This session will be of interest to researchers who are already working on an application, or are considering to apply, either as coordinator or as partner, with a European consortium. Focus of this session: consortium grants and thematic EU funding programmes and RVO will provide insights in particular into the calls in pillar 2 of Horizon Europe.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Clusters and topics
Cluster 3 (Civil Security) & EDF (European Defense Fund). More information in detail below.
Programme
- RVO Speakers: Stijn Greben (cluster 3) and Victor Hartong (EDF)
- 13:00-15:00: RVO presentations (Civil Security) & EDF (European Defense Fund)
These meetings will be presented by the representatives (National Contact Points) of the HE Clusters and Programmes. As such this is a good opportunity to connect with them for your grant application.
We would like to remind you that if you plan to submit a Horizon Europe proposal as a coordinator, please contact IXA-GO, VU Grants Office for additional support from grant advisors, impact managers and business developers: subsidiedesk@vu.nl
Horizon Europe – Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society
Cluster 3 tackles persistent and emerging security threats, including crime, terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural or human‑made disasters. It funds research on crisis management, border security, resilient infrastructures, and cybersecurity. The cluster emphasizes operational, practitioner‑driven solutions that can be deployed in real‑world contexts. It promotes coordinated action across security services, technologies, and social sciences to protect citizens. As such, it aims to build a safer, more resilient Europe.
European Defence Fund (EDF)
The European Defence Fund strengthens Europe’s defence technological and industrial base by promoting collaborative research and joint capability development across EU Member States. It encourages cross‑border cooperation among companies, SMEs, research organisations and universities to develop interoperable, next‑generation defence technologies. Implemented through annual work programmes spanning all military domains and key enabling technologies, the EDF focuses on supporting innovative, state‑of‑the‑art solutions that address critical capability needs identified under EU defence priorities. The Fund builds on earlier EU defence initiatives and provides structured support across the full research‑and‑development cycle, offering guidance and mechanisms that help participants progress from concept to prototype and deployment. Overall, the EDF drives European strategic autonomy by accelerating technological innovation, enhancing defence interoperability, and fostering a more competitive and resilient defence ecosystem within the Union.