The CROSSPATHS matchmaking event held in Brussels on March 25, 2026, brought together a diverse community of researchers, innovators, policymakers, and support organisations with a shared ambition: to build strong, impactful consortia for Horizon Europe Cluster 6. More than a networking gathering, the event functioned as a microcosm of the European research and innovation ecosystem, reflecting both its strengths and its ongoing challenges. From the very beginning, the tone was clear: addressing Europe’s most pressing issues—sustainability, resilience, food systems, and biodiversity—requires collective intelligence and coordinated action across borders, disciplines, and sectors.

In a context where European policy priorities are increasingly shaped by global instability, environmental urgency, and technological competition, the importance of collaboration has never been more pronounced. The event demonstrated that matchmaking is not a peripheral activity in Horizon Europe—it is central to its logic. The success of a proposal depends not only on scientific excellence, but on the ability to assemble a consortium that is credible, complementary, and aligned with policy expectations. In that sense, the event was both practical and strategic: it provided participants with immediate opportunities to connect while reinforcing a broader understanding of how European projects are conceived and built.

Setting the Scene: A Collective Response to European Priorities

The opening discussions highlighted a fundamental reality of European research policy: no single organisation, regardless of its expertise or resources, can tackle today’s complex challenges alone. Sustainability, climate resilience, food security, and biodiversity loss are systemic issues that require systemic solutions. These solutions must integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines and involve actors from academia, industry, public authorities, and civil society.

This framing is essential to understanding Horizon Europe. Unlike traditional research funding schemes, Horizon Europe is explicitly designed to address societal challenges. Projects are expected not only to generate knowledge, but to contribute to policy objectives such as the European Green Deal or the Farm-to-Fork strategy. As a result, the composition of consortia becomes a critical success factor. A strong consortium is not simply a group of excellent partners; it is a balanced ecosystem capable of delivering impact.

The emphasis on long-term relationships was another key message. Participants were encouraged to see the event not as a one-off opportunity, but as the starting point of future collaborations. This reflects a broader shift in European funding: successful partnerships are often built over time, through repeated interactions and shared experiences. Trust, mutual understanding, and alignment do not emerge overnight; they are the product of sustained engagement.

The Value of Diversity: Networks as Engines of Innovation

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the diversity of participants. With representatives from multiple countries and a wide range of expertise, the gathering illustrated the richness of the European research landscape. This diversity is not accidental; it is actively promoted by Horizon Europe, particularly through its “widening” component, which aims to enhance the participation of less-represented countries and institutions.

Diversity, however, is not just a matter of representation—it is a driver of innovation. Different perspectives lead to new ideas, challenge assumptions, and create opportunities for interdisciplinary solutions. In the context of Cluster 6, where topics such as bioeconomy, food systems, and environmental sustainability intersect, this diversity is particularly valuable.

Existing networks played a crucial role in bringing participants together. Liaison offices, European partnerships, and informal collaborations acted as connectors, facilitating outreach and engagement. These networks are often underestimated, yet they are essential infrastructures of the European research ecosystem. They enable information flow, reduce barriers to entry, and support the formation of consortia.

At the same time, the event highlighted the importance of going beyond established networks. While familiarity can facilitate collaboration, it can also lead to closed circles that limit innovation. Participants were encouraged to reach out to new partners, explore unexpected connections, and build consortia that reflect the complexity of the challenges they aim to address.

CROSSPATHS as a Model: From Isolation to Synergy

The CROSSPATHS project itself provided a concrete example of how strategic collaboration can transform research capacity. Initially, participating institutions faced a common challenge: despite having strong infrastructures and expertise, they lacked visibility and integration within European networks. This situation is not uncommon, particularly in widening countries, where structural barriers can limit participation in EU programmes.

CROSSPATHS addressed this challenge by building a consortium that combined complementary strengths across countries and disciplines. By linking research infrastructures, developing joint strategies, and offering training programmes, the project created a platform for collaboration that extended beyond individual institutions. This approach illustrates a key principle of Horizon Europe: collective capacity can exceed the sum of its parts.

