Horizon Europe - Cluster 6, Environment     

In my final contribution to the Horizon Europe Newsletter, before passing the baton to a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Contact Point in the coming months, I would like to thank my colleagues across the National Support Network for building a strong, effective and collegial network across Departments, Agencies and Organisations that is ensuring that researchers in Ireland continue to be successful in securing Horizon Europe funding. 

My time as a member of the National Support Network further demonstrated to me the importance of the EPA’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration through Horizon Europe, the Horizon Europe Partnerships and the National Support Network. Although the EPA is not amongst the largest research funding organisations in Ireland, we recognise the critical role of international collaboration for research and innovation in Ireland, and the need for resources to support this. Each year we strategically commit funding directly to collaborative projects through Horizon Europe Partnerships, as well as providing broader support for engagement through the National Support Network. For the EPA, the benefits of this are seen in a vibrant, diverse and engaged research system that is better connected to EU policy relevant to protecting our environment, tackling climate change and transitioning to a sustainable society.

Horizon Europe Work Programme announced for 2026-2027

Research and innovation continue to be critical components of the EU’s goals to be more sustainable, competitive and resilient with an allocation of €14 billion to the final two years of Horizon Europe recently announced  in the Work Programme for 2026 and 2027. Upcoming Cluster 6 calls will address challenges associated with ecosystem restoration, biodiversity preservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and other important areas. 

Horizon Europe Partnerships – Water4All and Biodiversa+

Results from the Water4All Joint Transnational Call on Water and the Circular Economy Call were recently announced with two projects with partners from Ireland included amongst the 27 successful projects. UCD will coordinate the project “Increasing circularity of urban WWTP through valorisation of sewage sludge and advanced polishing of treated effluent (CIRC-WWTP)” and the University of Galway is a partner on the project “Electrochemical recovery of nitrogen vectors from wastewater (eLitre)”. We wish the successful researchers the best of luck with these projects. 

There were recent funding opportunities under the Water4All Joint Transnational Call on Water and Health and the Biodiversa+ Joint Transnational Call on Restoration of ecosystem functioning, integrity, and connectivity. Pre-proposals are currently under evaluation, with full proposals to be invited under both calls around February 2026. Keep an eye out for future opportunities under these Partnerships. 

Cluster 6 – Upcoming calls opening in January and February

The Work Programme 2026-7 for Cluster 6, which covers food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment, has been published with details on all funding opportunities over the next two years. 

Upcoming calls in 2026 will seek projects on ecosystem restoration, biodiversity preservation, a sustainable use of natural resources, polar observations, sustainable agriculture, food waste prevention, the health of our oceans, and more. A total of €676.4 million will be available under 7 calls with 57 topics.

Calls will be single-stage and two-stage with deadlines closing between April and November 2026. The topics under this programme are divided into seven destinations:

- Biodiversity and ecosystem services – Call opens on 12 February 2026

- Fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food systems from primary production to consumption –    Call opens on 14 January 2026

- Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors – Call opens on 12 February 2026

- Clean environment and zero pollution – Call opens on 12 February 2026

- Land, oceans and water for climate action – Call opens on 12 February 2026

- Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities – Call opens on 14              January 2026

- Innovative  governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green       Deal – Call opens on 14 January 2026

Funding opportunities on EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe"

New funding is available for research on the impact of farming practices on soil health, citizen involvement in land management, soil salinity, and the development of soil-health data interfaces. Additionally, the EU will support living labs to improve soil health. 

Funding of up to €81 million is available under two calls with 6 topics. There is one single-stage call and one two-stage call, both opening in February 2026.

Upcoming Events

There are lots of useful events for potential applicants and research support services. 

Join the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 info days on 22 and 23 January 2026 to learn more about the topics of the forthcoming Work Programme 2026, insights into the policy context,  a ‘key-to-success' session, and pitches for each of the topics:  Register here

A Horizon Implementation webinar focusing on novelties in the 2026-2027 Horizon Europe work programme will take place on 20 January 2026, 09:00h to 12:00h (CET, Brussels Time). More information accessing this event is available on the Horizon Implementation day event website.