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Scope:The aim of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of the next generation self-protection systems in order to increase the survivability of fixed wing and rotary wing, combat or non-combat aircraft in hostile environments.This topic is aimed at modular integration with both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, providing protection against direct and indirect threats based on open architecture and international standards, while protecting sensitive data and ensuring compatibility with other platforms. Key features include automatic coordination of countermeasures, threat detection and classification, and the ability to operate in complex environments. For indirect threats, the system should gather intelligence, disrupt enemy tracking and enable collaborative protection with other platforms.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the...

Scope:The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart technologies for next generation fighter systems. It aims to explore future architectures and develop key technologies, including with proofs of concept, demonstrations and prototypes, for the next generation of military integrated modular avionics for use on a variety of military aerial platforms, both manned and unmanned aircraft, in the context of a defence air cloud.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, studies, design and system prototyping, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development actions.Indicative budget: EUR 25 000 000 for this topic under the EDF-2026-DA call.Indicative number of proposals to...

Scope:In order to increase situational awareness and operational superiority, improved detection, tracking and identification capabilities over large areas with increased range and minimum latency are required. High-frequency (HF) over-the-horizon (OTH) systems therefore need to be improved, while an EU concept for a cognitive and scalable network of HF OTH sensors could be further explored.The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of OTH, in particular the development of technologies for an EU OTH radar network concept providing deep cooperation and data sharing for strategic surveillance. In this context, both HF surface (active, cooperative and non-cooperative passive) and skywave radar technologies should be explored and integrated for their respective advantages in terms of area covered at long ranges and as a gap filler in an agile...

Scope:The automatic analysis of tactical situations using fleets of robots, drones and AI is an important research topic that lacks standardised benchmarks and objective evaluation campaigns. This call topic aims to set up a testing environment and organise a technological challenge in which research teams will participate, supported by another topic (EDF-2024-LS-RA-CHALLENGE-DIGIT-AISAP-STEP) and possibly other sources of funding. The testing environment should enable objective comparisons between different approaches. Data should be collected during field tests, annotated and shared to enable the validation of the system performances based on precise evaluation criteria and plans, to be provided as part of the call document.Targeted types of activities: Integrating knowledge, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for research actions.Indicative budget: EUR 7 000 000...

Scope:Assisting soldiers with robots and drones that can provide accurate tactical situational awareness by using AI becomes essential for soldier protection. This call topic aims to follow on and complement previous activities in the field of hidden threat detection and explore solutions involving various combinations of intelligent robots, drones and sensing technologies for advanced detection and recognition of threats, in view of their avoidance or neutralisation.These solutions should be tested under realistic scenarios in a comparable and objective manner to reach up to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6. For that purpose, each consortium supported through this call topic will benefit from a common testing environment set up as part of a technological challenge and will have to participate in the experiment campaigns organised with this objective.Beyond defence technologies, this to...

Scope:Due to the changing overall geopolitical context, Member States, EDF associated countries and their land forces need to improve their indirect fire and rocket artillery capabilities in particular, as many have been relying on non-European systems that are already approaching the end of their operational life.Against this background, this topic aims to develop multiple rocket launcher solutions capable of countering the latest threats by increasing the range and precision of indirect fire, maximising interoperability and optimising the cost-effectiveness of operations in a high-intensity and GNSS-contested battle scenario.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Studies and design, not excluding upstream and downstream activities eligible for development action...

Scope:An unmanned aerial vehicle used as unmanned loyal wingman/unmanned combat aerial vehicle requires specific performance for a variety of mission profiles to meet storage, deployment and operational requirements. In particular, an engine that provides optimum thrust and electrical power capabilities is required to meet these performance requirements.Against this background, the aim of this topic is to investigate a new turbofan engine in the range of approximately 25-35 kN that meets all feasible military requirements and is capable of operating on kerosene, hydrogen (H2) and sustainable aviation fuel.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies. Targeted types of activities: Generating knowledge, integrating knowledge, studies and design.Indicative budget: EUR 20 000 000 for this topic under the...

Scope:This topic aims to develop a prototype of a semi-autonomous remote management system, integrated with adaptive hardware that continuously learns and improves its ability to identify and dispose of potential objects. The primary objective is to detect and dispose of ammunition waste and residues from military training areas and battlefields. This will significantly reduce the risk factor associated with human involvement, ultimately contributing to a cleaner environment and in line with the ‘green military’ concept.The performance of the system to be developed is expected to improve over time, allowing it to expand its capabilities and cover larger areas.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of clean and resource-efficient technologies.Targeted types of activities: Studies, desi...

