McMaster has joined Crowdhelix – a matchmaking platform designed to help researchers build international partnerships and prepare applications for the Horizon Europe funding program.  

Crowdhelix matches researchers with Horizon Europe calls, events and other researchers who are looking to form a consortium or add partners to a consortium, based on areas of expertise.  

Horizon Europe is the world’s largest research and innovation collaboration program, with a budget of €95.5 billion (CDN$140 billion) over 2021-2027.  

Canada recently joined Horizon Europe as an associate country under Pillar II. Associate membership means researchers at Canadian institutions can participate in applications to Pillar II calls for proposals. 

Pillar II aims to translate research into innovative solutions that tackle global challenges. It’s organized into six clusters: Health; Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society; Civil Security for Society; Digital, Industry and Space; Climate, Energy and Mobility; and Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment. Each cluster has a work programme which periodically announces funding opportunities.  

The final 2025 work programmes and calls for proposals have been released, with application deadlines in Fall 2025.  

McMaster researchers have access to over 50 thematic Helix Communities on Crowdhelix, where they can seek partners for Horizon Europe calls. The platform’s ‘recommender engine’ matches researchers to appropriate opportunities for collaboration. It also promotes members’ profiles across international networks, helping researchers expand and diversify their networks. In addition, members will have access to matchmaking events and training webinars. 

Andy Knights, McMaster’s vice-president, research (acting), says the platform is a valuable tool for researchers seeking new international research partnership opportunities.  

“McMaster is committed to supporting our research community as they embark on projects with our partners in Europe and around the globe. We encourage researchers to take advantage of available resources, which can help them expand their professional networks, launch new research collaborations and secure funding for their innovative work,” he says.  

McMaster researchers can sign up for Crowdhelix here. Follow this tutorial and access resources to help you navigate the platform. 

Learn more about Horizon Europe and Crowdhelix on McMaster’s Horizon Europe SharePoint site.