The European IMPETUS project has launched the Open Accelerator Call, a funding opportunity aimed at supporting citizen science initiatives—activities in which the public actively contributes to research through their expertise, data collection, or available resources.
What types of projects are funded?
IMPETUS offers two types of grants for citizen science projects that contribute to sustainable development:
- Kickstarting Grants – €20,000 for projects that are no older than six months, without an established community or data collection processes.
- Sustaining Grants – €10,000 for more advanced projects with an active community and evidence of generated impact.
Fields of Interest
The call is open to citizen science initiatives in the following areas:
- Citizen Science for Circular Communities – initiatives promoting the circular economy and sustainability.
- Citizen Science for a Fair and Just Society – initiatives addressing equity and social justice challenges.
Who can apply?
- Individuals, legal entities, and consortia
- Consortia must designate a project leader
- An entity can participate in only one application
- Applications must align with IMPETUS’s definition of citizen science
Eligibility Requirements
- Applications must address at least one of the call’s challenges
- Projects must be based in an EU member state, an associated country, or a country under negotiation within Horizon Europe
- Required documents: a valid application form, a signed Declaration of Honor, and additional supporting documents
Project Duration
All selected projects will have a duration of 7 months, running from June 16, 2025, to January 16, 2026.
Budget, Funding, and Payments
- Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs (including personnel, consumables, equipment – depreciation limited to 12.5%, subcontracting, and indirect costs – lump sum rate of 25%)
- Available budget:
€20,000 for Kickstarting projects
€10,000 for Sustaining projects
- Payments: 50% at the start of the project, 50% upon completion
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the EasyChair platform by March 13, 2025, at 12:00 CET. Eligible projects will go through a multi-stage evaluation process, including interviews and negotiations.
CitiCluster assists local and central public organizations in establishing public-private partnerships, provides consultancy for identifying non-reimbursable funding sources, and supports the development of applications and solutions in the smart city domain. For more details or assistance in the application process, we invite you to contact us.
