The Health Cluster of Horizon Europe 2025 is designed to tackle pressing health challenges while transforming Europe's healthcare landscape through cutting-edge research and innovation.
With an indicative budget of over €486 million, this cluster supports activities that reinforce healthcare systems, advance medical research, and enhance health equity across Europe. Health-related research and innovation are central to achieving a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable European Union. This article outlines the strategic focus of the 2025 Health Work Programme, its six key "Destinations," and guidance for applicants aiming to participate in this transformative cluster.
Horizon Europe Health Cluster: Strategic Priorities
The Health Cluster aligns with the EU’s Strategic Plan 2025–2027 and supports three key strategic orientations:
➖Green transition: addressing the impact of environmental factors on health
➖Digital transition: leveraging AI and health data to improve diagnostics and care
➖Resilience: strengthening health systems and pandemic preparedness
The programme promotes multidisciplinary collaboration and encourages synergies with other EU programmes, including EU4Health and Digital Europe.
The Six Destinations of the Health Cluster
🔹Staying Healthy in a Rapidly Changing SocietyFocuses on preventive health and wellbeing strategies to help citizens maintain a healthy lifestyle. Topics include health literacy, chronic disease prevention, and digital tools for self-monitoring.
🔹Living and Working in a Health-Promoting EnvironmentExplores how pollution and environmental stressors affect mental and physical health. Includes research on micro- and nanoplastics, environmental neurotoxicity, and health inequalities.
🔹Tackling Diseases and Reducing Disease BurdenSupports cutting-edge research into infectious, non-communicable, and rare diseases. Key areas include antimicrobial resistance, brain health, and innovative mental health treatments.
🔹Ensuring Equal Access to High-Quality HealthcarePromotes sustainable and inclusive healthcare systems through AI tools, digital innovation, and enhanced health service delivery.
🔹Developing New Tools and Technologies for a Healthy SocietyEncourages innovation in biotech, AI, and medical devices. Projects focus on next-generation therapies, genomic tools, and generative AI for biomedical research.
🔹Maintaining a Competitive EU Health IndustryBoosts industrial competitiveness through support for ATMP manufacturing, regulatory innovation, and the digitalisation of medical device assessment.
Funding Opportunities and Application Tips
To participate, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify Relevant TopicsBrowse open calls via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and ensure alignment with Health Cluster Destinations.
Step 2: Check EligibilityApplicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States or associated countries.
Step 3: Align with Strategic GoalsDesign proposals that address at least one strategic orientation (green, digital, or resilient Europe) and highlight cross-cutting themes such as gender equity, patient empowerment, and data sharing.
Step 4: Submit Your ProposalUse the Funding Portal to submit all documents by the deadline. Pay attention to requirements for clinical trials, data protection, and co-funding rules.
Why Apply to the Health Cluster
Health Cluster projects benefit from wide visibility, access to leading research infrastructures, and the opportunity to shape Europe’s future healthcare landscape. Beyond funding, participants gain valuable partnerships and policy influence.
Focus areas for 2025 include:
▸Generative AI in health and research
▸Environmental and mental health
▸Pandemic preparedness
▸Patient empowerment and health equity
EUcalls: Your Bridge to Horizon Success
Navigating Horizon Europe can be complex, but EUcalls makes it easier. Our platform connects you with expert insights, funding alerts, and trusted partners.
Join EUcalls to access tailored resources, explore Health Cluster calls, and build high-impact consortia. Empower your healthcare vision. Join EUcalls today and make your innovation count in Horizon Europe 2025.
