EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme 2026 Round 2 Open
EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding
Accelerator Programme 2026 Round 2 Open
Following the initial pilot of the EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme, we are pleased to announce the launch of Round 2 for 2026. This is an initiative designed to support academics in the development of competitive Horizon Europe funding applications.
The programme provides targeted support for researchers preparing major European funding proposals, including European Research Council (ERC) grants, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks, and Horizon Europe collaborative research projects.
The Accelerator Programme aims to strengthen the Faculty's European research profile, increase participation in Horizon Europe, foster international research collaboration, and build long-term research capacity. During this pilot phase, enhanced support will be provided to up to six applicants.
Further details on eligibility, available supports, the application process, and assessment criteria are available in the Call Document and Application Form linked on this page.
Submission
Applications should be submitted via email to: adr.ehs@ul.ie. Please read the call documents carefully before submission.
Deadline: 12 noon on Monday 11thJanuary 2027
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will COST Action applications be eligible for support under the Accelerator Programme?
No. The EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme is specifically designed to support the development of major Horizon Europe funding applications where the applicant will act as Principal Investigator (PI), Lead Applicant, or Project Coordinator and where the requested funding exceeds €600,000.
Eligible schemes currently include:
- Horizon Europe Collaborative (Consortium-Based) Research Projects
- European Research Council (ERC) Grants
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks
Researchers interested in COST Actions are encouraged to contact the Research Office to discuss alternative support mechanisms that may be available.
How long will the supports be available for?
The Accelerator Programme is designed to support the development and submission of a competitive Horizon Europe funding proposal in 2027 (or the next available eligible call where call timing requires). Supports such as teaching buyout, research assistance, coaching, project development support, and administrative assistance are therefore intended to facilitate proposal preparation and submission rather than the delivery of a funded project.
The duration and nature of support will be agreed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the requirements of the target funding call and the needs of the applicant.
Note: Supports provided through the Accelerator Programme are intended to facilitate proposal development and submission. Applicants are expected, where permitted by the funding scheme, to include appropriate project management, administrative, research, and other implementation-related costs within the budget of the proposed Horizon Europe application.
I am planning to apply for an Erasmus+ Teacher Academy project. Would this be eligible?
No. The EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme is focused exclusively on Horizon Europe funding opportunities and associated European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) schemes.
As Erasmus+ Teacher Academies are funded under the Erasmus+ programme rather than Horizon Europe, they are not eligible under the current pilot programme.
How does the programme align with ERC Consolidator Grant timelines?
The programme is intended to support applicants actively developing proposals for submission to Horizon Europe calls with deadlines in 2027, or the next available eligible call where call timing requires (see Call Documents).
This provision is intended to accommodate funding schemes, such as ERC grants, where call schedules may not align precisely with the programme timeline. Applicants targeting ERC calls should outline their proposed submission timeline within their application.
Will teaching buyout support be available in time to support ERC proposal preparation?
Successful applicants may receive support during the proposal development period, subject to approval and agreement with their Head of School/Department. The timing and nature of support will depend on the requirements of the target funding scheme, the proposed submission timeline, and available Faculty resources.
Applicants should outline their anticipated support requirements within their application and discuss these in advance with their Head of School/Department.
Can unsuccessful applicants to the EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme 2026 still apply for Horizon Europe funding?
Yes. Participation in the EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme is not a requirement for applying to Horizon Europe or other European funding programmes.
Researchers who are not selected for the programme remain fully eligible to submit funding applications and may continue to access existing University research development and support mechanisms.
Will participation in the Accelerator Programme improve my chances of success?
The purpose of the Accelerator Programme is to provide targeted support that strengthens the quality, competitiveness, and readiness of major Horizon Europe applications. While participation cannot guarantee funding success, the programme is designed to help applicants develop stronger proposals, build competitive consortia, and access the supports needed to prepare high-quality submissions.
Do participants in the Accelerator Programme still need to follow University and Research Office procedures for Horizon Europe applications?
Yes. Participation in the EHS Enhanced EU Research Funding Accelerator Programme does not replace existing University or Research Office requirements for Horizon Europe proposal development and submission.
All applicants are expected to engage with the Research Office and comply with relevant internal procedures, approval processes, timelines, and submission requirements. The Accelerator Programme is intended to provide an enhanced layer of support for proposal development and runs alongside existing institutional research support structures.