The project also emphasized the importance of networking as a foundational activity. Direct contacts, informal exchanges, and one-to-one meetings were presented as essential tools for building partnerships. In a system where collaboration is both a requirement and a competitive advantage, the ability to connect with the right partners is a critical skill.

Importantly, CROSSPATHS demonstrated that widening is not about lowering standards; it is about enabling excellence. By strengthening institutional capacities and fostering integration, the project contributes to a more balanced and inclusive European Research Area. This, in turn, enhances the overall quality and impact of European research.

Aligning with Policy: The Strategic Context of Cluster 6

Understanding the policy framework of Horizon Europe is essential for anyone aiming to participate successfully. Cluster 6 is deeply embedded in the European Union’s strategic priorities, particularly those related to sustainability, climate action, and food systems. The allocation of a significant portion of the budget to biodiversity, for example, reflects a strong political commitment to environmental protection.

This policy alignment has direct implications for proposal development. Projects must not only address scientific questions, but also demonstrate how they contribute to policy objectives. This requires a shift in perspective: instead of starting from a research idea and looking for funding, applicants must start from policy challenges and design solutions that align with them.

The structure of the work programme reinforces this approach. Larger budgets, fewer topics, and the use of lump-sum funding aim to simplify participation while encouraging more ambitious projects. At the same time, requirements such as multi-actor consortia and the integration of social sciences reflect the need for holistic solutions.

For participants, this means that success depends on their ability to navigate both scientific and policy dimensions. Technical excellence is necessary, but not sufficient. Proposals must articulate a clear narrative that connects research activities to expected impacts, demonstrating relevance, feasibility, and added value at the European level.

Looking Ahead: FP10 and the Shifting Landscape of European Funding

While the event focused on Horizon Europe, it also provided insights into the future of European research funding. The upcoming Framework Programme 10 (FP10) is expected to reflect significant changes in priorities and structure, driven by geopolitical, economic, and technological factors.

One of the key trends is a stronger emphasis on innovation and competitiveness. While research remains important, there is increasing pressure to translate knowledge into marketable solutions. This shift responds to a long-standing challenge in Europe: the gap between scientific excellence and industrial application.

At the same time, this evolution raises concerns, particularly for domains such as food, agriculture, and environment. These areas, central to Cluster 6, risk losing visibility in a context where technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness are gaining prominence. The disappearance of explicit references to food systems in policy discussions, for example, highlights the need for active advocacy.

The introduction of concepts such as dual-use research also reflects a broader transformation of the research landscape. While these developments create new opportunities, they also introduce ethical and practical challenges, particularly in terms of collaboration and governance.

For participants, the message is clear: the future of European funding is not fixed. Stakeholders have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to engage in the shaping of FP10. This requires not only awareness, but also active participation in policy discussions, both at national and European levels.

WIDERA and Institutional Transformation: Beyond Project Funding

The WIDERA programme represents a critical component of Horizon Europe, aimed at addressing structural disparities within the European Research Area. Its evolution reflects a shift from project-based support to systemic transformation.

At its core, WIDERA is about capacity building. It seeks to strengthen institutions by improving their ability to participate in European programmes, manage research activities, and engage in international collaboration. This involves not only financial support, but also organisational change.

One of the key insights from the event was that success in Horizon Europe depends on more than scientific excellence. Institutional factors, such as research management, strategic planning, and networking capacity, play a crucial role. The introduction of new actions focused on research management reflects this understanding.

These initiatives aim to professionalize research support structures, enabling institutions to move beyond a reactive approach to funding and adopt a more strategic perspective. This includes anticipating opportunities, building partnerships, and aligning activities with policy priorities.

The long-term objective of WIDERA is particularly noteworthy: its success would ultimately render it unnecessary. By reducing disparities and creating a more balanced research landscape, the programme aims to ensure that all institutions can compete on equal footing. While this goal remains distant, the direction is clear.

