On 16 October 2026, starting at 09:30, the European Commission will host an online Information Day dedicated to the Nature and Bridging calls under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027.

Relevant across all Pillar II Clusters, this horizontal session offers prospective applicants targeted guidance on policy context, call objectives, and funding opportunities designed to support cross-cutting research and innovation.

The event focuses on two strategic areas:

• Nature Calls: Aimed at boosting biodiversity spending across Pillar II, these topics focus on nature protection and restoration through living labs, assessing industry impacts on biodiversity, mobilizing social sciences and humanities, and leveraging AI and data collection for environmental and One Health policies.
• Bridging Calls: Designed to facilitate a smooth transition toward the next EU Framework Programme (2028–2034) and the future European Competitiveness Fund, these actions emphasize the “innovation to investment journey.” Key priorities include knowledge valorization, research infrastructures, and the Apply AI Strategy to prepare market-ready innovations.

Throughout the session, participants will receive practical overviews of open topics through live pitches—including specific calls on critical data repositories, infrastructure access for industry, and strategic research assets (HORIZON-BRIDGING-2027-03-04, -06, and -07)—gain insights into proposal design and impact, and submit questions during interactive Q&A Slido sessions using the hashtag #HORIZONTAL to ensure they are answered in priority during the live broadcast.

The info day is aimed at researchers, innovators, project developers, and research support actors planning to submit proposals under Horizon Europe.

In addition, the CARE4BIO project (the network of Cluster 6 National Contact Points) will host a dedicated virtual Brokerage Event on 19 October 2026.

The event will be held online and no registration is required to participate. For further information, please visit the official event page.