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

Unlocking the potential of academic intellectual assets for industry, SMEs and startups (CSA)

Pillar III: Promoting public engagement in R&I and scientific literacy

Pillar III: Science comes to town 2029

Apply AI: AI-Driven Robotics for Industry: Enabling System Integration and Adoption (IA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

EU Frontier AI Initiative: Developing frontier AI solutions that are safe and computationally efficient within Apply AI (RIA)

International cooperation in AI (IA)

Facilitate the engagement of European stakeholders in international digital standardisation (CSA)

Apply AI: Challenge-Driven AI Innovation Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Co-funding Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan renewable fuel value chains at EU, national, regional, and local level

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wave and tidal energy systems

Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to increase energy security and energy access in Africa

MSCA COFUND 2027

Optimising the water-nutrient-energy nexus for sustainable and climate smart agriculture in Africa (FNSSA)

Strengthening plant health: addressing emerging plant pest risks

Innovative biotechnologies to restore soil health and improve agricultural competitiveness and resilience

Participatory research on the health of communities in contact with polluted soils

Long-term drivers and consequences of soil degradation: learning from the past to improve future soil health

Open topic: Using the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative to strengthen urban manufacturing in support of the Clean Industrial Deal

Living Labs for co-creating solutions to reduce eutrophication from agriculture

Living labs to enhance soil health in Continental, Black Sea, Pannonian and Steppic biogeographical regions

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

Agroforestry for soil health at landscape level

Prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases in children and young people (GACD)

Innovative healthcare interventions for non-communicable diseases

European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness (Phase 2)

Addressing disabilities through the life course to support independent living and inclusion

Development of novel small molecule antiviral therapeutics for pathogens with epidemic potential

Clinical trials for advancing innovative interventions for neurodegenerative diseases

Integrating climate-related exposures into the human exposome and characterising its changes in response to climate change

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants