Prevention and mitigation of misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism purposes
Research and Innovation Action to prevent and mitigate misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism in Europe, focusing on threat understanding and regulation.
This call funds research to understand and prevent bioterrorism threats linked to synthetic biology. Projects should analyze risks, regulatory gaps, and detection technologies. Collaboration with security agencies and coordination among projects is expected.
Likely relevant for
- Synthetic biology researchers
- Biotechnology companies
- Security and defense researchers
- Policy makers in biosecurity
- Public health preparedness organizations
Project signals
What it funds
- Research on threats of bioterrorism linked to synthetic biology in Europe
- Lawful analysis of monitoring and regulatory needs
- Raising awareness in scientific and security communities
- Development of detection and identification technologies for biological agents
- Review of current and future risks and regulatory gaps
- Coordination among projects to maximize impact
Expected outcomes
- Improved understanding among policy makers, researchers, biotech companies, and security practitioners of bioterrorism threats
- Raised awareness of malicious uses of synthetic biology
- Identification of regulatory needs and monitoring priorities
- Enhanced prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities to bioterrorism
Who can apply / participate
- Research organisations
- Universities
- SMEs and large enterprises in biotech and security sectors
- Public bodies and authorities
- Consortia should be diverse and multidisciplinary
- Coordination among funded projects is expected
- Participants must be from eligible countries as per Horizon Europe rules
- Projects may involve classified or security sensitive information requiring compliance with EU classified information rules
- Exact consortium size and composition requirements
- Specific eligibility of non-EU/non-associated countries
Must check before shortlisting
- Eligibility of participant countries and consortium composition
- Specific security clearance requirements due to sensitive information
- Alignment with Technology Readiness Level 4-5 by project end
Money
The expected EU contribution for this Research and Innovation Action is approximately EUR 3 million for the project duration.
- Maximum EU contribution — 3000000EURLump sum funding under Horizon Europe rules
Application notes
- Single-stage submission model.
- Proposal page limits and layout as per Horizon Europe General Annexes and Application Form.
- Compliance with eligibility and admissibility conditions in Horizon Europe General Annexes.
- Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data if satellite data is involved.
- Security provisions for classified and sensitive information as per General Annexes.
- Prepare proposal according to Horizon Europe guidelines and templates.
- Submit proposal via the Funding & Tenders Portal before the deadline.
- Engage with Europol Innovation Lab during project if funded.
- Coordinate with other projects funded under this topic.
- Projects must achieve Technology Readiness Level 4-5 by project end.
- Proposals must address all applicable considerations in the Fighting Crime and Terrorism Destination introduction.
- Security clearance may be required for handling classified information.
Derived from official EU Funding portal source · updated 3 Sep 2026, 09:36 UTC. Use this as a shortlisting aid; the official call text remains authoritative.
Related calls
These funding calls are closely related and may be worth considering as part of the same funding landscape.
Official source text
Fine print from the EU source record. Expand when you need the original wording.
Topic description
Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Increased understanding of European policy makers, research community, biotech companies, and relevant security practitioners of the threat of bioterrorism and of synthetic biology, including a thorough lawful analysis of what needs to be monitored in this context, what needs to be regulated and how; Awareness raised within the related scientific community how research in synthetic biology can be used for malicious purposes. Scope: The rising threat of bioterrorism is driven by recent scientific advancements, notably by growing accessibility of synthetic biology, genetic engineering, related commercial services and public databases, which in turn enhance their obtainability to non-state actors and individuals with malicious intentions. The proliferation of do-it-yourself biohacking and community laboratories, including gene editing and sequencing technology, dropping costs of equipment and increased simplicity of use may inadvertently facilitate knowledge and skills dissemination about biological threats and open new pathways for bioterrorism. Challenges in detection, particularly the lengthy incubation periods of biological agents, underscore the urgent need for improved identification technologies to allow for timely intervention and reduce potential mass casualties, considering both characterization through advanced tools by expert labs and simple deployable methods. Given that properly weaponized biological agents can be more lethal than nuclear weapons, their cross-border implications warrant focused attention. Recent incidents involving biotoxins across various European countries illustrate the feasibility of biological attacks. The increasing weaponisation of drones highlights an alarming trend that could extend to biological agents, further complicating threat landscapes. The potential economic and social consequences of biological attacks necessitate robust prevention and preparedness measures to mitigate overwhelming impacts on healthcare systems and society at large. Proposals are expected to address, in a lawful manner, the emerging threats of bioterrorism in Europe, particularly in the context of synthetic biology. Recognising bioterrorism as a low-probability but high-impact event, consortia should review current and future risks, flag areas requiring reinforced monitoring, as well as identify missing regulatory frameworks necessary for ensuring public security and safety. Furthermore, proposals should bring together diverse consortia to enhance our understanding, prevention, preparedness, and response to bioterrorism and create a comprehensive approach to this pressing issue. Coordination among the successful proposals from this topic should be envisaged to avoid duplication and to exploit complementarities as well as opportunities for increased impact. In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort. Proposals funded under this topic are expected to provide ideas on how they would engage with the Europol Innovation Lab during the lifetime of the project. Similarly, if the proposals concern drug-related issues, they are expected to engage with the EU Drugs Agency during the lifetime of the project, including validating the outcomes. Finally, proposals are expected to address all applicable considerations expressed in the Introduction of the Fighting Crime and Terrorism Destination. Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.
