The Net4Society network has released a new information document highlighting funding opportunities for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programme. The publication outlines calls across the programme where SSH expertise is essential for building strong, interdisciplinary proposals.
Horizon Europe requires applicants to develop proposals and build consortia that transcend disciplinary and sectoral boundaries, bringing together researchers from SSH and from life and physical sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as practitioners and stakeholders from different sectors.
The SSH encompass a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, economics, psychology, political science, history, cultural studies, law and ethics. Their contribution is crucial for generating new knowledge, supporting evidence-based policymaking, developing key competences and delivering multidisciplinary solutions to societal and technological challenges.
Within Cluster 4 – Digital, three SSH-relevant calls have been identified, with a submission deadline of 18 March 2027, focusing on Virtual Worlds, Web 4.0 and international digital standardisation:
HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-01 Advanced and Innovative hardware components for Virtual Worlds (Virtual Worlds Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-02 Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (Virtual Worlds Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-07 Facilitate the engagement of European stakeholders in international digital standardization
The full document, „Opportunities for Researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in Horizon Europe. Analysis of SSH-relevant Topics in Work Programme 2026-2027”, is available online.
In addition, Net4Society in collaboration with Idealist2027 and other NCP projects invites applicants from Clusters 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 and the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities to join the online brokerage event “Artificial Intelligence in Horizon Europe Calls: an interdisciplinary challenge” on 25 February 2026.
The event will take place on 25 February 2026 and will focus on upcoming AI-related calls under Horizon Europe. It provides an excellent opportunity for researchers and innovators to find suitable project partners, strengthen project ideas and build competitive interdisciplinary consortia. Special attention will be given to the integration of SSH and STEM. Registration is open until 24 February 2026 via the event website.