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The latest ERINN Innovation updates, including news from our projects and valuable insights into our work and impact. Use the tags below to quickly find related content.
- Project News
July 7, 2025
Unlocking the Potential of XTREAM Environments
ERINN Innovation is proud to be part of the Horizon Europe project XTREAM, a €4.5 million, four-year initiative coordinated by NORCE Norwegian Research Centre that explores the biodiversity of extreme aquatic environments to accelerate the circular bioeconomy. XTREAM brings together a dynamic, multidisciplinary consortium to uncover novel enzymes, bioactives, and biomaterials from extremophiles, microorganisms that thrive in some of the planet’s harshest habitats, including deep-sea brine pools, hydrothermal vents, polar waters, and acidic lakes. These remarkable life forms hold vast potential for sustainable innovation across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, nutraceuticals, green industry, agriculture, and food. ERINN Innovation leads the Exploitation Plan within Work Package 5, focusing on translating XTREAM’s scientific advances into real-world benefits for industry, policymakers, and society. Above: Example of an acid drainage site characterised by low pH and elevated concentrations of dissolved metals. The project targets microbes adapted to extreme temperatures, pressures, salinities, and pH levels – environments that challenge most life forms. By tapping into these unique ecosystems, XTREAM aims to discover exceptionally stable and functional biomolecules with broad application potential. Beyond scientific discovery, XTREAM is committed to responsible and ethical exploitation. The project prioritises fair benefit sharing, supports policy development and capacity building, and employs low-impact, efficient biodiscovery methods that reduce environmental strain while accelerating innovation. Above: Hypersaline conditions observed in marine solar salterns, representative of high-salinity environments. As the lead of XTREAM’s exploitation activities, ERINN Innovation applies its proven Knowledge Transfer Methodology to identify and prioritise key exploitable results, engage stakeholders, and develop targeted strategies that maximise the uptake and impact of project outcomes. Our goal is to move XTREAM’s discoveries beyond the lab and into practical solutions that support Europe’s green transitions. By developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals and materials, XTREAM aligns closely with major EU priorities, including the European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy, and the Sustainable Blue Economy, contributing to a resilient and circular bioeconomy. (Main image: Representative polar and glacial environment, illustrating extreme cold conditions. All images licenced by WP5 lead- ScienSeed.) Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s Knowledge Transfer methodology.
- ERINN News
June 27, 2025
Driving Ocean Solutions: Highlights from EMD 2025
In May, the ERINN Innovation team attended European Maritime Day 2025 (EMD) in Cork, Ireland; an annual flagship event that gathers leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators across Europe’s blue economy. With a packed programme, the event highlighted the growing momentum for a sustainable and inclusive ocean future. Blue Economy, Gender Inclusion, and Mission Ocean ERINN Innovation Senior Project Officer, Donnchadh Kindlon, joined the “Blue Women Champions” workshop, hosted by the WINBLUE and WIN-BIG projects, which spotlighted gender and diversity in the EU blue economy. The session showcased outputs such as the WINBLUE Good Practices Guide and the WIN-BIG Women Ocean Champions campaign. Four women leaders; Carla de Carolis of Biochica, Máire Ní Éinniú of Nua na Mara, Vera Quinlan from the Marine Institute, and Alice Pari from Blueat, shared insights from their work. The session closed with a strong message from Aneta Willems of CINEA: “Let’s make sure women in the blue economy are not the exception, but the norm.” Donnchadh also attended a workshop on the next phase of the EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters. He noted that the emphasis is now on scaling successful innovations from Phase 1 and embedding governance, finance, and stakeholder engagement to make restoration business as usual. ERINN Innovation Projects Making an Impact European Maritime Day brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the fishing industry, and SURIMI was naturally at the heart of many conversations. Represented by Ladina Jeisy (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation), SURIMI’s pioneering work on integrating socio-ecological fishery models into the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO) drew significant attention from passers-by and participants alike. Beyond its technical contributions, SURIMI’s growing influence in contributing to the future of fisheries management and policy sparked widespread interest. ERINN Innovation was approached by leading figures in the DTO space, who praised the project’s distinctive branding, striking and unconventional colour palette, and its strong social media presence featuring engaging, high-quality content. Just one year into the project, it is already clear that SURIMI is making a meaningful impact, both in advancing sustainable fisheries and in positioning itself as a visible and influential force within the European