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

Strengthening the resilience of European farmers through improved capacity in coping with risks and crises

Strengthening strategic advice and synergies between EU and national Research and Innovation agendas and investments

Strengthening the potential of the EOSC for knowledge valorisation and industry-academia collaboration (EOSC Partnership)

Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European research infrastructures

Access to research infrastructures, their resources and services: large-scale pilots for more integrated scheme across (sub)domains

Connecting research infrastructures and a wider user community across the European Research Area through access to advanced research infrastructure services

Pioneering Destination Earth for a Sustainable Future: Large-Scale Pilots and Demonstrators

Access to research infrastructure services to enable R&I addressing EU priorities and emerging challenges

Quantum Space Gravimetry topic

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027

Reducing soil sealing through sustainable urban and territorial design in the New European Bauhaus

Living labs to monitor and mitigate carcinogenic substances in and originating from soils: Evaluating their effects on human cancer risks

Large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems in European sea basins

Green, circular and resilient harbours

Demonstrating transformative solutions to increase cross-border climate resilience

Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism

Researching and applying the potential of Artificial Intelligence to foster climate resilience at the regional and local levels

Health of ecosystems and wild species, predictions and impacts on human health, in the face of existing and emerging stressors, from a One Health approach

Developing novel recycling technologies for complex plastic materials applying biotech solutions

Improving biomass flows for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy

Accelerating the transition to a nature positive economy: Integrating biodiversity into the private sector

Replacing hazardous substances in biocidal products

Living labs driving transformative change via knowledge integration and inclusive governance

Capacity building for extending product lifecycles through repair and refurbishment

Biotechnology application for CCU

Increasing the circularity of bio-based sector: upcycling and recycling for higher value and environmental benefits

Science-policy support to the implementation of EU and global biodiversity policies and strategies

Towards a Europe of Bioeconomy Places

Innovative circular solutions for end-of-life footwear through collection, sorting and recycling

Living Labs for the eradication and/or management of invasive alien species

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Sciences EU Grants