Horizon Europe, the EU’s funding programme for research and innovation, contributes to achieving the European Research Area (ERA). Strengthening the ERA is also supported by a dedicated programme part, ‘Widening Participation and Strengthening the ERA’ (WIDERA), with the following components:
- widening participation and spreading excellence
- reforming and enhancing the European R&I System
The budget for this programme part is about €3.2 billion for 2021-2027.
The component “Reforming and enhancing the European R&I System” is specifically designed to support the implementation of the four priority areas of the Pact for Research and Innovation and the ERA Policy Agenda. The current ERA Policy Agenda 2023-2024 and the next ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 will continue to shape the WIDERA work programmes.
A dedicated page on the European Commission website explores how Horizon Europe supports ERA priorities.
The UK National Contact Point (NCP) provides free information and advice on UK participation in the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) ‘transversal’ pillar.
If you have any questions regarding WIDERA, please do not hesitate to contact us at widera-uk@ukro.ac.uk.