Digital Twin Ocean landscape. Rebecca Pflanz (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation – representing NETTAG+), presented their acoustic tag; a new tool designed to detect and recover lost fishing gear, helping to reduce marine litter. The technology attracted attention from across sectors. BluePoint Interreg Atlantic Area showed interest in its potential to address marine plastics. Mare Nostrum from Romania saw promising applications for dolphin monitoring in the Black Sea. The Belgian Blue Cluster recognised its value for offshore renewable energy infrastructure. Rebecca also connected with Dr. Toste Tanhua of Geomar and the SOOP Platform, which promotes ocean data collection through collaborative approaches between sailors, scientists, and policymakers. She noted how this aligns well with ERINN Innovation’s work on cetacean detection. Later, she attended a session titled “Sailing for Science and Climate Action,” which showcased how initiatives like The Ocean Race are equipping vessels with observation kits to collect data on temperature, salinity, microplastics and eDNA in remote ocean areas. To learn more about the other marine projects ERINN Innovation represented at EMD, watch the video below: Blue Cities and Local Leadership Casey Borklund (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation – representing the recently concluded SCORE project) joined a session with the mayors of Brest, Ravenna, Den Helder, and Svendborg, which focused on how cities are leading efforts to build ocean resilience. Cork’s mayor signed the Blue Cities Declaration, a strong symbol of local commitment. Casey found the mayor’s integrated, community-driven strategies particularly inspiring. She also explored approaches to public engagement, including citizen science activities that connect data collection with sailing events. For her, this showed how accessible, community-oriented methods can help bridge the gap between science and society. Governance and Funding for a Sustainable Ocean ERINN Innovation’s Senior Project Manager, Annette Wilson, participated in the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) regional workshop. The programme plans €450 million in funding over seven years and will soon launch a joint call focused on coastal resilience. Speakers highlighted the vital role of decarbonisation, not only for the planet but also for long-term competitiveness. Irish and EU leaders emphasised their commitments during high-level policy sessions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin remarked; “Good strides made on land with NPW; need to do that with our seas 2030; 30% to be protected. More focus on adoption and need the funding streams to support this.” He also noted that while the Ocean Pact was originally expected to launch at EMD, its unveiling has been delayed but remained highly anticipated at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference held June 9 – 13, where Ireland’s updated marine planning statement was open for consultation, reaffirming its commitment to protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030. Advancing Marine Spatial Planning Through Academic Partnerships Ladina Jeisy attended the “Seawards” workshop, which brought together a network of maritime universities interested in long-term collaboration. She also joined a session on marine spatial planning (MSP), where government agencies and EU bodies shared success stories and lessons learned. One standout example was the Dutch North Sea Agreement, which Ladina described as a model of collaborative, cross-sector planning. Participants stressed the importance of engaging fishers early in the MSP process and called for harmonised data-sharing across national borders. International Action for Healthy Oceans The Fisheries and Ocean Dialogue focused on Europe’s role in international waters. Panelists from DG MARE, DGAMPA, Oceana, and the European Marine Board discussed the urgent need to ratify the High Seas Treaty, expand scientific cooperation in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and ensure that international pledges translate into real-world change. One speaker said; “There are high expectations on Europe as a global leader, we need to match ambition with delivery.” Reflections and Key Lessons The ERINN Innovation team left EMD 2025 energised by the momentum and collaboration on display. Across sessions, it was clear that EU Mission Ocean is shifting into a critical phase, where scaling solutions, unlocking financing, and embedding supportive policy are key to long-term impact. While the Ocean Pact’s formal launch was still pending, its anticipated role as a driver of wave and tidal energy signals strong future potential. Cork, as this year’s host city, stood out not just for its hospitality but also for its growing leadership in offshore renewable energy. Throughout the event, the value of citizen science and public engagement emerged as a consistent theme, highlighting how inclusive, community-based efforts are essential for bridging knowledge gaps and building lasting support for ocean action. A huge thanks to Cork City Council, the European Commission, and all our fellow participants for an engaging and forward-looking event. ERINN Innovation remains committed to driving science-policy impact in the sustainable blue economy. Want to learn more about the marine projects we showcased at EMD? Read our previous blog on Supporting Ocean Solutions at European Maritime Day 2025.
