EPICUR Seed Funding Scheme 2026 – new opportunities for SDU researchers

The scheme allows researchers at SDU and the other EPICUR partner universities to apply for funding for one-year research projects that can develop new ideas for research collaborations, proof-of-concept projects and joint research projects across institutions and subject areas.

Projects can apply for up to €150,000 in total funding. In the 2026 call, €200,000 has been set aside for SDU's participation in the scheme. As an indicative level, SDU researchers can apply for up to 70,000 euros as a coordinating partner and up to 50,000 euros as a project partner.

Focus on research, learning and external funding

The EPICUR Seed Funding Scheme will both strengthen research collaborations and support the development of joint learning activities. The selected projects are expected to lead to two concrete results:

An application for external funding, e.g. from Horizon Europe or similar programmes, within 12 months after the end of the seed funding project.

A joint EPICUR learning activity offered either during the project period or within six months after the end of the project. The learning activity must be at least six teaching hours in length and can be, for example, a course, summer school, workshop, masterclass, seminar or conference.

Projects in all scientific fields can apply. Projects that contribute to EPICUR's strategic themes - European Values, Future Intelligence, Global Health and Sustainable Development - are particularly encouraged to apply.

Consortia across Europe

Applications must be submitted by a consortium of researchers from at least three EPICUR partner universities in three different EPICUR countries. Consortia with four or more EPICUR partners will be prioritised in the evaluation of teaching.

External partners from industry, startups, civil society or public organisations can be part of the projects but cannot be project leaders or receive EPICUR funding.

Application deadline 15 September 2026

The application round opened on 29 April 2026, and the deadline is 15 September 2026 at 23:59.

Projects are expected to start from January 2027 and can generally run for up to 12 months.

The application must be submitted in English and pass:

· Application form

· Budget form

· Letter of Intent from all participating partner institutions in one pdf

· Short CVs for all applicants in the consortium in one pdf

Find the documents here: https://seafile.unistra.fr/d/d0bf86c3175f463b8c51

All documents must be submitted via the EPICUR application link at the University of Strasbourg: https://seafile.unistra.fr/u/d/23f673afad1943528a77

Information and contact

An online information meeting about the call will be organised in the second half of June 2026. Date and time will follow here when the meeting is scheduled.

If you have any questions about SDU's terms of participation or funding rules, please contact

Ida Thøstesen
epicur@sdu.dk