Drug-related research activities

Introduction

On this page, we provide consolidated information on current funding opportunities and open calls for proposals related to illicit drugs. In doing so, we aim to inform our stakeholders, such as researchers, policymakers and practitioners, about the latest opportunities in the field. 

About

As part of the EUDA's expanded mandate, we contribute actively to the EU framework programmes for research and innovation and we work on identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities in the drugs area in the EU. Working closely with the European Commission and Member States, we are tasked with monitoring, analysing and supporting research efforts across the EU.

We are currently working to centralise information on European Union-funded research activities related to drugs with the goal of:

• improving transparency and accessibility of research results;
• promoting synergies and fostering cooperation and networking among researchers and other key stakeholders in the research area in the EU;
• supporting the dissemination of innovative and multidisciplinary research projects.

Funding opportunities

As part of our commitment to supporting Member States and the wider research community, we are providing updated information on EU-funded programmes with a focus on drug-related research opportunities.

Horizon Europe 

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, supporting scientific excellence and collaborative projects that address societal challenges, including health, security, and drug-related issues.

The European Commission has published the Horizon Europe Work Programmes for 2026–2027, confirming EUR 14 billion in EU investment to support research and innovation across Europe over the next two years. 

These calls span multiple parts of the programme, including:

• Cluster 1: Health — addressing prevention, mental health, non-communicable diseases and health systems.
• Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society — including crime prevention and responses to the availability and use of synthetic drugs.
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) — supporting doctoral and postdoctoral training, skills development and research mobility.

Calls for proposals

Horizon Europe info days

The Horizon Europe info days give to prospective applicants and other stakeholders of EU research and innovation the opportunity to get information and ask questions about the main funding instruments, processes of Horizon Europe:

• Cluster 1 — Health Brokerage Event | 26–30 January 2026 (online)
  Organised by the Cluster 1 national contact points, this event focuses on consortium building and will offer opportunities for matchmaking, bilateral meetings and pitching sessions to support the preparation of strong proposals. Registration deadline: 21 January 2026.
• Cluster 1 — Health Info Day | 10 February 2026 (online)
  The Info Day will present the 2026 Health topics under the forthcoming Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027, covering the six Cluster 1 destinations and providing an overview of funding opportunities and priorities.
• Cluster 3 — Civil Security for Society Info Day | 4 March 2026 (online)
  Organised by the European Commission, this Info Day will present the 2026 Horizon Europe Cluster 3 “Civil Security for Society” calls for proposals. Participants will receive practical guidance on the application process and have opportunities for networking and consortium building.

Guidance for applicants

To assist researchers applying for EU funding for the first time, the European Research Executive Agency (REA) has compiled a selection of informative resources. These materials offer guidance on preparing high-quality proposals and understanding cross-cutting dimensions of participation in Horizon Europe:

• Common mistakes to avoid when applying for Horizon Europe funding

• Open science in Horizon Europe

• Gender in EU research and innovation

• How to build a successful consortium in a Horizon Europe project

• Dissemination and exploitation of research results

To help you navigate the application process, the network of National Contact Points is available to answer your questions and provide support in your own language.

International cooperation

The Horizon Europe Work Programmes 2026–2027 encourage international cooperation, providing opportunities and mechanisms for collaboration with partners beyond the EU:

• International cooperation: Why and How?

• List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe

• Complementary funding mechanisms in third countries and territories

EU4Health 

EU4Health is the EU’s funding programme for health, supporting actions that strengthen health systems, promote disease prevention, and address public health challenges, including those affecting vulnerable populations such as people who use drugs.

The EU4Health Work Programme 2026 is currently under preparation.