- Project News
June 25, 2025
Living Labs in EU-Funded Projects: Lessons Learned
The Smart Control of Climate Resilience in European Coastal Cities (SCORE) project, funded under Horizon 2020, brought together innovative technologies and participatory approaches to tackle climate challenges in coastal areas. A cornerstone of the project was its network of 10 Coastal City Living Labs (CCLLs), which provided spaces for local stakeholders, citizens, policymakers, researchers, and industry, to co-create solutions for their communities to increase climate resilience. ERINN Innovation led and contributed to several Living Lab implementation activities throughout SCORE, helping partners apply participatory methods in practice. Their involvement across different project phases, from concept and design to on-the-ground delivery, has given ERINN Innovation well-rounded expertise in the Living Lab approach. ERINN Innovation’s Role in SCORE’s Living Labs Throughout the SCORE project, ERINN Innovation played a pivotal part in ensuring that SCORE’s Living Labs achieved real impact and generated transferable knowledge. Leading the Lessons Learned task, ERINN Innovation worked closely with partners to capture valuable insights from the experience of implementing the 10 CCLLs. The team took a systematic and mixed-methods approach, drawing on interviews, surveys, and interactive sessions, to document challenges, successes, and best practices. This effort was not just about reporting on what worked but about distilling learnings that could guide future projects. The result was the Navigating Living Labs: Lessons Learned from SCORE’s 10 Coastal City Living Labs guide, along with an associated course with these insights available here. This course features videos of CCLL Core Teams in conversation with ERINN Innovation partners, along with video on the Living Lab Integrative Process from SCORE project partners European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). It serves as a great resource for those interested in learning how to create and implement a successful Living Lab. Key Insights for Horizon Europe Projects One important finding from ERINN Innovation’s work is that Living Labs in EU-funded projects present unique challenges and opportunities compared to other types of Living Labs, such as those led by municipalities or the private sector. Horizon Europe projects, with their specific timelines, funding and reporting structures, and multi-partner consortia, require careful adaptation of Living Lab methodologies. To address this, ERINN Innovation developed a dedicated chapter in Navigating Living Labs: Lessons Learned from SCORE’s 10 Coastal City Living Labs which focused on applying Living Lab approaches within the context of Horizon Europe and other EU programmes. This chapter offers actionable insights for project managers and partners involved in European-funded initiatives and is summarised in the video below. Overall, key advantages of Horizon Europe funding include financial stability, long-term collaboration opportunities, and pathways to future funding, which are benefits that have already enabled some CCLLs to extend their work beyond SCORE. Best practices for project design stress the importance of: Building strong, well-resourced Core Teams with at least one municipal partner and two funded organisations per CCLL. Carefully considering the number and geographic distribution of Living Labs. Designing flexible work packages that allow time for relationship-building, community engagement, and knowledge sharing. The CCLLs also noted the need to integrate technical and local partners to ensure tools and methods are relevant and actionable. Reflections on collaboration models recommend moving away from rigid “frontrunner vs follower” roles toward more balanced knowledge sharing systems based on shared challenges. Sustainability considerations highlight the value of diverse partner teams, clear post-project branding, ongoing engagement through communities of practice, and well-managed project closure strategies that maintain stakeholder trust and momentum. Ultimately, SCORE’s experience shows that with the right project structure, integrating Living Labs into EU-funded projects can create lasting, high-impact Living Labs that foster innovation, resilience, and strong community ties. Looking Ahead Building on the success of their work in SCORE, ERINN Innovation is looking to continue its involvement in participatory methods and Living Lab approaches. The team is actively seeking opportunities to bring this expertise to new projects, across a range of societal challenges. With proven experience in supporting collaborative innovation across the project lifecycle, ERINN Innovation is well-positioned to help support the design and delivery of Living Labs that empower communities and foster meaningful engagement, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but grounded in real-world needs. Read our recent blog celebrating the successful conclusion of the SCORE project.