Scope:The increasing complexity of military operations requires more advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems capable of dealing with multiple threats and operating in electromagnetic congested scenarios. Current solutions are partially effective and require the complex integration of different sensors and frequency bands. As a result, there is a growing need for automated EW systems that can rapidly identify and respond to threats, especially given the limited availability of qualified personnel.To meet this challenge, this topic aims to further develop and integrate technologies to develop a more robust, cognitive and operational EW system. Cognitive EW systems that use AI and machine learning can detect, learn and interact with the environment, accelerating the development and implementation of next-generation EW threat detection, suppression and neutralisation technologies. These sys...

Scope:There is a need for a new multirole light aircraft that can bridge the gap between today’s battlefield and modern technology, as most of the fleet in this segment across the EU is ageing.The future multirole light aircraft (FMLA) concept must not duplicate or create fragmentation of existing systems of turboprop and tactical military transport aircraft and associated electronic systems. By exploiting the existing platforms, technologies and innovations in Europe, this research topic can reduce the risks associated with the development of FMLA capabilities for air-to-ground operations. FMLA should also be effective in specific combat roles such as light attack, anti-drone interception and close air support.The objective of this topic is therefore to develop a low-cost, single-engine (turboprop) aircraft capable of operating in a variety of operational environments, providing direct...

Scope:Current military decontamination processes are manual and time-consuming, while automation could improve efficiency, safety and control. Clearance decontamination, which ensures that equipment is safe for transport and disposal, is a challenging process that may require advanced technologies. A new approach to CBRN decontamination is needed that is simple, safe, reliable and uses minimal water. New technologies such as catalysts and UV radiation are being considered to neutralise agents without damaging equipment. Decontamination is also critical in the management of biological emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics, and is not limited to military scenarios. Solid sorbents, including nanosorbents, are promising, with advantages such as low toxicity and non-corrosiveness. Clearance decontamination should conform to nationally established standards and guidelines so that the...

Scope:The high speed and significant manoeuvrability of hypersonic vehicles, particularly hypersonic glide vehicles, create difficult conditions for target detection and tracking, which are exacerbated by changes in radar cross section characteristics. Radar waveforms and signal processing become essential to counter the effects induced by hypersonic threat dynamics. In addition, the last decade has seen a global increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for battlefield intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. Anti-UAV radars therefore need to be developed to detect, identify and track such systems. Innovative approaches (e.g. AI and cognitive methods) can provide the means to select the best waveform receiver filter combination to maximise radar detection and tracking performance also using a feedback loop between the received and transmitted signal characteristics.This t...

Scope:The proposals must address innovative defence products, solutions and technologies, including those that can improve readiness, deployability, reliability, safety and sustainability of forces in defence tasks and missions, for example in terms of operations, equipment, infrastructure, energy solutions, surveillance systems or digital solutions.Proposals must address disruptive knowledge, products and technologies in any area of defence interest([1]) from TRL 4 and above([1]).In addition, to best complement R&D efforts that already target civil applications and encourage the efficient spinning-in of knowledge, innovation and technological development to the defence sector, this call topic also welcomes proposals for add-on development actions to adapt solutions originally developed for civil applications and previously not applied in the defence sector.Management mode: Action implem...

Scope:The aim of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities already supported by the EDF in the field of medium-size semi-autonomous surface vessels, with a view to developing a universal fast-moving platform for the specific conditions of the littoral environment, providing enhanced coastal defence capabilities based on different mission modules, but also adaptable to other future naval warfare missions.In particular, this topic aims to review concepts and designs developed and implemented following the EDF call topic EDF-2022-DA-NAVAL-MSAS, while enabling new design, prototyping, testing and qualification activities concerning the platform and its autonomy package, and addressing information/data management and specific mission modules.This topic contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of defence technologies...

Scope:Main battle tanks (MBTs), with their unique combination of protection, mobility and firepower, remain a key element of land military manoeuvre, particularly in the context of conventional warfare. Existing MBT fleets in EU Member States and EDF associated countries are ageing, and new MBT technologies need to be developed and their operational effectiveness in all future scenarios thoroughly tested in order to maintain the current technological edge.This topic therefore aims to follow up and complement previous activities for the development of future MBT systems. These will need to be based on enhanced operational capabilities in all kinds of environments, e.g. in terms of higher multi-spectrum protection and survivability, advanced all-terrain mobility, superior firepower, long-range threat detection and advanced command and control systems, the ability to operate with a reduced...

