Expression of Interest (EoI) is a concise, strategic tool for research institutions and researchers. It helps individuals present their profile to prospective project coordinators and supports efforts to increase the visibility of Polish institutions in European science.
The EoI is the next stage of integration into the cooperation network, following our 2024 work organising institutional information and publishing folders for PAN institutes. The second edition of these brochures will appear with WP26-27. EoI documents shift this work from a static presentation to partner-seeking and participation in international consortia.
A well-prepared Expression of Interest (EoI) document is a gateway to international projects, new partnerships and influence on European research agendas. This article shows how to build a strong and convincing EoI in a few clear sections.
Why EoI matters
EoI is a short strategic document designed to present and promote scientific activities to potential coordinators and partners of international projects.
A well-structured EoI:
• increases the visibility of the institution on the European research and innovation map,
• highlights the competence and experience of the team,
• precisely matches the research profile to specific topics and calls for proposals under Horizon Europe.
Structure of an effective EoI
1. Title
The title should be concise, precise, and clearly indicate the institution’s role and its connection to the call in question.
When preparing the title:
• include the programme (e.g. Horizon Europe), the year and the intended role (coordinator/partner),
• refer to the cluster or topic,
• Avoid general terms such as ‘Partner Search’.
Example:
„ Expression of Interest for Horizon Europe 2025: Partner Role in Cluster 6 Call”.
2. Profile of the institution/research team
Describe the entity in a few sentences: name, department/institute, city and country, website and mission. Focus on strengths and alignment with EU priorities (e.g. Green Deal, Digital Transformation, EU Missions).
Example:
Center for Circular Innovations (CCI), Environmental Systems and Policy, Sweden. We lead research on circular resource use, policy innovation, and urban sustainability. Our mission is to provide evidence-based solutions that accelerate the EU’s transition to a climate-neutral economy.
3. Matching the competition – Call i Topic
This element links the EoI to a specific call on the Funding & Tenders portal. Enter the exact name of the cluster, the call code, the official title of the topic and the deadline for submitting the application. Accuracy builds trust and facilitates partner selection.
Example:
Cluster: 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility
Call code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-02
Topic: New CO2 capture technologies
Deadline: 17 February 2026
4. Research areas and interests
Clearly indicate your research areas and thematic topics using keywords from the call text. Show the social relevance and link to EU policies. Short lists from ‘Research domains’, ‘Relevant themes’ and ‘Keywords (from the call)’ work well.
Example:
Research domains: environmental humanities, participatory democracy, social resilience
Relevant themes: climate adaptation, citizen engagement, media literacy, cultural transformation
Keywords (from the call): resilience, co-creation, behavioural change, foresight, inclusion
Contribution to EU Priorities:
Supports EU Climate Adaptation Mission through cultural engagement
Strengthens democratic values as per the EU Rule of Law Mechanism
5. Competences and resources
Partners are not only looking for ideas. Present your scientific competencies, the infrastructure at your disposal, the interdisciplinary networks in which you operate, and your geographical reach.
Example:
| Area | Description |
| Scientific Expertise | Longstanding SSH experience in migration, governance, and policy evaluation. |
| Infrastructure | Digital archives; participatory design labs; AI-driven ethnographic tools. |
| Interdisciplinary Links | Collaboration with legal scholars, engineers, and health researchers |
| Geographic Reach | Strong networks in CEE, Balkans, and Eastern Partnership countries. |
6. Role in the project and preferred collaboration
Define what role you want to take on in the project, whether you want to coordinate the project or join as a project partner, and what work packages (WPs) you can lead or support.
Examples:
„lead impact assessment WP”, „co-creation methodology”, „policy recommendations”, „case study z Europy Środkowej”.
7. Project concept (if you are coordinating)
In a few sentences, present the working title, an outline of the innovation, the technological and societal readiness level (SRL/TRL), links to relevant policies, and expected results. Refer to the ‘expected outcomes’ and ‘scope’ sections in the topic documentation.
Example:
Working Title: “CIVIC-MAP – Mapping Civic Resilience in Polarised Societies” Summary (2–3 lines): A cross-national study of citizen trust and policy innovation, linking cultural heritage and participatory governance Innovation Aspect: Combines foresight modelling and digital storytelling to enhance civic dialogue TRL / SRL: Social Readiness Level (SRL) 4–6 – Validated approach tested in pilot contexts Policy Link: Aligns with European Democracy Action Plan and Pact for Skills
8. Substantive contribution (if you are a partner)śli jesteś partnerem)
If you are joining the consortium, focus on your contribution and how it will help achieve the results expected by the European Commission.
Examples:
• Expertise in data-driven cultural policy analysis (aligned with WP’s expected impact on evidence-based governance)
• Access to a comparative database of education-to-labour transitions (supports “social inclusion” objectives)
• Methods in participatory mapping and gamified learning (aligned with calls for inclusive and creative digital tools)
• Piloting experience with secondary schools in CEE (adds regional and demographic diversity)
9. Project experience in the EU
List the most relevant projects (H2020/HEU/Interreg/COST/Erasmus+), roles (coordinator/WP leader/partner) and relevance to the topic. Limit yourself to examples that really strengthen your credibility in this particular call.
Example:
Our institute has participated in five Horizon-funded projects related to sustainable land use and climate adaptation, leading WP tasks on socio-economic modelling and data integration
10. Achievements and references
List awards, publications in recognised journals, participation in the creation of policy reports, membership in European partnerships and networks. Keep the information up to date and relevant – limit yourself to short, specific details, preferably in a list.
Examples:
Contributed to the 2023 EU Bioeconomy Strategy Report;
Member of the European Circular Cities Network;
Published in Journal of Cleaner Production and Resources, Conservation & Recycling
Good practices for preparing an EoI
Use vocabulary from the competition documentation – this will increase recognition and relevance.
• Incorporate references to EU policies (e.g. Green Deal, EU Missions).
• Ensure consistent branding and formatting: a fixed template makes for easy reading.
• Avoid generalities such as ‘we want to participate’; instead, specify the tasks and WP in which you want to actively participate.
• In the PDF/web version, include links to your research group’s website and the call in Funding & Tenders that you are interested in.
An EoI is not just a document, but above all a tool for building a position in European research ecosystems. It is a logical continuation of our presentation activities (including the PAN institutes folder) and, at the same time, the first step towards actively acquiring partners and increasing participation in international projects.
Each well-prepared EoI is another brick in the strategic strengthening of the presence of Polish entities in Horizon Europe. Each well-prepared EoI is a brick in strengthening the presence of Polish entities in Horizon Europe. The EoI is a strategic document that opens the door to international cooperation. Its strength lies in its specificity, consistency, and relevance to the competition topic.
