Pillar III: Science comes to town 2029
Horizon Europe · HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-05-ERA-03
Support for three to six cities to host a 2029 science programme including the EU contests for young scientists and researchers.
This call is announced but not open yet. Dates and conditions can still change.
What is this call about?
The topic funds one consortium of three to six cities that host a year-long science and citizen engagement programme in 2029, including the EUCYS and EU TalentOn contests.
What does this call fund?
Scope
The topic supports a small group of cities that jointly organise and host a one-year programme, Science comes to town 2029, connecting citizens and science through events and activities that showcase recent R&I and its contribution to society. Novel, inclusive and participatory formats should reach diverse age and social groups, with attention to gender equality and citizen science.
Expected components
- EUCYS, the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, for 14- to 20-year-old winners of national school science contests.
- EU TalentOn, the European Union Contest for Early Career Researchers, bringing together at least 100 researchers aged 21-35.
Both 2029 editions take place in the third quarter of 2029.
Organisation and resources
Proposals should link to the preceding and following editions, set out which activities the EU contribution funds and which are financed by cities, satellite cities, sponsors and other resources, and show the ability to mobilise substantial additional resources. A detailed draft programme must be submitted for approval at least three months before the programme launch.
Expected outcomes
- Stronger capacity of participating cities in science communication and citizen engagement.
- More informed policymaking and public debate on science.
- More attractive R&I careers for younger generations.
What are the key facts?
- Topic budget
- €6,000,000
- Funding per project
- €6,000,000
- Call code
- HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-05-ERA-03
- Programme
- Horizon Europe
- Funder
- Horizon Europe, Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (Coordination and Support Action)
- Duration
- 24 to 30 months
- Expected number of projects
- 1
Who can apply for this call?
- The programme should take place in at least 3 and at most 6 cities located in at least 3 different Member States and/or Associated Countries, with the majority in Member States.
- The consortium may include organisations representing the host cities, and should include local partners linked to R&I.
- Applicants should provide commitment letters signed by the highest authority of each participating city (such as the mayor).
- Financial support to third parties is limited to prizes: €70,000 for EUCYS and €100,000 for EU TalentOn.
Check your eligibility and how your project fits
In your free account, we check the eligibility conditions against the call documents for your organisation and assess how well your project fits this call.
When is the deadline?
11 March 2027 (125 days)
11 March 2027 (single-stage).
Interested in this call? Summary written with AI from the official call documents. Details can differ, so check the official call page before you apply. Read the official call documents before you decide. The official text is always binding.
Source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the official call documents. Official call page Last updated 6 October 2026.