Objective
Being born preterm is the strongest known non-genetic factor for autism spectrum disorder (autism): risk is seven times higher, and up to eleven times higher with systemic inflammation. Despite this burden, Europe lacks predictive tools, validated therapeutic targets, and translational models to shift from late diagnosis to early intervention. MICRO-NEST addresses this gap through an integrated programme uniting expertise on the gut–microbiome–immune–brain axis with lived-experience co-creation.
The project will (1) identify and validate early predictive markers for clinical use, using world-first saliva glycomics and frozen-blood deep T-cell phenotyping; (2) discover and prioritise druggable therapeutic targets via AI pipelines and a patient-specific digital twin; (3) establish the first large-animal (sheep) model of prematurity-related autism with validated social-cognitive assessments; and (4) embed co-creation with autistic individuals, caregivers, clinicians, industry, and policymakers to ensure accessibility and policy relevance.
Human and preclinical findings will be harmonised across mouse, sheep, and nine established clinical cohorts, integrated with multimodal imaging, genetics, immune profiling, and microbiome data. AI-driven disease mapping and digital twin simulations will accelerate biomarker discovery, reduce animal use, and de-risk therapeutic design pipelines.
The impact will be transformative: earlier identification and preventive care for children with autism, stronger clinical decision support, reduced caregiver stress, and harmonised European guidelines. Industry will gain new diagnostics and therapeutic targets, SMEs valuable translational assets, and society reduced costs, greater inclusion, and recognition of neurodiversity. All outcomes will be shared under a unified FAIR & Reuse policy, positioning Europe as the global leader in autism innovation.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.2.1 - Health
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.1.3 - Non-Communicable and Rare Diseases
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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-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation 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-HLTH-2025-01
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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.
75654 Paris
France
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Participants (14)
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28006 Madrid
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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.
3584 CX Utrecht
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45147 Essen
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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.
WC2R 2LS London
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EH8 9YL Edinburgh
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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.
6200 MD Maastricht
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18055 Rostock
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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.
405 30 Goeteborg
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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.
44000 NANTES
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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.
81379 Munchen
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01069 Dresden
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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.
31000 OSIJEK
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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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.
1211 Geneve
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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.
75015 PARIS
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Partners (1)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
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3001 Melbourne
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