GATE Researchers Strengthen Skills in EU Funding for Data Spaces through DataTwin Seminar

On April 28, 2026, the DataTwin project hosted an online seminar titled “Developing Competitive EU Funding Proposals: From Concept to Submission,” aimed at enhancing the capacity of GATE researchers to identify and secure funding opportunities in the field of data spaces.

The three-hour training, delivered by Rafiqul Haque, Research Fellow at the University of Galway and Insight Centre for Data Analytics, provided a comprehensive overview of the European funding landscape, with a particular focus on Horizon Europe and related programmes. The session addressed key aspects of proposal development—from identifying relevant calls and analysing funding topics to designing competitive project concepts aligned with EU priorities.

Participants gained practical insights into the full proposal lifecycle, including strategic positioning, building strong consortia, and structuring successful applications. Special attention was given to the core evaluation criteria—excellence, impact, and implementation—as well as to essential components such as methodology desig\n, data management, and open science practices.

The seminar also explored how data spaces are increasingly shaping EU funding priorities, creating new opportunities for collaborative, cross-sector innovation. In this context, participants discussed how to position project ideas within emerging data ecosystems and leverage partnerships to strengthen proposals.

The session concluded with guidance on proposal evaluation processes, common pitfalls, and actionable recommendations for improving success rates in highly competitive calls.

By equipping GATE researchers with targeted knowledge and practical tools, the seminar contributed to strengthening the Institute’s capacity to actively participate in European projects and to advance the objectives of the DataTwin initiative in building data-driven, AI-enabled ecosystems.