- Project News
June 16, 2025
Celebrating the Successful Conclusion of SCORE
SCORE (Smart Control of Climate Resilience in European Coastal Cities) was a Horizon 2020-funded project aimed at strengthening climate resilience in European coastal cities. In response to the growing threats posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise, SCORE integrated SMART technologies, nature-based solutions and living labs to develop effective, scalable, and sustainable adaptation strategies. About The Project SCORE placed a strong emphasis on Ecosystem-Based Approaches (EBAs), which leverage natural processes to enhance coastal protection, improve biodiversity, and foster sustainable urban development. By combining EBAs with smart digital technologies, SCORE enabled cities to enhance climate monitoring, prediction, and adaptation strategies. However, these innovative solutions must be tested, refined, and validated through real-world applications to ensure their long-term viability and effectiveness. To achieve this, SCORE established a network of 10 Coastal City Living Labs (CCLLs) across seven European countries. These CCLLs serve as collaborative platforms where local communities, researchers, policymakers, and businesses co-design and implement climate resilience solutions tailored to their specific geographic and socio-economic contexts. Each CCLL followed a structured methodology to support its establishment, stakeholder engagement, and co-creation processes. Each CCLL was developed using a flexible framework, ensuring project goals were achieved, while allowing for contextualisation to the local context. SCORE’s CCLLs are located in: Ireland: Sligo & Dublin Portugal: Oeiras Spain: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Benidorm & Oarsoaldea Italy: Massa Slovenia: Piran Turkey: Samsun Poland: Gdańsk The project has produced numerous key results, including a EBA catalogue, co-creation toolkit, amongst others – all providing new results that are impactful at both the European and local levels. Discover the full list of results on SCORE’s website. ERINN Innovation’s Role ERINN Innovation played a pivotal role in the project’s success, leading the knowledge transfer activities and the establishment of the living labs. Notably, ERINN Innovation undertook a comprehensive, rigorous mixed-methods approach to systematically capture lessons learned from the SCORE’s ten CCLLs to support the further establishment of CCLLs beyond SCORE. In the early stages of the project, ERINN Innovation, with the support of WP2, developed a methodological framework and calendar to carefully capture insights from both technical and non-technical activities, thereby providing a holistic picture of how the CCLLs have adapted and matured over time. By engaging directly with CCLL partners through surveys, interviews, and interactive sessions, online and in-person, we were able to build a rich catalogue of the evolving challenges, successes, and best practices of the SCORE approach. This work and commitment, has lead to the development of Navigating Living Labs – Lessons Learned (see below). This guidebook gives specific recommendations and learnings for new living labs to take on in their journey. Above: The Navigating Living Labs – Lessons Learned Guidebook ERINN Innovation has led the development of a series of courses hosted on the SCORE Online Learning platform. These courses cover a variety of topics including nature-based solutions, monitoring in coastal communities and living labs. “It’s been a fun challenge to capture the huge amount of work done by the wider SCORE team across new mediums. I will miss getting to work on the unique tasks we as ERINN have had the chance to lead on, such as the Lessons Learned and designing Massive Open Online Courses. And of course I will miss working with this talented and ambitious consortium – I’ve found the whole SCORE team hugely inspirational!” – Casey Borklund, Project Officer at ERINN Innovation. The Project’s Legacy While SCORE is winding down, its legacy is far from over. With 10 CCLL established across Europe, these communities will continue to engage in co-creative activities, making their coastal areas increasingly resilient to climate change. The CCLLs bring together stakeholders for all walks of life and with varying priorities from, citizens, policymakers, businesses to discuss the climate challenges of their community. The CCLL creates a space for dialogue and collaboration at a time when it is truly needed. The empowerment of the communities is the true legacy of the project. “SCORE has really shown me the power of community-level work. I am continuously impressed and inspired by the folks within the CCLL, both SCORE partners and beyond, who show up and are so dedicated to ensuring their community is taking action. I am honoured to have met and worked with these folks and look forward to seeing where these relationships take us.” – Rochelle Caruso, Project Manager at ERINN Innovation. Want to find out more about our services? Explore how ERINN Innovation can support your project.
