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  • Call for applications: ENGAGE.EU Impact Catalyst Studio

Call for applications: ENGAGE.EU Impact Catalyst Studio

Topic: European projects, calls and funding 

Dates: February 2 – March 23, 2026 (8 sessions, 2 hours each)

Format: Online

Application deadline: December 17, 2025

Activity Overview

Block 1: Matching idea and call  

  • Lecture: Introduction to the logic behind EU funding calls. The session explores how calls are designed, their connection to policy missions and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and their role in generating societal impact. It also provides an overview of how to navigate the Funding & Tenders Portal and explores the use of templates in proposal development.
  • Workshop: Practical analysis of selected Horizon Europe calls. Participants will examine the structure of call texts and evaluation criteria, draft an initial concept note, and build a timeline by mapping key milestones and deadlines backwards from the submission date.

Block 2: Multi-actor approach 

  • Lecture: Focus on stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies. The session provides tools for identifying relevant actors and planning meaningful involvement throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Workshop: Participants will apply engagement strategies by initiating contact with selected stakeholders through a targeted outreach activity.

Block 3: Designing for feasibility  

  • Lecture: Exploration of co-creation methodologies and validation processes. The session covers how to integrate feedback from external mentors, test project assumptions, and align design choices with policy priorities.
  • Workshop: A backcasting exercise involving multiple stakeholders will help participants reverse-engineer a realistic and policy-aligned project roadmap.

Block 4: Project architecture  

  • Lecture: Guidance on structuring a technically sound and persuasive proposal. Emphasis will be placed on evaluation-readiness, scalability, and demonstrating impact.
  • Workshop: A hands-on session where participants will consolidate all project components into a coherent and compelling high-level proposal framework.

Dates and Duration

Date and duration: 8 sessions, 2 hours each, between 2nd February – 23rd March 2026  

  • Monday, 2nd February 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 9th February 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 16th February 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 23rd February 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 2nd March 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 9th March 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 16th March 2026, 4-6 PM CET 
  • Monday, 23rd March 2026, 4-6 PM CET 

About the Challenges  

Topics have not yet been defined but will address societal challenges and contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Expected Impact 

Students 

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of EU funding instruments and strategic foresight tools, including backcasting and scenario analysis. 
  • Improve understanding of project proposal deliverables, including concept notes, work packages, KPIs, and risk assessments. 
  • Develop a critical understanding of innovation ecosystems. 
  • Acquire practical experience in managing projects that bridge research, policy, and practice.

Researchers and PhD Candidates 

  • Collaborate on project proposals within interdisciplinary teams, fostering the integration of diverse perspectives and strengthening connections across ENGAGE.EU partner universities. 
  • Connect with other researchers and external partners in the quadruple helix who share an interest in their research field. 
  • Explore opportunities for impact-driven and policy-aligned research agendas. 
  • Gain the opportunity to further develop project proposals together with external partners, following the activity completion. 

 


Application requirements

Your Profile

The ENGAGE.EU Impact Catalyst Studio is targeted at master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers at any career stage, and administrative staff affiliated with ENGAGE.EU universities. Participants of any citizenship and any field of study who are enrolled in and affiliated with an ENGAGE.EU partner university are welcome to apply. 

Application

To apply for the ENGAGE.EU Impact Catalyst Studio you should provide: 

  • A short letter (max. 300 words) explaining your motivation for applying to the ENGAGE.EU activity. 
  • Curriculum vitae (education, work experience, language skills, study/work abroad experiences, and any other relevant skills). 

All documents must be submitted in English.  

Selection

Submitted applications are evaluated by the academic and management staff of the ENGAGE.EU Labs. Candidates will be evaluated based on their motivation letter and CV. To ensure equal participation, the selection committee will aim at choosing three participants from each partner university. Final decisions also consider a range of criteria for cohort composition, including but not limited to disciplinary balance, institutional diversity, and demographic diversity.  

Additional details

Applications must be submitted by December 17, 2025, at midnight CET. 

Results will be communicated by January 12, 2026. 

For further information, please contact: engage.eu@luiss.it  


Disclaimers:

Disclaimer 1: The calendar of the Impact Catalyst Studio might be incompatible with some academic calendars of Erasmus+ Exchange Partners, Double Degree or other mobility programs (including ENGAGE.EU mobility programs). Students interested in both programs are urged to check academic calendars accordingly.  

Disclaimer 2: This email is sent to manage and facilitate your participation in the educational and/or extracurricular activities organized by the University.