Three-day intensive soft skills training equips ACU researchers with essential knowledge and tools for successful Horizon Europe participation.
In alignment with the objectives of Work Package 5 (Attractiveness, competitiveness, and visibility) of the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU) successfully hosted a high-impact training workshop titled “Mastering Horizon Europe: A Practical Training for the Successful Participation of ACU Researchers”. Held on 21-23 May 2025 at ACU’s Kerem Aydinlar Campus, the training was a key milestone in building the research capacity and international visibility of ACU in the global research community.
Empowering researchers with practical EU funding know-how
Designed to demystify the complexities of the Horizon Europe programme, the training offered participants a structured, hands-on introduction to the funding landscape. From understanding the structure of Horizon Europe and its Work Programmes to simulating networking scenarios and preparing concept notes, the course helped researchers transition from confusion to confidence.
The three-day event attracted 30 participants from diverse academic departments and research areas within ACU, including early-stage researchers, senior faculty, and research managers. The training was led by Serena Cogoni, an experienced grant writing and project management expert from Fondazione ICONS, a key GEMSTONE partner. With two decades of experience and a successful track record of over 30 funded projects in EU health and biomedical programmes, Serena Cogoni brought invaluable insight to the ACU research community.
Day 1: Orientation into Horizon Europe
The first day introduced participants to the structure and scope of Horizon Europe, with a focus on Health, Mission Cancer, ERC, MSCA, and WIDERA funding opportunities. Interactive sessions and a case study presentation provided clarity on how to position research ideas within specific calls and Work Programmes. A practical matching exercise challenged participants to map real project ideas to the appropriate funding streams.
Day 2: Consortium building and networking strategies
The second day shifted the focus to consortium creation, a critical step for Horizon Europe proposals. Participants explored what coordinators look for in a partner, how to identify and approach potential collaborators, and how to prepare for brokerage events. Through simulations and exercises, researchers practiced networking strategies and learned how to promote themselves and their institutions effectively in competitive funding landscapes.
Day 3: Strategic planning and one-on-one consultations
The final day targeted researchers with concrete project ideas who aspire to coordinate Horizon Europe proposals. Sessions focused on interpreting call texts, drafting concept notes, and exchanging peer feedback. The afternoon was reserved for private consultation meetings with selected researchers, offering tailored guidance on strategic proposal development.
Aligning with Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes
The timing of the training was particularly significant, coinciding with the release of the new Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes on 14 May 2025. Participants benefited from real-time analysis of the latest funding calls and were able to start planning ahead for their submissions. They also received access to comprehensive training materials to support their ongoing development.
Advancing GEMSTONE objectives through capacity building
This training event directly supported the objectives of GEMSTONE’s Work Package 5, which aims to enhance the research competitiveness and global visibility of ACU. While ICONS led the soft skills training component, ACU played a central role in organizing and promoting the event, reinforcing its commitment to fostering excellence in research management, grant writing, and international collaboration.
Looking ahead: A foundation for future success
With growing interest in Horizon Europe funding and ACU researchers now better equipped to engage, the “Mastering Horizon Europe” training marks a significant step toward developing more competitive proposals and increasing ACU’s presence in European research networks. By investing in soft skills and strategic training, the GEMSTONE Project continues to strengthen ACU’s capacity to lead and participate in impactful, cross-border research initiatives.