First Call for CIVICA Research Hubs

CIVICA is launching a new call for proposals to establish multidisciplinary research hubs. The goal is to support teams across at least four CIVICA universities in securing long-term funding for innovative, impactful research projects. Each proposal will receive seed funding for an 18-month phase to build teams, conduct pilot research and develop a plan to secure external grants.

Faculty and (post-doctoral) researchers in CIVICA universities are invited to submit proposals for collaborative, multidisciplinary research with the goal to apply for larger grants (Horizon, ERC, national funding, etc.) and longer-term cooperation.

Only plans for innovative, transformative, and impactful research will be considered. Proposals should envisage working together for a longer period (4-7 years) as a CIVICA Research Hub and spell out three phases of their cooperation:

  • Phase one: Seed-funded exploratory research proposal (building a team, doing a pilot study, creating a network, etc.) for the CIVICA-funded period of the first 18 months;
  • Phase two: steps to secure a larger, external grant;
  • Phase three: steps for the functioning of the externally-funded CIVICA Research Hub.

All fields in the Social Sciences and Humanities are eligible. CIVICA encourages submissions that broadly encompass our thematic priorities:

 

Data-Driven Technologies for the Social Sciences
Democracy in the 21st century
Europe Revisited
Societies in Transition, Crises of Earth

What is financed?

In the first, seed-funded phase (18 months), all expenses directly related to research projects are eligible, provided they are realistic and in line with the expected results; primarily personnel specifically hired for the project, travel, and individual cost items.

Timeline

  • 17 October 2025 – Application deadline
  • 27 October 2025 – Formal eligibility checks completed
  • 17 November 2025 – Announcement of winners
  • 12 January 2026 – Projects officially start
  • 30 June 2027 – Projects officially end

Contact persons at partner institutions