Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Social Sciences sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Social Sciences sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Social Sciences grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Social Sciences sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Social Sciences EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Social Sciences sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Social Sciences EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Social Sciences EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Social Sciences

Apply AI: Pilot of the “Science for AI” Pillar of RAISE (“Resource for AI science in Europe”) (RIA)

Closing knowledge gaps on Earth system science in support of global and regional assessments and climate policy

Networking and Future Photonics Strategy (CSA) (Photonics Partnership)

Next-Generation AI Agents for Real-World Applications in the Apply AI sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Embracing innovation in agriculture by peer-to-peer learning via on farm-demonstrations and cost-benefit analysis

Innovative business models advancing renewable electrolysis integration in industry

Web 4.0 architectural framework and Open Internet Stack applications for virtual worlds (RIA)

Apply AI: Robotics for Manufacturing: Advancing Core Skills through Technical Challenges (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Fighting disinformation and effectively communicating on climate change

Supporting All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance

Standards for Quantum Technologies – Coordination and Support Action (CSA)

Additional activities for the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP)

Boosting data availability and AI solutions in food for consumers and food service professionals

Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs

Empowering the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

Challenge-Driven GenAI4EU Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (AI/Data/Robotics Partnership)

Networks of Towns

Development of novel vaccines for viral pathogens with epidemic potential

Open topic: Uncovering the causes of specific species’ rapid decline and exploring actionable solutions

Building public trust and outreach in the life sciences

Understanding of sex and/or gender-specific mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases: determinants, risk factors and pathways

Living labs for co-creating solutions for the restoration of ecosystems

Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

Advancing research on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of post-infection long-term conditions

Mainstreaming and scaling-up evidence-based Nature-Based Solutions towards a nature positive and climate-resilient economy

Unlocking the potential of citizen action for nature protection and restoration

Deploying circular systemic solutions through living labs in cities and regions (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)

Public procurement of innovative solutions for improving citizens' access to healthcare through integrated or personalised approaches

Behavioural interventions as primary prevention for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among young people

Support for a multilateral initiative on climate change and health research

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants