The funding call, announced by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, aims to foster international collaborative research and innovation projects between Europe and the Latin America-Caribbean (LAK) region. This initiative is part of the strategy to internationalize science and research while addressing global challenges in critical thematic areas. The call invites proposals for multinational consortium projects that unite universities, research institutions, and companies. The projects must generate solutions in fields including biodiversity, bioeconomy, global health, energy, and research infrastructure, while ensuring a strong component of transnational collaboration.

The objective of the funding call is to leverage the combined research and innovation potential of both regions. It focuses on generating mutual knowledge exchange and building sustainable long-term partnerships that address urgent global challenges. Proposals should demonstrate a clear plan for collaborative work, sharing of expertise, and approaches to tackling issues such as agricultural sustainability, energy transition, and public health emergencies. Participating partners must come from at least four different countries, with mandatory representation from both European Union member states and LAK nations. This diverse participation aims to foster rich interdisciplinary dialogue and ensure that the projects deliver impactful outcomes.

In addition to supporting core research activities, the funding call also covers associated costs such as travel, workshops, equipment, and personnel expenses. A special provision exists for non-economic research initiatives in higher education institutions, where an additional project fee is provided to support research practices. The application process is structured in two stages. In the first stage, project coordinators are required to submit a joint project outline electronically by the fixed deadline. This outline must clearly articulate the roles, responsibilities, and contributions of all participating partners, as well as strategies for intellectual property protection.

Successful applicants from the first stage will be invited to submit a full funding proposal through a national online portal. During evaluation, external experts assess proposals based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and potential to contribute to strategic long-term benefits for both regions. The initiative not only aims to enhance the scientific landscape in Europe and LAK but also to promote policy research that can drive further funding opportunities, including potential integration with Horizon Europe programs.

This call represents an opportunity for institutions seeking to expand their research network. It underscores the commitment of the funding bodies to address global challenges collaboratively and strategically, ensuring that research outcomes benefit a broad range of societal and economic areas.

Find here the original call in german: Förderaufruf Internationale Verbundvorhaben im Bereich wissenschaftlicher Forschung und Innovation

Opening: 01-02-2026
Deadline first application stage: 22-05-2025