By Fundraising & Project Management, Research Services

There are several ways to increase your chances of becoming part of a successful application. Fundraising & Project Management at Research Services offers six useful tips on how to position yourself to become a partner in a Horizon Europe Pillar 2 project.

1: Create a springboard effect with your existing network

One of the most effective ways to become a partner in a Horizon Europe project is to activate your own network. Research consortia are often formed based on previous collaborations, and your current contacts may be the key to an invitation. Also consider reading scientific publications in your field to identify potential collaborators
 
Professor Massimo Pizzol from the Department of Sustainability and Planning is involved in several EU projects as a partner. 
“I am continuously invited to join Horizon Europe projects because I have previously participated as a partner in other EU projects. This shows the springboard effect that engaging in EU research and establishing a European network can have” he explains.
 
2: Participate in EU brokerage events and conferences
The European Commission regularly hosts so-called EU-brokerage events, where researchers can meet potential partners. It’s a good idea to prepare a short one-page description of your research and project proposal so you can quickly present your expertise. You can also increase the visibility of your research by attending European conferences—both within your own field and more broadly. Horizon Europe collaborative projects are interdisciplinary and require a mix of partners whose expertise complements each other.  
 
Professor Sine Agergaard from the Department of Health Science and Technology is a partner in the Horizon Europe project SP-EU. 
"I participated in an EU brokerage event and subsequently got in touch with a project coordinator who was looking for an expert with my profile. Shortly after, I was invited to join a consortium that has now received funding" she explains. 
 
3: Take advantage of AAU's initiatives
Fundraising & Project Management at Research Services has recently developed compendia organized according to the six clusters in Horizon Europe, where AAU’s research interests at the researcher level are matched with upcoming Horizon Europe 2025 project calls. These brochures will be widely distributed — both nationally and across Europe — to highlight AAU researchers and their interests in relevant EU project proposals.

In April 2025, AAU Fundraising & Project Management hosted a webinar: “Unlocking your network potential: How to become a partner in a Horizon Europe Proposal”. The Webinar is available on AAU's EU Hub.
 
4: Participate in EU networking initiatives
The EU funds several networking initiatives where researchers can participate to build partnerships. One example is COST Actions, where international research groups collaborate on scientific and technological topics. You can join existing COST Action projects or participate as a partner in new project proposals
 
5: Become an evaluator for Horizon Europe 
Another strategy is to become an evaluator for Horizon Europe proposals. This provides insight into how applications are assessed, while also helping you build a network with other researchers and decision-makers within the EU.
 
6: Get support from AAU's funding advisors
Contact your local funding advisor for help in developing the best strategies for your specific research. Fundraising & Project Management offers guidance on finding partners and navigating the Horizon Europe programme. You can also use AAU’s EU Call Finder to identify upcoming Horizon Europe project calls. 
 
Want to know more?
Contact your local funding advisor, hvis du vil vide mere om dine EU-muligheder.  
Read more about Fundraising & Project Management, Research Services. 
Also read the article ”EU is for everyone”.  
Join AAU’s EU-Hub.