Data in Horizon Europe

The new Horizon Europe Framework Program (2021-2027) has further strengthened the Open Science aspects introduced by Horizon 2020, including mandating open access to research data as a priority choice, to make Open Science the modus operandi for all researchers. However, the principle of “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” still applies.

In addition, in Horizon Europe Open Science and research data management practices become an important evaluation criterion and enter the ex-ante evaluation phase of the project proposal.

Here a useful infographic for the Horizon Europe proposal produced by Ghent University.

Below is a description of the sections of the Standard Application Form of the Horizon Europe program into which Open Science practices enter.

 

In this section of the proposal form, the proposer should list up to 5 publications, datasets, software, or other outputs relevant to the call topic. Publications are expected to be open access and datasets are expected to be managed according to the FAIR principles and “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”.

SECTION 1: EXCELLENCE

  • 1.2 Methodology

    In this part you must describe how the mandatory and recommended practices  of Open Science (described below) will be implemented in the project (max 1 page). In addition, if the project plans to generate or reuse data you should outline in brief (again max 1 page) how the data will be managed in a kind of mini-DMP. This will be the place where to justify any impossibility to implement some of the practices.

MANDATORY PRACTICES

  • Open and immediate access to publications
  • Responsible management of research data in line with FAIR principles
  • Measures to ensure reproducibility of results and in particular access to data and research products (software, models, protocols, etc.) in accordance with the “open as much as possible, closed as necessary” principle 

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

  • Early and open sharing of research (e.g., through preregistrations, registered reports, and preprints)
  • Open peer-review
  • Citizen science and public engagement

 

SECTION 2: IMPACT

  • 2.2 Dissemination, exploitation & communication 

    Reference should be made to the Open Science practices described in the “Methodology” section previously explained. In this section, it will be appropriate to check that the proposed practices are compatible with the dissemination and exploitation plan and the Consortium agreement.

     

SECTION 3: QUALITY AND  EFFICIENCY OF THE IMPLEMENTATION

  • 3.1 Workplan and resources

    It is recommended to give visibility to data management with dedicated WPs or tasks and to budget all expenses for Open Science/data management activities. 

  • 3.2 Capacity of participants & Consortium 

    Describe consortium partners capacities and skills in Open Science practices.

And once the grant is awarded?

As in Horizon 2020, when a proposal is funded, grantees are required to write a detailed Data Management Plan and submit it by the month 6 after the start of the project and update it when necessary.

Here is the DMP template recommended by the European Commission for projects funded by Horizon Europe.

Finally, we provide you with some dedicated guides and further reading to include Open Science practices in your Horizon Europe proposal both at the application stage and to comply with the requirements in case of approval:

  1. Guidance on Open Science and Research Data Management in Horizon Europe proposals
  2. A Guide to Open Science in Horizon Europe