Scope:Taking into consideration the ongoing activities in this area funded by the EU, EU Member States and EDF associated countries, the general objective of this topic is to support the developments necessary for the integration and qualification of Public Regulated Service (PRS) receivers into existing military operational platforms as well as the enhancement of navigation warfare (NAVWAR) capabilities. In particular, this topic will focus on the development of Galileo PRS receiver technology and the NAVWAR information management system, taking into account the need to also support guided munitions and missiles in operational environments.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the STEP objectives as defined in the STEP Regulation in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies.Targeted types of activities: Design, system prototyping, testing and qual...

Scope:This topic aims to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of high- performance energy systems, with a particular focus on unexplored technologies such as hydrogen (conversion, storage and logistics). New use cases for stationary military applications will therefore be identified and defined, while innovative building blocks and functional modules will be developed and evaluated. The demonstrators’ power and energy targets and other key performance indicators, including life cycle considerations, are expected to be improved, while the operability and connectivity to the energy grid systems of operational bases will be improved.In addition, this topic aims to advance the creation, revision or consolidation of military standards for products and processes for energy generation, distribution and storage.Beyond defence technologies, this topic also contributes to the...

Scope:Smart and multifunctional textiles allow various components and devices to be integrated into uniforms and soldier systems. This extends their range of functions, which can include environmental and physiological monitoring of the soldier, localisation, communication, protective functions (e.g. concealing a soldier's visual, radar and electromagnetic signatures from enemy sensors and surveillance technologies, fire protection and neutralisation of hazardous chemicals). Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the critical operational need for protection of dismounted soldiers, particularly against drones, and triggered the definition of updated soldier system requirements.The objective of this topic is to follow up and complement previous activities in the field of smart and multifunctional textiles with a view to developing an individual camouflage solution, both...

Specific Challenge:The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe[1], and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda.Expected Outcomes:Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others;Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area.The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories:Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s);Newcomer Gender Equality Cham...

Specific Challenge:The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe[1], and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda.Expected Outcomes:Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others;Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area.The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories:Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s);Newcomer Gender Equality Cham...

Specific Challenge:The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe[1], and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda.Expected Outcomes:Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others;Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area.The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories:Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s);Newcomer Gender Equality Cham...

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this NIDCD R25 program is to support educational activities that help recruit individuals with specific specialty or disciplinary backgrounds to research careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Research has the potential to pave the way for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design that will create innovations, new industries, and jobs. To capitalize on this promise, the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will make awards for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) to recent doctoral degree recipients, for proposals with a research and training focus at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Biological Sciences to Strengthen and Safeguard Biotechnology Innovations. Applying AI to highly complex biological systems will reveal unknown mechanisms in the natural world that hold promise for technological developments. Candidates with AI and/or biology experience will develop deep expertise in both by proposing additional training in both areas. These combinations of current expertise and new cross-training will produce scientists who work seamlessly at the intersection of AI and biology. The fellows are expected to become field leaders who use AI capabilities to extrapolate from biological data to technological advances. Proposers are encouraged to consider how to leverage the nation’s diversity of existing biological data, and biological infrastructure, such as Biofoundries, Programmable Cloud Labs, Manufacturing USA Institutes, and NEON, to accelerate discovery, innovation and the biotechnology that improves human lives, promotes the U.S. economy, and benefits the nation.

The National Endowment for the Arts’ State & Regional Partnership Agreement grants are awarded to the nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs), and the six regional arts organizations (RAOs) whose members comprise SAAs.

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support the next 5-year award period of the Clinician-Scientist Transdisciplinary Aging Research Coordinating Center (Clin-STAR CC), whose mission is to serve as a national resource for clinician-investigators across specialties and disciplines who are focusing their careers on aging research. This NOFO intends to build upon NIA's substantial investments to foster the development of clinician-scientists across specialties and disciplines. The specific goals of this initiative are to convey scientific and research knowledge on aging research; foster networking and collaboration between clinician-scientist leaders in aging research and clinician-investigators across specialties and disciplines who wish to focus on aging research; provide mentoring and career development support for emerging clinician-scientists committed to pursuing aging research in their clinical specialty or discipline; and advance interdisciplinary research projects in aging. Ultimately, the Clin-STAR CC is intended to provide a multi-faceted national research platform leading to improved patient-centered care for older adults across specialties and disciplines.