Horizon Europe is the EU research and innovation program for the 2021-2027 period. It focuses on 5 main missions.
Citizen science calls can be found in the Funding and Tenders portal.
Furthermore, Citizen Science may also be used as a research method in other calls under the European funding programs.
MSCA and Citizens 2027 - European Researcher Night
Deadline:
08/06/2027
The European MSCA and Citizens 2027 call funds projects that bring research and researchers closer to the general public through two editions of the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools in 2028 and 2029. The call is relevant to citizen science as it promotes inclusive engagement with science and strengthens interaction between researchers, citizens, schools and young people.
Understanding inhabitant’s experiences of neighbourhoods to support their health and well-being
Deadline:
01/12/2026
The New European Bauhaus funds projects investigating how inhabitants experience their neighbourhoods and how these experiences relate to health and well-being. The call offers opportunities for citizen science by actively involving residents in collecting and interpreting knowledge about their living environment.
Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods
Deadline:
01/12/2026
This call is funding projects that develop innovative, participatory methods for designing and transforming public spaces in neighbourhoods. The call is highly relevant to citizen science by actively involving residents through co-creation and incorporating their diverse perspectives into solutions addressing areas such as climate and water resilience, biodiversity, safety and well-being; approaches must be demonstrated in at least three neighbourhoods in different countries.
The European biodiversity partnership Biodiversa+ has launched the call “Novel ecosystems: biodiversity, socio-ecological consequences and future trajectories” for international research projects on novel ecosystems, biodiversity, and socio-ecological transformations. The call offers opportunities for citizen science through the involvement of citizens and stakeholders in biodiversity monitoring, data collection, and the co-creation of inclusive and equitable pathways towards nature-positive futures. Deadline: 10 November 2026.
amai! lanceert nieuwe financiering voor participatie in AI-onderzoek en -innovatie
Deadline:
15/01/2027
AI researchers and innovators can receive lump-sum funding of up to €30,000 through the amai! Impact Booster for activities that engage citizens in AI research and innovation. The funding supports citizen participation and outreach, thereby fostering greater societal dialogue, engagement, and acceptance of technology. This support is complementary to existing Flemish research and innovation grants.
Special collection - Citizen science for zoological research
Deadline:
11/11/2026
BMC Zoology invites submissions to a special collection on Citizen science for zoological research, focusing on how public participation enhances wildlife monitoring, conservation, and data integration. The call welcomes studies on community engagement, evaluation of citizen science initiatives, and their impact on biodiversity research and awareness. Deadline: 11 November 2026.
The European Commission invites cities and partners to design and host Science Comes to Town 2029, a one-year programme connecting citizens and science through participatory and inclusive events. The programme includes EUCYS and EU TalentOn and strongly encourages citizen science approaches and community engagement.
Promoting public engagement in R&I and scientific literacy
Deadline:
12/03/2027
The European Commission invites proposals that develop innovative citizen science and science communication approaches, focusing either on engaging young people in research or scaling national engagement initiatives to the ERA level. This call is highly relevant for organisations aiming to co-create new methods with diverse publics and reinforce trust in science.
Unleashing the potential of sustainable small-scale aquatic food production and recreational fisheries for prosperous local communities
Deadline:
24/09/2027
This call focuses on projects related to small‑scale aquatic food production (fisheries, aquaculture, recreational fisheries) that develop new methods and digital tools to measure their ecological and socio‑economic impact. Citizen science (such as citizen observations, local knowledge, and participatory data collection, e.g. via apps or social media) is highlighted in the call text.
Living Labs for the eradication and/or management of invasive alien species
Deadline:
23/09/2027
The European Commission launches a Horizon Europe call for living labs on invasive alien species, bringing together researchers, authorities, citizens and other stakeholders to co-create solutions for detection, monitoring, control and policy. Citizen science (e.g. public reporting, eDNA, participatory data collection) and FAIR open data are key to better understand impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human health.
Besides taking advantage of funding opportunities earmarked for citizen science, you can implement citizen science as a research method in your project application through 'regular' funding channels such as FWO (Research Foundation - Flanders), VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and BELSPO (Belgian Science Policy Office).