Conditions and documents
General conditions
1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout
2. Eligible Countries
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3. Other Eligible Conditions
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants
The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Specific conditions
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Some activities resulting from this topic may involve using classified background and/or producing of security sensitive results (EUCI and SEN). Please refer to the related provisions in section B Security — EU classified and sensitive information of the General Annexes.
Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA):
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Additional documents:
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Support information
Online Manual is your guide on the procedures from proposal submission to managing your grant. Horizon Europe Programme Guide contains the detailed guidance to the structure, budget and political priorities of Horizon Europe. Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ – find the answers to most frequently asked questions on submission of proposals, evaluation and grant management. Research Enquiry Service – ask questions about any aspect of European research in general and the EU Research Framework Programmes in particular. National Contact Points (NCPs) – get guidance, practical information and assistance on participation in Horizon Europe. There are also NCPs in many non-EU and non-associated countries (‘third-countries’). Enterprise Europe Network – contact your EEN national contact for advice to businesses with special focus on SMEs. The support includes guidance on the EU research funding. IT Helpdesk – contact the Funding & Tenders Portal IT helpdesk for questions such as forgotten passwords, access rights and roles, technical aspects of submission of proposals, etc. European IPR Helpdesk assists you on intellectual property issues. CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk and ETSI Research Helpdesk – the European Standards Organisations advise you how to tackle standardisation in your project proposal. The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment – consult the general principles and requirements specifying the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers, employers and funders of researchers. Partner Search help you find a partner organisation for your proposal.
Raw budget overview
{
"budgetYearsColumns": [
"2026"
],
"budgetTopicActionMap": {
"113341": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-BM-01 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 6000000,
"maxContribution": 6000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "12000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113342": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-04 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 3000000,
"maxContribution": 3000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "6000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113343": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-01 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 3000000,
"maxContribution": 3000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "6000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113344": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-02 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4500000,
"maxContribution": 4500000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "9000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113345": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-BM-03 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 1330000,
"maxContribution": 1330000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "1330000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113346": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-05 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4835000,
"maxContribution": 4835000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "9670000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113347": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-BM-02 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4000000,
"maxContribution": 4000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "8000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113348": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-03 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 5000000,
"maxContribution": 5000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "5000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113349": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-04 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 3000000,
"maxContribution": 3000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "6000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113350": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-SSRI-01 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 1500000,
"maxContribution": 1500000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "3000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113351": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-05 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 4500000,
"maxContribution": 4500000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "4500000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113352": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-INFRA-03 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4500000,
"maxContribution": 4500000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "9000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113353": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-03 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4000000,
"maxContribution": 4000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "8000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113354": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-02 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4000000,
"maxContribution": 4000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "8000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113355": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-SSRI-04 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 3000000,
"maxContribution": 3000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "3000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113356": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-INFRA-01 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4835000,
"maxContribution": 4835000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "9670000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113357": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-01 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 2,
"minContribution": 4000000,
"maxContribution": 4000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "8000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113358": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-SSRI-02 - HORIZON-PCP HORIZON Pre-commercial Procurement",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 5830000,
"maxContribution": 5830000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "5830000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113359": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-06 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 3000000,
"maxContribution": 3000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "3000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113360": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-SSRI-03 - HORIZON-PPI HORIZON Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 2000000,
"maxContribution": 2000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "2000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
],
"113361": [
{
"action": "HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-INFRA-02 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions",
"expectedGrants": 1,
"minContribution": 4000000,
"maxContribution": 4000000,
"budgetYearMap": {
"2026": "4000000"
},
"plannedOpeningDate": "2026-05-06",
"deadlineModel": "single-stage",
"deadlineDates": [
"2026-11-05"
]
}
]
}
}