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Scope:This award aims to recognise sport activities implemented by organisations that have significantly contributed to promoting physical activity across education and training establishments, non-formal learning environments, workplaces or local community. It recognises efforts that inspire and create opportunities for people of all ages to integrate movement into their daily lives, fostering a more active and healthier society.This category celebrates initiatives that have successfully encouraged physical activity at all levels while strengthening awareness of the link between regular physical activity and health, with particular emphasis on prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It highlights the power of physical activity in transforming lives, workplaces, and communities, inspiring a healthier and more active society.

Scope:This award aims to recognise sport activities implemented by organisations and/or individuals that have made outstanding contributions to sports through volunteer work. It also recognises dedication, leadership, and the positive impact of volunteers in fostering community engagement, inclusivity, and the development of sports at all levels.This category celebrates organisations and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting and developing sports through volunteer efforts. It highlights the crucial role volunteers play in shaping the future of sports and inspiring positive change in their communities.

Scope:This award seeks to recognise organisations that have successfully used sport as a powerful tool to promote peace. It honours those that have made significant contributions in bringing together diverse communities, groups, and individuals, transcending differences and fostering dialogue, tolerance, and collaboration beyond divisions.This category celebrates initiatives that leverage sport and physical activity to build relationships founded on mutual respect and cooperation toward shared goals, ultimately contributing to peaceful coexistence at the local, national, or global level.

Scope:This award aims to recognise sport activities implemented by organisations that have successfully used sport as a powerful tool to promote social inclusion, gender equality, diversity and unity. It recognises efforts that break down barriers, empower and include underrepresented groups, and use sport to foster understanding, peace, and diversity in society. This category rewards initiatives that meet social challenges and support disadvantaged groups, such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities or vulnerable young people. It highlights the transformative power of sport in building bridges, empowering communities, and shaping a more inclusive and united society.

Scope:This award aims to recognise sport activities implemented by organisations working with sport across generations and contributing to strengthen communities. It recognises organisations that have made a significant contribution to strengthening communities promoting inter-generational activities through sport, providing easier access to sport & physical activities for all generations and keeping in mind interests of future generations.This category celebrates initiatives that use sport to bring people of all ages together, fostering intergenerational connections, inclusion, and long-term community development. It highlights the power of sport in bridging generational gaps, fostering understanding, and creating stronger, more connected communities.

Objective:The ERC Proof of Concept Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to Principal Investigators whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.Scope:Size of ERC Proof of Concept Grants: The financial contribution will be awarded as a single lump sum of EUR 150 000 for a period of eighteen months. Extensions of the duration of Proof of concept projects may be granted only exceptionally.The lump sum will cover the beneficiaries' direct and indirect eligible costs for the project: if the project is implemented properly the amounts will be paid regardless of the costs actually incurred. The lump sum is designed to cover the beneficiaries’ personnel costs, subcontracting costs, purchase costs, other cost categories, and indirect costs.Profile of the ERC Proof of Conc...

