The Horizon 2020 programme consists of three core themes or ‘pillars’:

· Excellent science
· Industrial leadership
· Societal challenges

Excellent science

Horizon 2020 aims to raise the level of excellence in Europe’s science base and ensure a steady stream of world-class research to secure long-term competitiveness in Europe. It supports the best ideas, develops European talent and provides researchers with access to a research infrastructure.

Industrial Leadership

Horizon 2020 will make Europe a more appealing location to invest in research and innovation. The programme seeks to stimulate the growth potential of European companies, targeting SMEs in particular. It will provide major investment in key industrial technologies, maximise the growth potential of European companies by providing them with adequate levels of finance and help innovative SMEs to grow into world-leading companies.

Societal Challenges

Horizon 2020 is aligned with Europe 2020 strategy and addresses major concerns shared by citizens in Europe and elsewhere. It follows a challenge-based approach that brings together resources and knowledge across different fields, technologies and disciplines, including social sciences and the humanities.

Detailed information on the different SECURITY research and innovation funding opportunities can be accessed via the figure below:

Horizon 2020 sections

· Excellent Science
· European Research Council
· Future and Emerging Technologies
· Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
· Research Infrastructures, including e-Infrastructures
· Industrial Leadership
· Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies
· Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
· Information and Communication Technologies
· Space
· Access to risk finance
· Innovation in SMEs
· Societal Challenges
· Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing
· Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy
· Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy
· Smart, Green and Integrated Transport
· Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials
· Europe in a changing world – Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies
· Secure societies – Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens
· Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation
· Science with and for Society
· Cross-cutting activities (focus areas)
· Fast Track to Innovation Pilot
· European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
· Euratom