Project description
Moldova’s participation in Horizon Europe
Moldova, an EU-associated country, is dealing with structural challenges in its research and innovation sector, despite having a solid foundation and being associated with the EU. The EU-funded M-HERO project will enhance Moldova’s integration into the European Research Area and boost participation in Horizon Europe. It will strengthen the operational capacity and expertise of Moldova’s Horizon Europe Office and National Contact Points (NCPs) through improved institutional capacity, proposal development, and strategic partnerships. Expected outcomes include a professionalised NCP system offering high-quality support, harmonised practices aligned with EU standards, enhanced researcher capacity, and increased participation rates. Long-term impacts include improved ERA integration, reduced research divides, and support for Moldova’s European integration goals.
Objective
The project proposal addresses the critical need to enhance Moldova's integration into the European Research Area and maximize participation in Horizon Europe.
As an Associated Country, Moldova faces significant structural challenges in its R&I ecosystem despite its promising foundations and EU association status.
This project will systematically strengthen the operational capacity and professional expertise of Moldova's Horizon Europe Office and NCPs network through five specific objectives: (1) enhancing institutional capacity and operational efficiency; (2) improving proposal development skills and success rates; (3) fostering strategic international research partnerships; (4) increasing awareness of Horizon Europe opportunities; and (5) establishing robust monitoring and sustainability mechanisms.
The methodology employs a strategic framework emphasizing quality-driven implementation, digital-first approaches, decentralization of services, complementarity with existing initiatives, localization of support, and institutionalization of best practices. Implementation follows a structured progression through interconnected work packages focusing on a Business Process Management System development, human resources capacity building, support services delivery, communication and dissemination, and effective project management.
Expected outcomes directly address the call requirements: a strengthened and professionalized NCP system providing consistent, high-quality support services; harmonized practices aligned with EU standards; enhanced capacity of researchers; and increased participation rates. Long-term impacts include advanced ERA integration, reduced R&I divides and support for Moldova's broader European integration aspirations.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.4.1.6 - Further supporting actions
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HORIZON.4.1.4 - European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EURATOM-2025-MOLDOVA-IBA
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2004 CHISINAU
Moldova
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.