Horizon 2020 was the predecessor of Horizon Europe. Both are the European Union’s Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation. They fund research in all areas of science and innovation.

What is Horizon 2020?

Horizon 2020 is running from 2014 until the end of 2020 with a budget of about €77 billion.

It is the financial instrument that is helping to ensure that Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.

How is Horizon 2020 structured

The Horizon 2020 programme has three main priorities, that are called "pillars“, 1) Excellent science, 2) Industrial Leadership and 3) the Societal Challenges, each with a set of specific objectives. Besides the three pillars there are two specific programmes “Science with and for society” and “widening participation”, next to a cross-cutting programme. Besides there are also Focus areas or cross-cutting activities which are specific new challenges.

Funding opportunities under Horizon 2020 are set out in multiannual work programmes.

The current main Horizon 2020 work programme comprises an introduction, 18 thematic sections and the general annexes describing general rules such as standard admissibility conditions and eligibility criteria, selection and award criteria, etc.

Of each Horizon 2020 programme a Work programme is edited containing the background and specific calls.

In the Horizon 2020 tab in the menu on this website more information per programme is given with links to policy related information, to the work programmes, specific events, etc.

Horizon 2020 is part of the bigger picture of the European landscape for research and innovation, which also embraces public-public partnerships (as JPI's), European Innovation Platforms and European Technology Platforms. More details of some of these programmes are elaborated on Other EU Funding.

 
No events that are specifically related to H2020 general were found. Check the full calendar.

Infosheets

Infosheets contain edited content on aspects related to this programme. They are reviewed at least yearly.

Documents

Documents contain additional information related to this programme, and are similar to related links.

 

Testimonial

image of Autoship - a new and durable way of freight transport

Autoship - a new and durable way of freight transport

Autoship is, as the name suggests, an acronym for autonomous ship. Just like with self-driving cars, the possibilities of an unmanned boat seem endless. It can create more efficient freight transport, around the clock deliveries and these are just a few of the examples. The project has two societal challenges.

At first, De Vlaamse Waterweg was a bit hesitant as their experience with FP7 or Horizon 2020 projects was limited and they had not been very successful up until then. The fact that they were already doing basic research on the topic of autonomous boats, and the administrative help of NCP FLanders helped De Vlaamse waterweg to cross the line and get involved.