Horizon Europe
Service and networking: BUW researchers exchange views on EU funding
Sharing experiences and answering questions about EU research funding: (from left) BUW Vice-Rector Prof Dr Stefan Kirsch, Mareike Schmitt (KoWi Brussels Office), Katharina Spannhake (KoWi Bonn Office), Ulrike Hartig and Ingo Trempeck (BUW Research Funding) and University Rector Prof Dr Birgitta Wolff. // Photo Friederike von Heyden
"In order to expand the BUW's research strength and carry out more externally funded projects, we offer our researchers very specific services. These include advice and support for preparing research proposals for EU funding," says Research Vice-Rector Prof Dr Stefan Kirsch. Support with the formalities creates time for the actual research activities. Kirsch: "The formula is simple: time for research means enjoyment of research."
30 BUW researchers accepted the invitation to the "Horizon Europe" information event organised by University Rector Prof. Dr Birgitta Wolff and the EU research funding section at the University of Wuppertal to the guest house on the Freudenberg campus. With Ulrike Hartig and Ingo Trempeck, the in-house expertise was represented on site. Representatives of the EU Cooperation Centre of the science organisations also came to Wuppertal. Mareike Schmitt (Brussels office) and Katharina Spannhake (Bonn office) gave an overview of funding programmes and an outlook on EU research funding from 2028.
About KoWi
The Cooperation Centre EU of the Science Organisations, KoWi for short, is a service platform operated by the German Research Foundation that offers information, advice and training on research funding from the European Union, especially on the EU Research Framework Programmes. Since 2024, BUW Rector Prof Dr Birgitta Wolff has been Chair of the Advisory Board, which provides strategic support to KoWi.
The participants had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange experiences with each other. The networking idea was not neglected either.
"Our message is clear: we are creating an attractive environment that offers good opportunities for attracting funding. Our aim is to develop the existing research strength in the best possible way and thus also emphasise the attractiveness of the BUW for bright minds. Anyone who wants to contribute to finding solutions to major social, ecological and economic challenges will find the right structures and networks here to conduct research," emphasises University Rector Birgitta Wolff.
About Horizon Europe
With a budget of 95.5 billion euros, "Horizon Europe" is the European Union's central research and innovation programme from 2021 to 2027. The aim is to build a knowledge- and innovation-based society and competitive economy and to contribute to sustainable development. In addition to funding opportunities, participation in the EU research programme offers numerous other benefits: access to international collaborations, the promotion of innovation and the strengthening of competitiveness and international visibility.
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Horizon Europe is structured in three programme pillars: Scientific Excellence, European Industrial Competitiveness and Innovative Europe. The first pillar includes, for example, the ERC projects funded by the European Research Council. BUW researchers are also currently being funded through this programme.
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An overview of all ongoing EU projects at the University of Wuppertal within the framework of Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 can be found on the website "EU Projects".