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:environment and society at large benefit from recyclable food packaging which can be recycled and reused back into food packaging while keeping the quality, value and extending the material lifetime;industrial value chains including primary and secondary raw material producers, polymer suppliers, additives suppliers, converters, brand owners and retailers (SMEs and large companies), agri-food suppliers, waste managers and recyclers introduce sustainable food packaging on the market through enhanced design for recycling and solutions for effective sorting and recycling on an industrial scale, in line with the safe-and-sustainable-by-design principles[1];consumers and civil society are sufficiently informed about appropriate ways of disposal of used food packaging to enable its circularit...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:advanced socio-economic transformation based on scientific/technological opportunities delivered by the bio-based sectors and bioeconomy. This will result in innovative bio-based products and services, supporting the more sustainable way of living (e.g. new socio-economic models), higher circularity, affordability, resource efficiency, climate neutrality etc);improved public understanding and engagement in bio-based innovation underpinned by scientific advances in life sciences and biotechnology;better living conditions for individuals and communities, benefiting from less polluted ecosystems, via healthier, and environmentally sustainable products and services with a reduced carbon footprint and based on circular and bio-based solutions. Scope:The projects under this topic are relevant...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:  enhanced understanding of the environmental, social and economic potential of the supply of different biomass types (from local to international perspectives), as well as its sustainability implications, including biodiversity and (air, water and soil) pollution, synergies and tensions;enhanced capacity of private and public stakeholders to increase resource efficiency in utilising primary and secondary biomass as well as biomass processing and use, including through digital tools which may involve artificial intelligence and remote sensing, and roadmaps towards sustainable biomass management; without undermining food security;enhanced support to businesses and administrations that optimise biomass supply, processing, and use, such that ecosystems and biodiversity are protected and restor...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:farmers have access to water supply from managed aquifer recharge systems and to appropriate business models to cope with longer and more intense periods of water scarcity due to climate change, while preserving the good status of ground water bodies;water ecosystems are healthier and more resilient to climate change, and water related ecosystem services are protected and strengthened, while water resilience of farming systems is increased;policy makers are provided with improved insights on mechanisms and instruments to improve the water resilience of the agricultural sector to cope with climate change effects. Scope:Droughts in the EU are increasing in frequency, magnitude and impact, and the affected area is expanding. Water storage systems can limit abstractions from surface waters a...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:most Member States and regions[1] have established the bioeconomy as an important policy field. Effective bioeconomy policies and strategies are developed and implemented with specific impact targets in mind;policies and action plans and roadmaps are coordinated across parts of government (e.g. Ministries) and across the quadruple helix (government, sectors, research & innovation, society) to take into account the cross-sectoral and place-based character of the bioeconomy, and the need for a whole of government approach. Platforms are established to facilitate dialogue, experimentation, learning and coordination;all actors of the quadruple helix (e.g. policy makers, NGOs, economic sectors) are aware of the bioeconomy, as well as of the potential and challenges that are specific for their...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:European textiles manufacturers have access to novel technologies for fibre-to-fibre recycling of post-consumer textile waste;local authorities and consumers benefit from resource- and cost-efficient waste management of post-consumer blended textiles;European recyclers are equipped with properly characterised mixed post-consumer textile waste. Scope:The topic aims at improved management of the end-of-life phase of textile products. Textiles are the fourth highest-pressure category for the use of primary raw materials and water and fifth for GHG emissions and a major source of microplastic pollution in production and use phases. They are also a key material and product stream in the circular economy action plan. Proposals are expected to demonstrate and deploy innovative solutions for inc...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:the effectiveness of the protection of habitats and species in protected areas is maintained even under intensifying impacts of the drivers of biodiversity loss, including climate change, thanks to an improved understanding of how they affect the conservation status of the protected habitats and species, for the benefit of society;managers of protected areas are able to anticipate the future impacts of drivers of biodiversity loss and can take better informed decisions for the protection of terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine habitats and species. Scope:Protected areas are key to ensure the conservation of species and habitats. However, the intensification of the main drivers of biodiversity loss is raising questions on how their effectiveness will be maintained in the future.This topic i...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:improved collection, sorting and recycling technologies that enhance significantly the recovery rates of strategic and critical raw materials from waste from electrical and electronic equipment, reducing the dependence on imported secondary and primary materials, and mitigating the climate and environmental impacts associated with their extraction, including biodiversity loss, by reducing the need for primary raw material extraction and minimising waste;strengthened waste market creation through the development of economically viable and environmentally sound recovery and recycling practices and technologies, with a particular emphasis on secondary strategic raw materials of lower costs and sufficiently high quality and/or purity, promoting a circular economy for electrical and electroni...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:decision-makers have improved understanding of the impacts of bioeconomy and nature markets on the sustainability of the agricultural sector, food security, climate and biodiversity, as well as on land-use conflicts;society benefits from economic activities that align bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives while safeguarding food security;farmers gain opportunities to diversify their production, their income and improve the environmental performance of agricultural production without compromising food supply;policymakers are better equipped to develop more effective, evidence-based agricultural and environmental policies. Scope:As the bioeconomy and nature markets gain importance, enabling diversification of value streams for farmers, policymakers must ensure that the growing us...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:impacts of continuous and impulsive underwater noise levels on marine organisms and ecosystems, and the related ecosystem services they provide, including cumulative impacts with other pressures, are well understood, taking into account regional differences;environmental authorities have access to advanced methods, tools and indicators enabling them to comprehensively monitor and assess the impacts of underwater noise pollution on marine species and ecosystems and to devise strategies for protecting the ecosystems services they provide. Scope:Proposals should:develop new, or improve upon existing, scientific methods and tools for comprehensively monitoring the impacts of anthropogenic underwater noise pollution on marine ecosystems and species populations at different trophic levels and...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:higher and more robust industrial European competitiveness, decarbonisation and strategic autonomy, advancing the lead market for bio-based industry;improved environmental sustainability, with positive impact on climate, pollution and biodiversity, via the standardization of the bio-based sector and products. Scope:Proposals should address the following activities:aiming at overall high sustainability and environmental benefits, and considering the economic feasibility, for high quality of final products, select a bio-based sector/industry[1] to develop or improve knowledge, technology, product, process, service or solution related to Ecodesign applicable to the chosen sector;identify specific gaps in standardization research pipeline, for bio-based products, followed by pre-normative R&...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:local/regional authorities and their operators adopt optimised collection and sorting systems of municipal waste that prioritise textile reuse and repair;social economy entities and society at large benefit from favourable conditions for reuse and repair practices which enable product lifetime prolongation and stimulate second-hand markets;citizens have access to better information, leading to greater awareness and public acceptance, and stimulating behavioural change towards sustainable consumption;innovative circular textile methodologies, practices and solutions are made available to enable large-scale replication and upscaling in European cities and regions;businesses are stimulated to advance repair strategies and circular business models while creating new jobs. Scope:This topic su...

