‘Common mistakes’ in proposals to Horizon Europe outlined

Using “buzzwords” and aiming for project outcomes that are “too ambitious” reduces prospect of success

Using “buzzwords” and being “too ambitious” in aiming for project outcomes are “common mistakes” made when applying for funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, one of its administrative agencies has revealed.

Other common problems include forgetting to include ethical considerations, merely paraphrasing the Horizon Europe work programme when setting out expected pathways to impact, and confusing the meanings of results, output and impact, the European Research Executive Agency said in a list of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for applicants published on 9 February.