Horizon Europe Proposal Elaboration Workshops
3rd Workshop: Developing Competitive ERC Proposals. A case-based Workshop
September 25, 2026
This practical workshop was dedicated for researchers and managers preparing for ERC grants. It began with an overview of the ERC’s main features, eligibility principles, proposal structure, evaluation process and practical tips for developing a competitive application. Participants then worked with fictional astrophysics proposals and PI profiles to explore the main ERC grant features: ground-breaking research, scientific independence, high-risk/high-gain approaches, B1 and B2 preparation, and panel evaluation. All group activities preserved confidentiality and required no disclosure of participants’ ideas or CVs.
Slides: 3rd Workshop on HE Proposal Elaboration
2nd Workshop: HE Proposal Management
February 9, 2026
The Horizon Europe Proposal Elaboration – 2nd Workshop, held on 9 February within Project UNDARK, was dedicated to strengthening researchers’ capacity to prepare competitive European proposals. The session provided a strategic overview of Horizon Europe Pillars 1 and 2, with particular focus on ERC grants (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy), collaborative projects (RIA, IA), and MSCA schemes, including Doctoral Networks and Postdoctoral Fellowships. Detailed guidance was offered on proposal structure (Part B1 and B2), evaluation criteria, budgeting, and key success factors, complemented by practical tips tailored to UNDARK research priorities. The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session and the collection of expressions of interest from potential applicants to support future coordinated submissions.
Program: UNDARK_Proposal_Elaboration_workshop_feb_2026_draft_agenda_v2.pdf
Slides: 2nd Workshop on Proposal Elaboration
1st Workshop: HE Proposal Elaboration Workshop (ERC & MSCA)
April 9, 2025
The first workshop in the Horizon Europe Proposal Development Series took place on April 10, 2025, at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Canary Islands. It brought together 26 participants, including both on-site and remote attendees, primarily researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), who are preparing to submit proposals to Horizon Europe’s highly competitive European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding schemes.
This session focused on understanding the structure, objectives, and strategic approach required for both ERC and MSCA proposals. Through detailed presentations and interactive discussion, attendees explored the core evaluation criteria, eligibility rules, and practical strategies for aligning research ideas with the expectations of each programme. The workshop laid a solid foundation for future sessions by clarifying the initial steps of successful proposal preparation, including choosing the right scheme and framing strong, innovative project concepts.
Ana Sofia Caires Branco, distinguished expert in European research funding and CEO of Saturntech partner of UNDARK, led the session. With over 25 years of experience in managing and drafting European research and innovation projects, and more than 20 years as an evaluator for the European Commission—including over 200 H2020 proposals - Ana brings a unique and practical perspective on what makes a successful Horizon Europe proposal. Drawing on deep expertise across multiple EU programs and a background in Technological Physics Engineering, she shared key strategies, common pitfalls, and expert insights to help participants strengthen their proposals and maximize their chances of funding.
You may find the presentations from the workshop available below, providing a deeper dive into both ERC and MSCA funding opportunities and proposal strategies.
Slides: 1st Workshop on Proposal Elaboration
HE Proposal Management Workshop
October 8, 2025
The second workshop in the Horizon Europe Proposal Development Series took place on October 8, 2025, at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Canary Islands. Led once again by Ana Sofia Caires Branco, expert in European research funding and CEO of Saturntech, this session focused on Project Management within Horizon Europe.
Participants explored best practices for project coordination, financial and legal management, and reporting—covering both traditional and lump sum funding schemes. The workshop also addressed mandatory activities such as dissemination, communication, and data management planning, as well as strategies for intellectual property rights and results exploitation. Through detailed presentations and interactive discussions, attendees gained practical insights on how to effectively manage EU-funded projects and ensure compliance, impact, and sustainability from proposal to final reporting.
Slides: Workshop on HE Proposal Management
IPR and Technology Transfer Workshop
February 10, 2026
The Horizon Europe IPR & Technology Transfer Workshop, held on 10 February within the framework of Project UNDARK, focused on strengthening intellectual property management and enhancing technology transfer practices at IAC. The workshop provided an overview of IPR fundamentals, protection strategies, and the specific legal and operational frameworks applicable to Horizon Europe collaborative projects. Participants discussed common challenges in IP management, reviewed existing technology transfer processes through case studies and best practices, and explored strategies to reinforce spin-offs, start-ups, and institutional collaborations. The session concluded with the presentation of a concrete action plan defining goals, tools, responsibilities, and next steps to improve IPR governance and maximize the exploitation potential of project results.
Program: UNDARK_IPR_and_Technolgy_Transfer_workshop_draft_agenda_v2.pdf
Slides: Workshop on IPR & Tech Transfer