the African Union member states[["African Union member states" excludes countries whose membership has been temporarily suspended.]] may exceptionally participate in this Coordination and Support Action as beneficiary or affiliated entity.
In addition, international organisations with headquarters in a European Union Member State, Horizon Europe Associated Country or an African Union Member State are also exceptionally eligible to participate (and eligible for funding).
At least 40% of the beneficiaries must be legal entities established in the African Union Member States.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Specific conditions
described in the specific topic of the Work Programme
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: European Commission
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Affiliation Disclaimer: Trialect operates independently and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or supported by any sponsors or organizations posting on the GrantsBoard platform. As an independent aggregator of publicly available funding opportunities, Trialect provides equal access to information for all users without endorsing any specific funding source, content, organization, or sponsor. Trialect assumes no responsibility for the content posted by sponsors or third parties.
Subscription Disclaimer: Upon logging into Trialect, you may choose to SUBSCRIBE to GrantsBoard for timely notifications of funding opportunities and to access exclusive benefits, such as priority alerts, reminders, personalized recommendations, and additional application support. However, users are advised to contact sponsors directly for any questions and are not required to subscribe to engage with funding opportunities.
Content Ownership and Copyright Disclaimer: Trialect respects the intellectual property rights of all organizations and individuals. All content posted on GrantsBoard is provided solely for informational purposes and remains the property of the original owners. Trialect does not claim ownership of, nor does it have any proprietary interest in, content provided by third-party sponsors. Users are encouraged to verify content and ownership directly with the posting sponsor.
Fair Use Disclaimer: The information and content available on GrantsBoard are compiled from publicly accessible sources in alignment with fair use principles under U.S. copyright law. Trialect serves as an aggregator of this content, offering it to users in good faith and with the understanding that it is available for public dissemination. Any organization or individual who believes their intellectual property rights have been violated is encouraged to contact us for prompt resolution.
Third-Party Posting Responsibility Disclaimer: Trialect is a neutral platform that allows third-party sponsors to post funding opportunities for informational purposes only. Sponsors are solely responsible for ensuring that their postings comply with copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Trialect assumes no liability for any copyright or intellectual property infringements in third-party content and will take appropriate action to address any substantiated claims.
Accuracy and Verification Disclaimer: Trialect makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided by sponsors. Users are advised to verify the details of any funding opportunity directly with the sponsor before taking action. Trialect cannot be held liable for any discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies in third-party postings.
Notice and Takedown Policy: Trialect is committed to upholding copyright law and protecting the rights of intellectual property owners. If you believe that content on GrantsBoard infringes your copyright or intellectual property rights, please contact us with detailed information about the claim. Upon receipt of a valid notice, Trialect will promptly investigate and, where appropriate, remove or disable access to the infringing content.
Sep 24, 2025
Sep 24, 2025
$4,711,000
Affiliation: European Commission
Address: Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.