Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Time: Bogotá (UTC-5) 07:00–09:00 | Berlin (UTC+2) 14:00–16:00 | Bangkok (UTC+7) 19:00–21:00 | Beijing (UTC+8) 20:00–22:00
Access: Public | Sign up for free!
About the Session
This Regional Focus Session equips participants with a practical understanding of Horizon Europe (HEU), the EU’s flagship funding program for research and innovation. Participants will learn how to navigate its structure, funding instruments, and calls, and how to align their applications with EU priorities. The session brings together expert speakers, National Contact Points (NCPs), and experienced WAITRO members to share strategies, lessons learned, and practical insights.
Agenda
1. Welcome by WAITRO
A short introduction and overview of the session’s objectives and its relevance for WAITRO members.
2. An Introduction to Horizon Europe
Speaker: Burcu Göğüş Doğan (NCP TÜBİTAK)
A strategic overview of Horizon Europe, including its structure, priorities, and funding modalities relevant for RTOs. Participants will gain an understanding of the different funding schemes and instruments.
3. Sharing Experiences and Best Practices by WAITRO Members
WAITRO members from Germany and Türkiye will share firsthand insights, highlighting challenges and best practices in identifying and screening Horizon Europe funding.
Insight 1: Information Flow
Speaker: Simon Schmidt (Head of Department – Fraunhofer IBP)
Focus: How to access and structure the right information.
Insight 2: Identifying Opportunities – EIC & Business Development
Speaker: Erencan Bal (NCP – TÜBİTAK)
Focus: Strategic identification of the right calls and funding streams.
Insight 3: How to Read Calls
Speaker: Ilka Henze (Head of Research Management – Fraunhofer IZI)
Focus: Developing the skill to decode and interpret EU calls effectively.
Insight 4: Success Strategies for Non-EU Applicants
Speaker: Burcu Göğüş Doğan (NCP – TÜBİTAK)
Focus: Empowering non-EU applicants to successfully engage in Horizon Europe.
4. Q&A and Closing Remarks
An open discussion with speakers and participants, followed by concluding reflections and key takeaways.
Expected Outcomes
- Improve their ability to navigate Horizon Europe funding opportunities and instruments
- Enhance their strategic alignment with EU priorities and calls
- Strengthen their skills in screening and interpreting calls
- Gain a deeper understanding of eligibility and participation requirements for non-European institutions
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About the Speakers
Dr. Burcu Göğüş Doğan is Chief Expert at TÜBİTAK, National Contact Point for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions in Horizon Europe, and Turkey’s National Expert to the European Commission. With over 15 years of experience in EU research policy and project management, she supports Turkey’s integration into the European Research Area and international cooperation ↩︎
Simon Schmidt is Head of the Hygrothermics Department at Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, setting strategy and building a global network of research and industry partners. He previously led the Climate Culture Building (CCB) business area, served as Deputy Head at the Technical University of Munich’s Chair of Building Physics (2011–2014), completed his PhD in 2016, and moved to IBP in 2017.
Erencan Bal is an EIC/EIE/EIT National Contact Point for Horizon Europe at TÜBİTAK, specializing in EU research & innovation funding, international business development, and project management. With background in mechanical engineering and business administration, he supports Turkish institutions in navigating European funding opportunities.
Ilka Henze is Head of Research Management at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI. She is an expert in EU-funded research and innovation projects, with extensive experience in Horizon Europe and international collaboration. In her role, she supports organizations in building strong consortia, developing competitive proposals, and managing complex cross-border projects.
Capacity Development Initiative
This session is part of the Capacity Development Initiative (CDI) “Getting Ready for International Collaboration – Publicly Funded Research Projects”. Are you interested in more webinar events? Please check out the CDI webpage.