- Project News
May 20, 2025
SafeNet to Protect Biodiversity and Forest Networks
Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme, the SafeNet (Safeguarding biodiversity and carbon-rich forest Networks in Europe) project aims to address biodiversity loss and boost ecosystem resilience in European forests, using advanced monitoring, modelling, and working with local communities to develop solutions that balance conservation with the use of natural resources. Collaboration with the people who depend on and manage forests is a key component of the project. Policymakers, forest owners and managers, conservationists, and selected industry experts involved in timber production, eco-tourism, and forest-based bioeconomy will be directly involved in shaping solutions. This will take place through regional case studies containing embedded Living Labs, as well as an EU-level Policy Lab. “By combining cutting-edge science with hands-on collaboration, we can make a real impact and safeguard the future of Europe’s forests,” says project coordinator Jukka Forsman, Research Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland; “SafeNet is not just about studying forests – it is about working with the people who rely on them to find solutions that balance conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable use.” SafeNet will use the latest scientific methods, such as biodiversity monitoring, advanced modelling, and remote sensing, to understand how climate change and land use are affecting Europe’s forests. Conservation and management strategies will be tested in case studies located across a range of forest ecosystems. These include Mediterranean forests and fragmented landscapes in Spain and Germany, as well as temperate forests in Romania and Finland, all managed under long-term integrated practices. Stakeholders from each case study area will participate in regional living labs and play an active role in co-designing solutions tailored to their specific landscapes, ensuring that SafeNet’s research leads to practical and effective strategies for safeguarding forests. “Integrating anticipatory conservation strategies and commercial management of forests and habitats is essential for safeguarding species communities under climate change”, says SafeNet co-coordinator Mikko Peltoniemi, Research Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland. SafeNet researchers will study how species move and how ecosystems shift to predict where forests might act as climate refuges in the future. This will help identify the best ways to protect biodiversity and maintain healthy, carbon-rich forests. Building on these insights, SafeNet will develop effective management and conservation measures, such as maintaining ecological corridors to enable species to move along with the shifting ecosystems and temperature ranges. In the long term, this will help species adapt to new environmental conditions. ERINN Innovation leads the project’s communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, ensuring that knowledge is shared, understood, and used to create real impact across Europe. By bringing together cutting-edge science and real-world expertise, SafeNet will provide the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen EU conservation policies, helping forests stay resilient, diverse, and full of life for generations to come. ERINN Innovation is currently supporting over 22 active European projects. We want to support our projects to have maximum impact to society. Discover our portfolio of EU-funded projects.