Expected Outcome:The actions funded under this topic should support communities, land managers, local administrators, policy makers, and researchers to deploy solutions contributing to the goals of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the new EU bioeconomy strategy, through techniques aligned to the Strategy for European Life Sciences and the EU Biotech Act.Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:innovative biotechnology and Nature-based Solutions (NbS)[1] are developed and made available to communities, land managers, local administrators and policy makers in Ukraine to progress towards the targets of biodiversity protection and the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition;contribution to the reconstruction, recovery, circularity and upgrading of economy and environment of Ukraine is provided through the remediation of severe ecosyst...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Member States and Associated Countries contribute to the implementation of area-based management tools, such as protection targets and adaptive management approaches for deep-sea regions under the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), for Regional fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and for transitions areas with the EU exclusive economic zone notably by identifying Ecologically and biologically significant marine areas (EBSAS), and informing the next Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services;Public Authorities prioritise deep sea areas for inclusion in their 30% protection target while enhancing maritime spatial planning achieved through science-based information, habitat mapping and...

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:land managers, farmers, foresters, agri-businesses (including SMEs), and policy makers gain access to practical knowledge of clear demonstrations of benefits and trade-offs associated with biologically diversifying their agroecosystem;farmers, land managers and foresters are incentivised and rewarded for implementing practices that improve agrobiodiversity, leading to higher incomes and long-term sustainability and resilience of agriculture, greater food security, competitiveness, and healthier ecosystems; enhanced capabilities for farmers to store, process, and market their diverse raw materials and products, derived from greater agrobiodiversity, while improving their market access and strengthening their position within the value chain. Scope:Genetic erosion poses a significant threa...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:advanced knowledge and understanding how ecosystems respond to multiple plausible futures shaped by human-induced pressures, supporting the design of long-term, nature positive and equitable policies;strengthened collaboration across bio-physical, socio-economic and humanities disciplines, resulting in more integrated and robust scenario frameworks that capture interactions, trade-offs and synergies across biodiversity, climate, food, water, air, health, energy and economy;advancement of comprehensive ecosystem prediction models and scenario-based assessments that integrate direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, applicable across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems;a consistent and transparent framework for model intercomparison and cross-scale scenario building, improv...

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:researchers better understand the status and population trends of insect species and the drivers of their decline;competent authorities in charge of biodiversity policies at all levels are capable of taking informed decisions, based on better understanding and valuation of socioeconomic benefits and ecological importance of insects, including for climate action;society and relevant land managers are better informed and equipped to tackle the drivers of the decline of insects. Scope:Insects play a vital role contributing to ecosystem functions in addition to pollination, such as decomposition and nutrient cycles, soil formation (including carbon sequestration) and pest control, control functions essential for maintaining ecosystem complexity, and are an indispensable part of the food cha...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:significant advance in the development of innovation in biotechnology, life sciences and/or biomanufacturing concepts, preparing future deployment of bio-based and bio-inspired processes, products and materials, as a basis for sustainable, fair, safe and circular value chains, contributing to decarbonisation, industrial competitiveness and the strategic autonomy of the EU and Associated Countries;improved environmental sustainability of the developed innovative bio-based solutions, with positive and quantifiable impact on climate and biodiversity, and circularity of the European bioeconomy via enhanced resource efficiency, including of biological feedstocks, water and energy, integrating bio-based sector to minimize and remediate waste production. Scope:Actions funded under this topic ar...

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:increased support on green bioprocessing, safe and sustainable blue bio-based products;increased understanding of safety, effectiveness and regulatory bottlenecks of blue bio-based products;increased commitment to biodiversity preservation and conservation ensuring that the biodiscovery of new compounds does not lead to unsustainable harvesting from the wild and promoting sustainable use of genetic diversity. Scope:The European industry must transition to a greener, more sustainable model to enhance its competitiveness against other business models and foster the production of novel high-value sustainable products. Achieving this requires a shift towards a bio-based system, which leverages biological processes to deliver products that contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing e...