In an era marked by climate change, pressure on natural resources, and the urgent need for sustainable food systems, high-quality, coordinated research is more critical than ever. CARE4BIO responds to this challenge not by conducting research itself, but by enabling those who do to succeed.
As the official Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) for Horizon Europe Cluster 6, CARE4BIO plays a strategic role in improving access to funding, strengthening collaboration, and raising the overall quality of project proposals across Europe.
Cluster 6 focuses on food systems, the bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environmental protection—areas central to both citizens’ daily lives and major EU priorities such as the European Green Deal.
With 26 partners from EU Member States and Associated Countries, CARE4BIO brings together a highly experienced and well-balanced consortium. A defining feature of the network is its strong participation from “widening countries” in Central and Eastern Europe. By design, CARE4BIO addresses long-standing disparities in participation, helping ensure that research excellence is not constrained by geography.
A Network Built on Expertise and Cooperation
CARE4BIO operates as a Coordination and Support Action under Horizon Europe, with a budget of approximately €3.4 million. Its mission is both practical and strategic: to improve proposal quality and facilitate meaningful cross-border collaboration.
At the heart of this effort are the National Contact Points. NCPs guide researchers, institutions, and organisations through the complexities of EU funding—from interpreting calls for proposals to building consortia and submitting competitive applications.
CARE4BIO strengthens this system by aligning and enhancing NCP services across countries. Through joint training, knowledge exchange, and the development of shared best practices, the network ensures that applicants receive consistent, high-quality support—regardless of location.
In a programme as competitive as Horizon Europe, this consistency can make a decisive difference.
Lowering Barriers and Raising Standards
A core objective of CARE4BIO is to reduce barriers to participation, particularly in countries with historically lower success rates. These barriers often include limited access to information, fewer international networks, and less experience with EU proposal development.
To address these challenges, CARE4BIO delivers a targeted portfolio of services, including:
- Training sessions and capacity-building activities
- Practical guidance materials and manuals
- Policy briefings and updates
- Annual brokerage events for partner search and consortium building
These brokerage events are especially valuable in a funding landscape where multinational collaboration is the norm. By connecting researchers and organisations across borders, CARE4BIO not only increases participation but also enhances the diversity and quality of proposals.
While its services are open to all, the network maintains a strong strategic focus on widening countries—contributing to a more inclusive and balanced European Research Area.
Enabling Cross-Cluster Collaboration
Today’s research challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, food security—do not fit neatly into disciplinary boundaries. CARE4BIO actively addresses this by promoting synergies across Horizon Europe, particularly within Pillar 2.
The network works closely with complementary initiatives such as NCP_WIDERA.NET, the NCP Academy, and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). This collaboration enables knowledge sharing at scale and helps align support services across thematic areas.
By highlighting cross-cutting funding opportunities, CARE4BIO helps applicants position their proposals more strategically—strengthening both their quality and their relevance to EU priorities.
Supporting Policy Priorities and Societal Impact
CARE4BIO also contributes to the broader policy landscape. Through close interaction with the European Commission, the network supports the implementation of key priorities, including the European Green Deal.
By guiding applicants on policy alignment and feeding insights back from the research community, CARE4BIO helps bridge the gap between policy design and practical implementation.
The impact is tangible: better-supported applicants produce stronger projects, which in turn deliver more meaningful societal outcomes—from sustainable agriculture to resilient ecosystems and a thriving bioeconomy.
A Long-Term Investment in Research Excellence
With a duration of 67 months, CARE4BIO is designed to deliver lasting impact. Its focus on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and systemic improvement ensures that benefits extend well beyond the project’s lifetime.
Rather than funding research directly, CARE4BIO invests in the conditions that enable excellence. By improving access, strengthening support structures, and fostering collaboration, it reinforces the foundations of Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
CARE4BIO may operate behind the scenes, but its impact is far-reaching. By connecting stakeholders, strengthening support systems, and improving proposal quality, it acts as a catalyst for innovation in some of Europe’s most critical sectors.
With a relatively modest budget, the network enhances the effectiveness of far larger research investments. Its emphasis on inclusion, collaboration, and excellence reflects the core principles of Horizon Europe.
As Europe continues to navigate complex environmental and societal challenges, CARE4BIO demonstrates that some of the most impactful initiatives are those that empower others to succeed.
Learn more about CARE4BIO and access support services through your national contact point or the project’s official channels.
Autor: Radoslav Todorov
Images: canva.com, sciencetransfer.eu, horizoneuropencpportal.eu/ncp-networks/cluster-6/about-us
Sources: