Teaming for Excellence

The Teaming for Excellence program targets academic and research entities from European Widening Countries, alongside leading scientific institutions from other EU Member States or Associated Countries, to significantly boost research and innovation capacities. The program's objective is to establish or upgrade Centers of Excellence, thereby driving structural R&I system reforms and fostering competitive growth at national, regional, and European levels.

The Teaming for Excellence program supports the establishment or modernization of Centers of Excellence in Widening Countries, focusing on strengthening research and innovation capabilities. This includes substantial support for start-up and implementation, personnel costs, and a minor preparatory research component. Projects should align with relevant strategies like smart specialization.

Teaming for Excellence provides substantial grant funding from Horizon Europe for up to six years, aimed at establishing or upgrading Centers of Excellence. A critical condition for this EU Synergy Grant is securing complementary funding from national, regional, or private sources that must at least match the Horizon Europe contribution, emphasizing a blended financing approach.

The program sets stringent conditions for applicants and projects, including multi-beneficiary consortium formation, specific eligibility for coordinators from Widening Countries, and the crucial requirement of substantial complementary funding. Adherence to transparent recruitment, gender equality, and EU financial regulations is mandatory, with evaluation prioritizing excellence, impact, and geographical diversity.

The application process is a two-stage procedure, beginning with an outline proposal focusing on R&I excellence and a conceptual approach. Successful first-stage applicants proceed to submit a full proposal, which must include a binding investment plan and commitment for complementary funding. Evaluation is based on specific criteria for excellence and impact, with a focus on geographical diversity in ranking.

The Teaming for Excellence program is governed by the comprehensive framework of Horizon Europe. Its legal foundation includes key EU regulations and specific work programmes, all publicly accessible on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, ensuring transparency and adherence to established rules for participation and financial management.