As part of its European Year of Youth 2022 initiatives to support young people in finding personal and professional development opportunities, the European Commission has launched a call to become "Young Observers" of Horizon Europe funding proposal evaluations, the EU's leading research and innovation programme. A great chance for all those who want to get a closer look at the work of independent experts evaluating proposals and learn about the opportunities of EU funding programmes and how to submit successful proposals in the future. Master's degree students in the EU, enrolled in any discipline, may apply.

The application must be submitted on the Funding and Tender portal. It must include, among other things, a short description of your motivation to become a Young Observer explaining why you should be selected, as well as enclose a recommendation letter from your supervisor/ professor.

Students selected as "Young Observers" will be part of the so-called "Panel meeting" and take part in evaluations of Horizon Europe project proposals from September 2022. The evaluations will mainly take place online, but they may be held in Brussels in limited cases. In that case, the European Commission will cover travel and accommodation expenses and a daily allowance.

Students will receive an introductory seminar that will cover all aspects of the evaluation, including practical training and ethical issues (confidentiality, conflicts of interest, code of conduct, etc.) to help them become sufficiently familiar with the process and topics evaluated and make the most of your experience.

From the start of the observation, students will be matched with a mentor from the European Commission, who will accompany them throughout the process.

The young observers will have the opportunity to write a short report describing their experiences; they may be invited to participate in follow-up activities that could be organised by universities and other partners with the support of the European Commission, to share their experience.

Participants will receive the Young Observer certificate, issued by the European Commission.

How to apply

For more information and support in submitting your application, please mail the Grant Office