- ERINN News
- Horizon Europe
May 16, 2025
Supporting Ocean Solutions at European Maritime Day 2025
With over 22 active EU-funded projects in progress, many focused on marine sustainability, biodiversity and ocean innovation, ERINN Innovation is proud to be at the forefront of ocean and waters-focused research. This is why we are especially excited to be exhibiting at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025, taking place on home turf at Cork City Hall from May 21 to 23. As an Irish-based team, it is a real privilege to be part of such a major European event happening on our shores. EMD is where Ocean Leaders meet, bringing together the people, projects and ideas shaping the future of our seas. We are looking forward to sharing the impactful work we are involved in and connecting with new partners who are just as passionate about making a difference. Supporting Marine Projects with Real-World Impact At ERINN Innovation, we specialise in helping research projects create real impact. From communication and outreach to stakeholder engagement, exploitation, knowledge management and more, we support our partners to ensure their work is seen, understood and used. Our goal is to turn great science into meaningful outcomes. Many of our current projects focus on solving the big challenges facing our seas and coasts. Below you’ll find just some of the marine and coastal projects we’ll be highlighting at European Maritime Day. Empowering Coastal Communities and Marine Governance EmpowerUs is working directly with coastal communities to co-design inclusive and adaptive governance processes and tools that support sustainable coastal development, empower local voices, and build resilience. A-AAgora helps regions in the Atlantic and Arctic accelerate the restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, while improving climate resilience through cross-sectoral cooperation. Prep4Blue built practical tools, methods and capacity to support the implementation of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, laying the groundwork for collaborative and mission-ready research. Biodiversity Monitoring and Ecosystem Restoration MARCO-BOLO is aiming to create a more connected, efficient and long-term approach to marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity monitoring across Europe to better guide environmental policy and conservation. Mission Atlantic maps and assesses Atlantic marine ecosystems. It considers climate change and human activities to support sustainable ocean management. GUARDIAS is aiming to strengthen Europe’s response to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in marine ecosystems through better detection, early warning systems and coordinated action. ERINN Innovation’s marine-focused EU projects featured at EMD 2025. Sustainable Aquaculture and Blue Biotechnology Cure4Aqua supports co-creation of innovative health and welfare solutions to boost aquaculture sustainability and competitiveness across the EU. MARBLES explores marine microbial biodiversity to develop disease-suppressive bioprotectants that benefit both aquaculture and crop protection. AQUAEXCEL3.0 provides Aquaculture infrastructures for Excellence in European fish research. BlueRemediomics is tapping into the marine microbiome to identify new sustainable biogenics and ecosystem services for health and industrial use. XTREAM investigates extreme marine microbiomes to uncover novel bio-based solutions and technologies that can help advance the circular bioeconomy. Climate Change, Pollution and Ocean Observation SCORE aims to increase climate resilience in coastal cities by combining Nature-based Solutions, citizen science, and smart technologies through a novel Coastal City Living Lab framework. AquaPLAN addresses light and noise pollution in aquatic environments and their impacts on biodiversity to support more informed management. SURIMI is developing co-created, user-driven digital tools and scenario models for the Digital Twin Ocean to support better marine decision-making. REMORA aims to transform outermost region marine institutes into competitive EU research leaders, creating a model for broader regional transformation. Protecting Marine Life and Reducing Human Impacts Marine Beacon works to eliminate bycatch of endangered and protected species in the Northeast Atlantic through better monitoring and mitigation strategies. NETTAG+ helps to prevent, avoid and mitigate against harmful environmental impacts of fishing gear and associated marine litter. To find out more about the EU-funded projects we’re involved in, visit our project showcase. Supporting Impact at Every Stage Through our projects, ERINN Innovation helps ensure results lead to real-world change. Our services include communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer, exploitation, impact measurement, data management, event coordination and more. Whether you need a full strategy or hands-on help with specific tasks, we’re here to support your research. European Maritime Day is a great opportunity to meet, collaborate and explore new ideas. If you’re working on a proposal or looking for an experienced partner to help deliver impact, we’d love to chat. Do drop by our stand at EMD in Cork, or contact us at info@erinn.eu and let’s make an impact! Connect with Us on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky or contact us today! Want to see how we support research impact beyond the marine world? Read our blog on building meaningful connections at INORMS 2025 to learn how our training and proposal review services are helping drive successful Horizon Europe proposals.
