The Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) is Horizon Europe’s fourth ‘transversal’ element. It aims to support the overall objectives of the European Research Area (ERA).
Central to the ERA are the objectives of making the European Union the best and most successful environment for research and innovation. It also aims to ensure that all Member States and their regions have the same opportunities to develop and access funding.
The UK National Contact Point (NCP) provides information and advice on participating in this area of Horizon Europe.
What is funded by WIDERA?
WIDERA aims to help reduce disparities between R&I leading and lagging countries to enable the EU to advance as a whole.
There are two main areas:
- Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence
- Reforming and enhancing the European Research and Innovation system
The Widening Countries are:
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Associated Countries with equivalent characteristics in terms of R&I performance
- The Outermost Regions
WIDERA Work Programme 2023-2025
The European Commission has published an updated Work Programme detailing WIDERA calls for 2023, 2024 and 2025. This document includes all call topics and information needed to apply.
There are schemes for individuals to apply directly for funding and funding instruments for organisations to use as part of larger consortia.
The Work Programme includes three destinations with the following calls:
1. Improved Access to Excellence:
- Teaming
- Twinning
- European Excellence Initative
- Pathways to Synergies
- Dissemination and Exploitation Support Facility
- Hop-On Facility
- Excellence Hubs
2. Attracting and Mobilising the Best Talents:
- ERA Chairs
- ERA Fellowships
- ERA Talents
3. Reforming and Enhancing the EU Research and Innovation System:
- Enhancing the European R&I system
- Deepening the ERA
Additional opportunities
There are other direct grants available for the following activities:
- Horizon Impact Award
- EU Award for Gender Equality Champions
- Support to the further operation of cOAlition S
- European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) 2023
- Monitoring experts for Horizon 2020 legacy
- Development, maintenance, and promotion of the ERA Talent Platform, including EURAXESS and associated websites and tools + IS Coordinators
These actions provide funding opportunities for mobility and training at all stages of a researcher’s career.
Last updated: 16 September 2024