Sparkling Science 2.0 Citizen Science Research Grants – Austria

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

Sparkling Science 2.0 provides non-repayable grants of up to €350,000 per project for citizen science research projects in Austria. The program promotes collaboration between research institutions, educational institutions, and partners from business and society while increasing the participation of children, young people, and adults in research. What Is Sparkling Science 2.0? Sparkling Science 2.0 is an Austrian funding program supporting innovative citizen science research projects that connect scientific research with education and wider society. The program is managed by OeAD on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. It builds on previous Sparkling Science funding rounds, which supported 61 projects with €21 million. The program aims to strengthen the role of citizen science in Austria by creating meaningful partnerships between research organizations, schools, educational institutions, and other societal stakeholders. What Is Citizen Science? Citizen science involves members of the public participating in research processes alongside professional researchers. Within Sparkling Science 2.0, children, adolescents, adults, students, teachers, educational institutions, and other partners can contribute to research activities.

The approach can help:

- Connect scientific research with education. - Increase public participation in research. - Give young people greater exposure to science. - Develop scientific and research skills. - Encourage open and participatory research. - Strengthen cooperation between scientific and educational institutions. - Transfer research methods and knowledge into educational settings. What Are the Strategic Objectives? Sparkling Science 2.0 has several strategic objectives aimed at strengthening research, education, and societal engagement. Develop Internationally Relevant Research Projects should contribute to innovative research and generate results that have relevance beyond the immediate project environment. International networking is encouraged where it can strengthen citizen science knowledge and research collaboration. Strengthen Research-Education Cooperation The program seeks to intensify cooperation between research institutions and educational institutions. This can create stronger connections between scientific research and classroom or educational practice. Increase Young People’s Exposure to Science Projects should provide meaningful opportunities for children and young people to engage with scientific research. The goal is to make science more accessible and encourage greater interest and participation. Reduce Barriers to Scientific Participation The program aims to reduce barriers that may prevent people from engaging in science. Particular attention is given to students from peripheral regions and disadvantaged backgrounds. Improve Secondary-to-Tertiary Education Pathways Sparkling Science 2.0 also aims to improve the permeability between secondary and tertiary education by creating stronger connections between schools, universities, and research institutions. Establish Citizen Science in Education and Research The program seeks to anchor citizen science approaches more firmly within Austria’s education and science systems. What Are the Operational Goals? The program supports projects that combine scientific research with meaningful participation.

Key operational goals include:

- Developing innovative citizen science research projects. - Creating sustainable networks between research and educational institutions. - Involving children, adolescents, and adults in research. - Transferring methodological research knowledge into education. - Encouraging international networking. - Supporting transparent research processes. - Strengthening citizen science capacity in schools. - Developing or strengthening science-focused priorities in schools. Projects should demonstrate how citizen participation contributes meaningfully to the research process rather than treating participants solely as recipients of scientific information. How Much Funding Is Available? Sparkling Science 2.0 provides non-repayable grants of up to €350,000 per project. Additional funding may be available when projects meet specific strategic criteria.

The maximum funding can increase by:

- Up to €350,000: Standard maximum grant.

- Up to €385,000: For projects that meet one additional criterion related to international citizen science networking or participation of schools from peripheral regions or schools with limited previous citizen science experience.

- Up to €420,000: For projects that meet both additional criteria.

The actual level of funding is determined according to project eligibility and funding needs. When Can Funding Increase to €420,000? Projects may be eligible for funding of up to €420,000 when they meet both of the additional strategic criteria.

These involve:

- Developing citizen science know-how through international networking. - Promoting participation by schools located in peripheral regions or schools with little previous experience in citizen science. Applicants seeking enhanced funding should clearly demonstrate how their project addresses the relevant criteria. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants are legal entities outside the federal administration that have the necessary economic, financial, and professional capacity to carry out the proposed project.

Eligible applicant types include:

- Universities - Private universities - Non-university research institutions - Universities of applied sciences - Universities of education - Non-profit associations - Non-profit organizations pursuing scientific purposes in cooperation with research institutions Applicants should demonstrate that they have the institutional and professional capacity necessary to manage the research project and associated funding. What Role Do Cooperation Partners Play? Sparkling Science 2.0 is built around collaboration.