1st YUFE Research Relay

Passing the Baton: The YUFE Research Relay for Horizon Europe Cluster 2 and 6 Calls

We are excited to announce the first-ever YUFE Research Relay—a dynamic two-phase event designed to help researchers from across the YUFE Alliance collaboratively craft exceptional proposals for Horizon Europe funding. This event builds upon insights gathered from an internal survey, which showed strong interest from over 600 researchers across YUFE universities. Like runners passing a baton in a relay race, researchers will build on each other’s strengths, knowledge, and creativity to produce competitive proposals for Clusters 2 and 6 of Horizon Europe.

➡️ Relay Phase One: Online Ideathon: 9 -10 May 2025

Coinciding with Europe Day, this initial online training provides researchers with foundational insights into crafting impactful Concept Notes. Emphasizing Excellence, Impact, and Implementation—the three critical elements of successful Horizon Europe proposals—participants will collaborate intensively, guided by expert coaches. At the end of this stage, teams will submit their Concept Notes for evaluation.

➡️ Relay Phase Two: In-Person Intensive Training: 26-27 June 2025

The six winning teams from stage one will pass the baton to Brussels for personalized, in-depth training at the YUFE Central Office. This in-person session will offer participants specialized feedback, advanced proposal-writing techniques, and strategic insights from experienced Horizon Europe evaluators and EU officials, significantly boosting their proposal’s potential for success.

YUFE Research Relay highlights

Structured Skill Development: Participants gain comprehensive, hands-on experience tailored to Horizon Europe proposal standards.
Expert Coaching and Feedback: Detailed, personalized feedback from experienced proposal evaluators.
Enhanced Networking: Build lasting connections and partnerships across the European research community through collaborative teamwork and targeted networking opportunities.

Strengthening Europe’s Research Community

The YUFE Research Relay isn’t simply about training; it’s about building a stronger, interconnected European research community. Aligned with the YUFE mission, this event actively promotes cross-institutional collaborations that address critical societal and environmental challenges.
Join us in passing the baton toward a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable European research future!