- ERINN News
- Horizon Europe
May 14, 2025
Building Meaningful Connections at INORMS 2025
The ERINN Innovation team had an unforgettable week at INORMS 2025 in Madrid, and the energy is still buzzing! From the inspiring setting at the Industrial School of Engineers to the warm Spanish sun, this year’s INORMS (hosted in collaboration with EARMA) offered the perfect backdrop for engaging with the research management community from around the world. Workshops to Deepen Impact-Driven Proposal Design Rochelle Caruso, Project Manager, ERINN Innovation, delivering one of the ‘Impact-Driven Proposal Design for Horizon Europe’ workshops at INORMS 2025 in Madrid. We were thrilled to deliver two workshops on Impact-Driven Proposal Design for Horizon Europe. Although we had intended to run just a single workshop, due to overwhelming interest we added a second to accommodate more participants who were full of energy and questions. There was a lot of international collaboration in both workshops, which was great to experience, as Rochelle Caruso, ERINN Innovation Project Manager explained. “Delivering the Impact-Driven Proposal Design [for Horizon Europe] workshops at INORMS 2025 was a real highlight. The engagement from participants shows just how committed the research community is to designing meaningful, results-oriented projects. It was a great opportunity to share practical tools, real-world examples, and connect with professionals from across the globe.” Tara Murphy, ERINN Innovation Learning and Development Manager added: “The excitement and enthusiasm in the room made it such fun for us to deliver. It’s always a privilege to share what we’ve learned and see how it resonates with people trying to turn powerful ideas into funded projects.” Forging Connections at the Pop-In Proposal Helpdesk The ERINN Innovation team at INORMS 2025 (L-R): Tara Murphy, Rochelle Caruso, Michael Papapetrou, and Pamela Cardillo. In addition to the workshops, we ran a Proposal Helpdesk at the booth in the exhibition hall, where we chatted with attendees about their Horizon Europe challenges, from consortium building to that tricky ‘Impact’ section. We happily shared advice (and a few sweet treats), and were genuinely delighted by the curiosity and openness of everyone who stopped by. “For me, the best part is always the conversations at the booth and figuring out how we can really help people move forward”, said Pamela Cardillo, ERINN Innovation Project Manager. “What stood out to me was how willing people were to open up about the challenges they face with proposals. Everyone has a unique story, and it’s a joy to be part of that journey.” Feeling Inspired by a Week to Remember Highlights from INORMS 2025. The week was jam-packed between delivering workshops, attending conference sessions, chairing panels, and soaking up the atmosphere at the Palacio de Cibeles and the gala dinner. We barely stopped moving, but wouldn’t have it any other way! “We delivered two training workshops on the first day, while also attending the EARMA General Assembly, setting up our booth, and joining the welcome reception. It was very busy! From there, the week only got better. The energy throughout the whole event was just fantastic.”– Michael Papapetrou, ERINN Innovation Executive Director. These events are never just about business, they’re about connecting with peers, celebrating the work we all do, and remembering why we do it. We left feeling inspired by the many research managers, support organisations, and other behind-the-scenes heroes committed to turning research into real-world impact. Now that we’re all safely home, we’re already looking forward to what’s next. Thank you to everyone who made INORMS 2025 such a success—and a special thank you to the EARMA team for putting on such a warm and vibrant event. Have you read our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid? Let’s start building your path to success! Learn more about our services.