Inside the Black Box: Practical Lessons from Experienced Practitioners

The panel discussion provided a rare opportunity to access the tacit knowledge of experienced Horizon Europe practitioners. Beyond formal guidelines, success in European funding often depends on informal practices, strategic thinking, and accumulated experience.

One of the most consistent messages was the importance of proactivity. Participants were encouraged to take initiative, position themselves clearly within consortia, and actively seek opportunities. In a competitive environment, waiting to be invited is rarely effective.

Collaboration emerged as another central theme. Successful projects are built on strong partnerships, where each partner brings specific expertise and contributes to a shared vision. This requires not only technical compatibility, but also trust and mutual understanding.

Persistence was also highlighted as a key success factor. Rejection is a common experience in Horizon Europe, and resilience is essential. Many successful proposals are the result of multiple iterations, continuous improvement, and learning from feedback.

The discussion also addressed common challenges, such as timing, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Managing an international consortium involves navigating different institutional cultures, calendars, and expectations. This complexity requires careful planning and communication.

Perhaps the most important insight concerned the mindset required for success. Horizon Europe is not about funding individual research interests; it is about addressing European challenges. This requires a shift from a researcher-centric perspective to a solution-oriented approach.

From Idea to Impact: The Art of Proposal Writing

Writing a successful Horizon Europe proposal is both a technical and creative process. It involves translating complex ideas into a clear, compelling narrative that resonates with evaluators. This requires structure, clarity, and attention to detail.

The importance of the initial sections of the proposal was emphasized. Evaluators often form their first impressions quickly, making the opening pages critical. A strong proposal must capture attention, articulate its objectives clearly, and demonstrate its relevance from the outset.

Alignment with policy priorities is another key element. Proposals must show how they contribute to expected impacts, addressing not only scientific questions but also societal needs. This requires a deep understanding of the work programme and its underlying logic.

Attention to detail is equally important. Small errors, inconsistencies, or ambiguities can undermine the credibility of a proposal. Careful review and quality control are therefore essential steps in the preparation process.

Finally, realism is crucial. Overambitious projects with complex structures and excessive deliverables can raise doubts about feasibility. A well-balanced proposal, with clear objectives and manageable activities, is more likely to succeed.

Beyond the Event: Building Lasting Partnerships

The closing session of the event reinforced a key message: matchmaking does not end with the event itself. The real value lies in the follow-up, the continuation of discussions, and the transformation of initial contacts into concrete collaborations.

Tools such as online platforms and future events provide opportunities to maintain momentum. However, their effectiveness depends on the commitment of participants to engage actively. Building a consortium is a process that requires time, effort, and persistence.

The extension of the CROSSPATHS project further illustrates this dynamic. By continuing its activities, the consortium creates additional opportunities for collaboration and consolidation. This highlights the importance of continuity in European projects.

Ultimately, the success of the event will be measured not by the number of participants or meetings, but by the quality and durability of the partnerships it generates. In this sense, matchmaking is both an immediate and a long-term investment.

Conclusion: Toward a More Connected European Research Ecosystem

The CROSSPATHS matchmaking event offered a comprehensive and insightful overview of the current state of European research collaboration. It highlighted the importance of networking, the complexity of policy alignment, and the evolving nature of funding programmes.

More importantly, it demonstrated that successful participation in Horizon Europe requires more than technical expertise. It demands strategic thinking, openness to collaboration, and a deep understanding of the European context.

As Europe faces increasingly complex challenges, the need for coordinated, interdisciplinary solutions will continue to grow. Events like CROSSPATHS play a crucial role in enabling these solutions by bringing together the actors who can make them happen.

In the end, the message is both simple and profound: innovation is a collective endeavour. By building strong, diverse, and well-aligned consortia, the European research community can not only respond to current challenges, but also shape the future of the continent.

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