SCALE was developed to support the development of international research consortia targeting Horizon Europe Pillar II funding calls across Cluster 1 (Health), Cluster 4 (Environment) and Cluster 4 (Enabling Technologies). Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Enterprise Ireland, and in partnership with FundtoInnovate (FTI) and The National Research Council of Italy (CNR), the SCALE programme aims to build competitive consortia with researchers from Scotland/UK, Italy, Ireland and Germany. A series of events including consortia forming workshops, idea and proposal development support, and matchmaking activities will enable researchers to form international connections and develop strong proposals for the 2026-2027 work programmes. These consortia building workshops will be delivered in Edinburgh, Dublin, Berlin, and Rome.

SULSA

SULSA is a strategic partnership of 12 Universities and 1 Research Institute across Scotland. We are considered the gateway into the vibrant and connected life sciences scene in Scotland. Our work supports advancements in research and innovation through collaborations across institutions, disciplines and sectors. We serve the entirety of life sciences disciplines – plants, animals, humans, microbes.

FundtoInnovate

Led by scientist-founders, with a passion for driving research and innovation by making strategic connections that boost progress and innovation. We bring together a unique blend of academia and industry expertise, extensive understanding and experience of the EU funding landscape. We have over 50 years of collective experience in building successful consortia and navigating the complex world of European projects.

FundtoInnovate are partners on the SCALE programme, delivering capacity building elements, call analyses and expertise mapping, and supporting the consortia in their proposal development through dedicated roundtables and project charters.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government’s enterprise development agency. They lead the national support network for Horizon Europe, working to increase participation by Irish companies and academic institutions in the EU’s main instrument for funding research in Europe.

They have provided funding to support Horizon Europe consortia building workshops.

National Research Council of Italy (CNR)

The National Research Council of Italy (CNR) takes part in major European funding programmes and international initiatives that support research and innovation, fostering global scientific cooperation.

CNR projects bring together leading research groups across Europe and contribute to strengthening scientific excellence, supporting researchers’ career development, promoting innovative technological solutions, and addressing key strategic challenges with economic and social impacts.

University College Cork

University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned research-intensive university and key partner on the SCALE programme as awardees of Enterprise Ireland funding and working on behalf of UCC, University of Galway, and University of Limerick, as well as connecting researchers from across the islands as part of this programme.

Global Campus has completed a comprehensive matchmaking exercise for all researchers across our 13 SULSA member institutions, mapping our collective expertise against every 2026–27 Horizon Europe Cluster II call. This bespoke dataset equips our research managers with targeted intelligence to identify strategic opportunities, support consortia development, and guide our researchers toward the most relevant funding pathways. To further strengthen our participation in Horizon Europe, Global Campus will also provide five months of complimentary access to their online platform, enabling our research community to connect with potential collaborators and build partnerships with leading teams across the globe.

This workshop focuses on bioeconomy and Farm2Fork funding calls. Developed in response to growing demand for coordinated UK-Horizon Europe engagement in Cluster 6, the event will create a space for researchers to identify shared priorities, form interdisciplinary partnerships, and build competitive project concepts ahead of the 2026-2027 call deadlines.

Researchers will be profiled, and their expertise will be mapped against call analyses and co-ordinator ideas to maximise the potential of the consortia formed. An initial project charter will be created during the workshop and follow on roundtables will support proposal development and deepen the consortia with additional partners from public and private sector.

Email H.vandessel@sulsa.ac.uk for more information.

This workshop focuses on the Cancer Mission and non-communicable disease (Cluster 1) funding calls. Developed in response to increasing demand for coordinated UK engagement in this cluster, the event will provide a forum for researchers to identify common priorities, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and shape competitive project ideas in advance of the 2026–2027 call deadlines.

Researchers’ expertise will be showcased and aligned with call analyses and emerging coordinator concepts to strengthen consortium-building. During the workshop, participants will co-create an initial project charter, with subsequent roundtables offering structured support for proposal development and the integration of additional public- and private-sector partners.

Email H.vandessel@sulsa.ac.uk for more information.

This workshop focuses on enabling technologies for life sciences across Cluster 4, Cluster 1 and Cluster 6. Developed in response to growing demand for more coordinated UK engagement in this cluster, the event will provide a forum for researchers to identify shared priorities, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and shape competitive project ideas ahead of the 2026–2027 call deadlines.

Participants’ expertise will be highlighted and matched with call analyses and emerging coordinator concepts to support strong consortium formation. During the workshop, attendees will co-develop an initial project charter, with follow-up roundtables offering targeted support for proposal development and bringing in additional partners from across the public and private sectors.

Email H.vandessel@sulsa.ac.uk for more information.

This workshop is currently open to suggested topics from Cluster 1.

Contact h.vandessel@sulsa.ac.uk for topics you have an interest in building a consortium for.

Please use the link below to register your interest in the workshop series and be put on the mailing list.

Registration Link: SCALE: Register Your Interest