- Horizon Europe
- Proposals
May 1, 2025
Plan Early, Win Big: Horizon Europe Proposals 2025
As the September 2025 Horizon Europe deadlines approach, now is the time to start preparing your proposals. With funding opportunities becoming more competitive, early preparation is key. Here are our top three tips to ensure your submission is as strong as possible. 1. Stay Updated on Draft Work Programmes Currently, only Draft Work Programmes are available, meaning official deadlines and call details are still subject to change. Keeping up to date with the latest versions is crucial, as there have been discussions about some September deadlines shifting to a two-stage proposal process. What to do? Regularly check for updates from the European Commission, your National Contact Point (NCP), and relevant contacts. If two-stage proposals are introduced, this will impact your planning and timeline, so start mapping out your proposal strategy now. Tip from Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation): “We’ve seen last-minute changes before. If you’re working on a proposal now, don’t assume the draft details are final — stay flexible and informed.” 2. Factor in Summer Holidays When Planning Writing a Horizon Europe proposal is a significant undertaking, often taking around six person-months to complete. With key deadlines in September, July and August can be challenging months for collaboration due to summer holidays. Scheduling meetings, securing input from partners, and refining key proposal sections can be delayed if not planned early. What to do? Lock in key writing and collaboration sessions before July. Set clear internal deadlines, and don’t rely on August as an intensive working month. If needed, schedule a proposal-writing sprint in June to ensure all partners are aligned before summer breaks. Advice from Rochelle Caruso (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation): “Every year, we see teams underestimate how slow things move in the summer. Start early, and plan with these delays in mind.” 3. Build Your Consortium Now Many Horizon Europe consortiums are already forming, and securing strong partners early gives you a strategic advantage. A well-balanced team with the right expertise, geographic coverage, and stakeholder representation is crucial for a winning proposal. What to do? If you’re leading a proposal, start securing your core team now. Engage with potential partners, attend networking events, and leverage existing collaborations. If you’re looking to join a consortium, get in touch with coordinators and express interest early — many teams are finalising their partners by spring. Tip from Pamela Cardillo (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation): “Networking is key. The best teams come together months before the deadline, not weeks. If you’re still searching for partners, start now.” Final Thoughts September may seem far away, but a successful Horizon Europe proposal requires long-term planning. Stay informed, plan around holidays, and build your consortium early to give yourself the best chance of securing funding. Need help navigating the process? ERINN Innovation can support you with expert guidance, training, and proposal development strategies. Let’s get started – September will be here before you know it! Have you read our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid? Let’s start building your path to success!
- ERINN News
April 22, 2025
What Makes a Successful Team Retreat?
April 2025 Retreat: A Growing Team, Together in One Place At the beginning of April, the ERINN Innovation team swapped desks and screens for a retreat filled with sunshine and fresh thinking in Cloughjordan, Tipperary. With a team of 35—a milestone that reflects just how far we’ve come—it was a rare and valuable opportunity to step back, reconnect, and look ahead together. As a largely remote organisation, face-to-face time is precious. This retreat gave us space to reflect on our shared journey, spark new ideas, and deepen the collaborative culture that underpins everything we do. Across workshops, brainstorming sessions, and plenty of informal chats, we challenged ourselves to see opportunities in the obstacles, to rethink how we work, and to refocus on what really matters. Values that Guide Us At the heart of our conversations were three core values—diversity, inclusion, and passion. These aren’t just words on a wall for us. They shape how we build our team, how we deliver impact through our projects, and how we support one another day to day. Diversity fuels stronger ideas and richer perspectives. Inclusion ensures that every voice—across teams, time zones, and project areas—is heard and valued. And passion keeps us moving forward, especially when the work gets tough. Highlights from the ERINN Innovation April 2025 retreat. Looking Ahead with Intention With our continued growth comes the responsibility to be intentional about how we evolve. During the retreat, we explored ways to strengthen our internal processes, support one another more effectively, and ensure our culture scales with us. It’s clear that our strength lies not just in our individual expertise, but in the way we come together to collaborate, problem-solve, and drive change. Returning to our day-to-day work, we carry the energy of the retreat with us: the shared vision, the big ideas, the small moments of connection. There’s a lot to look forward to—and even more to build together. With many thanks to the talented team at Cloughjordan House for taking very good care of us! We are always looking for talented, motivated people to join us. Please check our Careers page for updates about our open opportunities.
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ERINN Innovation is a value-driven company owned by the staff who support research and innovation to have impact.
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ERINN Innovation Ltd
Company No.: 600883 (Ireland)
Company No.: 600883 (Ireland)
Directors
David Murphy (IE/UK)
Laura Richardson (IE)
Marieke Reuver (NL)
Michael Papapetrou (GR/IE)
Reid Hole (NO)
