Advancing Engagement in Horizon Europe: Strategy, Competitiveness and Collaboration
20th April 2026
20:00 - 21:30 (UTC+01:00)
Online
***Please note that registration to this event is by invitation only***
As Horizon Europe continues to expand opportunities for international collaboration, institutions beyond the EU are playing an increasingly significant role in transnational research consortia. Many ACU member universities are already contributing to proposals, joining major collaborative projects, or exploring leadership roles within Horizon Europe partnerships.
However, even experienced institutions face challenges in navigating the programme. Identifying the most relevant calls within complex work programmes, positioning institutional strengths within EU-led partnerships, building competitive consortia, and managing administrative and compliance differences across funding systems can all present barriers.
This strategic, practice-focused virtual roundtable will bring together experienced Horizon Europe participants, research development leaders and international collaboration experts to explore how institutions can strengthen their competitiveness in the programme’s final years (2025–2027).
Drawing on insights from member institutions with extensive Horizon experience, the session will highlight practical strategies for building strong proposals, forming high-performing consortia and positioning institutional expertise effectively.
Participants will also learn how the Crowdhelix international research collaboration platform supports Horizon Europe participation through partner matchmaking, thematic research networks and proposal-development support.
What the session will cover
Participants will gain:
- Strategic insights into Horizon Europe’s evolving landscape (2025–2027) and the opportunities it presents for newly associated and international partners.
- Practical guidance on developing competitive proposals, including strengthening the Excellence, Impact and Implementation sections.
- Lessons from experienced Horizon participants already contributing to successful consortia.
- Strategies for consortium building and institutional positioning in EU-led research partnerships.
- An introduction to Crowdhelix’s collaboration tools, including intelligence on calls, thematic networks and consortium-building support.
- An exclusive offer for ACU member institutions, including discounted Crowdhelix membership for eligible universities.
Who should attend
This invitation-only session is designed for institutions with an intermediate or advanced interest in Horizon Europe, including:
- Research and innovation office staff
- EU / Horizon Europe liaison officers
- Academics actively seeking Horizon partnerships
- Strategic research development leads
- International partnerships and global engagement teams
Speakers
Dr Jannik Haas
Associate Professor in Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Dr Mischa Phillips
EU Funding Manager & EU Strategic Lead, University of Reading, UK
Dr Meghna Ramaswamy
Director of the International Office, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Dr Baljit Singh
Vice-President Research, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
