Horizon Europe brings together research and innovation while putting a strong emphasis on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. Researchers spanning all across Europe, as well as its associated countries, are after this coveted grant that can immensely push their research a few substantial steps forward. Choosing to apply for Horizon Europe undoubtedly means months of intensive preparation as the proposal development phase includes a list of requirements and attention. Experience shows that working alongside a dedicated and unique timeline can put aside piles of unwanted stress and allow to fully focus on the proposal development and writing. It is for this exact reason that our team has put together the Horizon Europe proposal development timeline – tested and improved over time.

An overview of the Horizon Europe proposal development

Developing the full proposal for a Horizon Europe collaborative project takes time. Normally, our team recommends allocating at least three months prior to the deadline for proposal writing and development. That being said, if you are targeting a deadline that falls around a downtime period (e.g. holiday season, summer vacation), we'd recommend allocating even more time for preparing the application. As a starting point, identify a specific topic in the Horizon Europe work program. When identifying the topic – it is important to note the expected deadline. This is a very important date. In this article, the expected deadline will be referred to and labelled as "T". Once the topic is chosen and the deadline is clear, the development process begins. The process of developing a Horizon Europe collaborative project, whether it is a RIA/IA or CSA project, includes two complementary and parallel efforts that converge throughout the process. Such efforts are divided into consortium-related efforts and proposal-writing efforts, as can be seen in the diagram below: The two parallel efforts feed one another throughout the proposal development process. Additionally, it is important to engage all partners in the writing process. This is done by collecting information, consulting, discussing and articulating the project's narrative. Nonetheless, a leading partner should manage, coordinate and synchronize these efforts (see more on this topic in coordination dilemma).

The Horizon Europe proposal development timeline

Orchestrating the above efforts for the Horizon Europe proposal development should be done in a timely fashion while adhering to the strict requirements of the Horizon Europe proposal structure. Therefore, our team recommends following this timeline: [enspire_table id=19 /]

The next steps

The above Horizon Europe proposal development timeline is surely your go-to guide for keeping up with all the required steps of the proposal development process. Follow the timeline accordingly as you proceed from one step to the next.

Additional readings that can assist you in the process of writing and developing a highly competitive and successful Horizon Europe grant proposal focus on:

• The Horizon Europe proposal template guide to understanding the inner logic and structure of the proposal
• Tips for ensuring the Implementation Structure of the proposal is both feasible and competitive
• Steps to building the right consortium for your Horizon Europe project
• The implications of being the Project Coordinator of your Horizon Europe project and the 'coordination dilemma' that may come up in the process
• Ensuring your proposal 'feeds the reviewer' during the review process
• The complete guide to the Horizon Europe budget preparation
• A 'how-to' Consortium Agreement guide for your Horizon Europe project
• and more Horizon Europe posts.

If you need any additional assistance in the process, review our selection of services and contact us for more information.