IGLO report compilation discussion stakeholders on experiences with Lump Sum Funding actions

IGLO (Informal Group of RTD Liaison Offices) organised an online workshop in May 2026 with more than 60 participants reflecting on the broader implications of lump sum funding in Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 for research management and project governance. A report was edited and contained among others the following main points:

• positive experiences with reduced financial reporting requirements
• operational challenges like uncertainty regarding work package completion, and a shift of administrative effort instead of reduction
• organisational adaptations: increased attention to design of work packages, closer cooperation between scientific and administrative staff, growing importance of consortium agreements
• remaining open questions: assessment of work package completion, evidence required of project implementation, implication of budget flexibility, project closure