An insight to European research funding and strategic collaboration

Shira Becker works as a Senior Grants Advisor at JU, based at the International Office. In this role, she supports researchers with strategic advice on external research funding, with a strong focus on EU‑level programs such as Horizon Europe. Within the alliance she is a member of External Revenue group, which works to identify and develop new routes for increasing external revenue and funding.

Explain what the External Revenue group aims to achieve and what your assignment involves?

– External Revenue group focuses on the alliance’s long-term financial sustainability, with a particular emphasis on external funding beyond the core Erasmus+ grant. The group works at a strategic and analytical level, bringing together partners to explore how European University Alliances can strengthen their funding base and reduce reliance on a single funding source.

Last autumn, you were involved in organising a matchmaking event at JU linked to current Horizon Europe calls. Around 80 researchers participated, both from the EULiST network and from other partner organisations. Can you already see any outcomes or results from this event?

– Although Horizon Europe results take time, the matchmaking event has already led to concrete outcomes. Several early-stage consortia have been formed around upcoming Horizon Europe 2026 calls, and JU researchers from multiple schools are now involved in at least one proposal, strengthened through new EULiST and Crowdhelix connections. The event also had a clear capacity-building effect by bringing together less experienced JU researchers with established European partners, lowering the threshold for future EU engagement. In addition, several collaborations are targeting later calls in 2026 and 2027, meaning further results are expected over time.

The matchmaking event was organised in collaboration with Crowdhelix, of which JU is now a member. Could you explain what Crowdhelix is and how researchers at JU can benefit from this membership?

– Crowdhelix is an international collaboration platform focused on European funding opportunities, particularly Horizon Europe. It is organised around thematic communities linked to specific EU policy areas and calls. For JU researchers, the membership provides access to a curated European network focused on early-stage consortium building. Researchers can share project ideas, respond to partner searches, and connect with academic and non-academic actors such as industry and public organisations. This lowers the threshold for participating in Horizon Europe and supports more targeted, call-driven collaboration – both through events and via the platform itself. So far, about 70 researchers from JU have registered on the platform.

In what ways can EULiST act as a driving force for EU‑funded research? What opportunities do you see looking ahead?

– By serving as a structured entry point into European collaboration. The alliance provides trusted networks, shared priorities, and frameworks that make it easier for researchers to engage in Horizon Europe. A key strength is the alignment between EULiST’s research strategy, societal challenges, and Horizon Europe priorities, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with external stakeholders. Through tools such as thematic matchmaking and capacity-building activities, the alliance translates strategic goals into concrete consortium building. Over time, deeper collaboration within EULiST can support stronger roles for its members in EU projects – both as partners and coordinators – and help position them for future framework programmes beyond Horizon Europe.