From January 22 to 24, 2025, researchers and stakeholders from Poland, Estonia, and Portugal convened in Olsztyn, Poland, for an intensive and interactive training program on grant writing and research funding. Organized by the Crosspaths project in collaboration with InLife (Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research), the event aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure Horizon Europe funding successfully.
Facilitated by esteemed experts in the field, including Peter Jongebloed, João Cortez, Vanya Simeonova, and Ana Marcela Víquez-Zamora, the training sessions provided in-depth insights into proposal writing, consortium building, and strategic approaches to funding acquisition. The program emphasized collaboration, strategic planning, and effective communication as essential pillars for grant success.
Understanding Horizon Europe: A Foundation for Success
The training opened with an overview of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s key funding program for research and innovation. Designed to support groundbreaking scientific advancements, Horizon Europe offers vast opportunities for researchers and institutions across Europe. Participants explored the program’s structure, funding schemes, and evaluation criteria, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the complex funding landscape.
Key topics included:
- The structure of Horizon Europe and its different pillars
- Eligibility criteria and funding rules
- Key deadlines and submission processes
- Evaluation criteria and how proposals are assessed by the European Commission
Understanding these fundamental aspects provided attendees with the necessary foundation to craft competitive proposals aligned with Horizon Europe’s objectives.
Crafting Winning Proposals: Best Practices in Grant Writing
One of the central components of the training was focused on best practices in proposal writing. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises that simulated real-life grant application scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Key takeaways included:
- Defining a Clear and Impactful Research Vision: Successful proposals articulate a strong and innovative research idea that addresses key societal challenges.
- Alignment with Horizon Europe Priorities: Proposals must demonstrate how they contribute to the program’s overarching goals, such as sustainability, digital transformation, and global competitiveness.
- Writing with Clarity and Precision: A well-structured proposal with clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes enhances readability and persuasiveness.
- Budget Planning and Financial Justification: Developing a realistic and well-justified budget is essential for securing funding approval.
Participants worked in groups to draft key sections of a grant proposal, receiving feedback from trainers and peers to refine their approaches.
Consortium Building: The Power of Strategic Partnerships
Another crucial element of the training was consortium building—an essential factor for securing Horizon Europe funding. Given the program’s emphasis on international collaboration, assembling a strong and diverse consortium can significantly enhance a project’s credibility and impact.
Participants learned strategies for:
- Identifying suitable partners with complementary expertise
- Establishing effective collaboration agreements
- Ensuring balanced workload distribution among consortium members
- Demonstrating the added value of international partnerships
Through interactive networking sessions, attendees had the opportunity to connect with potential partners and discuss ideas for future collaborations. The event fostered an environment of knowledge exchange, where researchers from different countries could explore synergies and joint research opportunities.
Practical Insights from Experts
The training benefited immensely from the expertise of facilitators Peter Jongebloed, João Cortez, Vanya Simeonova, and Ana Marcela Víquez-Zamora, who shared valuable insights based on their extensive experience in securing European research funding.
Eduardo Costa, a participant in the training, reflected on the experience:
“The training sessions truly highlighted the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and effective communication in securing research funding. From understanding European funding structures to group exercises on crafting winning project proposals, every aspect was practical, interactive, and inspiring.”
These expert-led sessions not only provided theoretical knowledge but also practical tools that participants could immediately apply in their future grant applications.
The Role of Crosspaths in Advancing Research Collaboration
The success of this training is a testament to the Crosspaths project’s commitment to fostering international research collaboration. By organizing initiatives such as this, Crosspaths aims to:
- Build the capacity of researchers to compete for Horizon Europe funding
- Strengthen partnerships between research institutions across Europe
- Enhance the overall impact of collaborative research projects
Events like this reinforce the importance of knowledge-sharing and skill development in ensuring that researchers are well-equipped to secure funding for their innovative ideas.
Participant Testimonials: A Transformative Experience
The enthusiasm and engagement of participants were evident throughout the training. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their grant writing skills and expand their professional networks.
One participant shared:
“A heartfelt thank you to the CrossPaths project and InLife for organizing this enriching training. The insights gained over these three days will undoubtedly shape the way we approach research funding in the future.”
Another attendee emphasized the importance of the collaborative environment:
“Being part of such an initiative reaffirms the incredible potential of shared knowledge and international partnerships in shaping the future of research and innovation.”
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The Crosspaths Grant Writing Training was a resounding success, equipping researchers with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the Horizon Europe funding landscape. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, such initiatives pave the way for groundbreaking research projects that can address global challenges.
As participants return to their respective institutions, they carry with them not only practical knowledge but also a renewed commitment to advancing research through strategic partnerships. The future of European research funding depends on such proactive efforts, and CrossPaths remains dedicated to supporting researchers in their journey toward funding success.
With continued engagement, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the impact of this training will extend far beyond the event itself, driving meaningful research initiatives and innovation across Europe. The Crosspaths project looks forward to organizing future training sessions and expanding opportunities for researchers to excel in the competitive world of research funding.
