The G-KIC HE Connection Researcher Forum 2026 – Cluster 1 will take place in Brussels in mid-November 2026 as part of G-KIC Global Connection 2026.

The forum aims to support participation in the 2027 Horizon Europe Cluster 1: Health calls by facilitating consortium building among researchers from Korea, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and Europe.

A key feature of this forum is its three-way partnership-building approach. The programme will first bring together Korea–Associated Country researcher pairs, who may then engage with European researchers and institutions to explore opportunities for broader Horizon Europe consortium building.

• Date: Mid-November 2026
• Venue: Brussels, Belgium
• Field: Horizon Europe Cluster 1 (Health)
• Target Calls
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-CARE-02
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-05
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-07
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-08
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-10
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-ENVHLTH-02
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-IND-01
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-02-DISEASE-01-two-stage
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-02-DISEASE-14-two-stage
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-02-TOOL-01-two-stage
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-03-TOOL-02
  • HORIZON-HLTH-2027-03-TOOL-04
• Participants: Researchers from Korea, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and Europe

Registration

• Who can apply? Korean researchers interested in developing joint proposals for Horizon Europe 2027 Cluster 1: Health calls who have identified a research partner from a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• Application requirement: Applications should be submitted as a pair consisting of one Korean researcher and one researcher from an Associated Country.
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026
• How to apply: Korean researchers should submit their application through the Application Link.

How the Matchmaking Works

The consortium-building process will take place in stages:

1. Step 1 – Korea–Associated Country Pairing
   Korean researchers first identify a potential research partner from a Horizon Europe Associated Country and apply as a Korea–Associated Country pair.
2. Step 2 – Selection of Korean Participants
   The Korean Cluster 1 NCP will review the applications based on their relevance and potential for participation in Horizon Europe Cluster 1 calls. Up to 7 Korean researchers are expected to be selected.
3. Step 3 – Connecting with European Researchers
   Selected Korea–Associated Country pairs may identify and invite potential European partners themselves or explore opportunities to connect with European researchers during the forum, with the aim of expanding their partnerships and building a broader consortium.
4. Step 4 – Consortium Development in Brussels
   Before and during the forum, participating researchers will explore potential consortium structures and cooperation opportunities. During the Brussels programme, discussions will focus on proposal development, consortium composition, and the roles of participating partners.

What to expect?

• Researcher pitches introducing expertise, project ideas, and potential contributions to Horizon Europe proposals
• Korea–Associated Country–Europe matchmaking for the 2027 Cluster 1 calls
• Consortium-building sessions with prospective partners
• Discussions on proposal concepts, consortium composition, and division of roles
• Individual and open consulting on proposal development
• Expert advice to strengthen proposal competitiveness and consortium strategy
• Networking opportunities with researchers and research organisations from Korea, Associated Countries, and Europe

Important for Korean Applicants

At this stage, the first step is to form a Korea–Associated Country research pair.

Korean researchers wishing to participate should identify one research partner from a Horizon Europe Associated Country and submit their application by 30 September 2026.

The G-KIC HE Connection Researcher Forum 2026 – Cluster 1 will take place in Brussels in mid-November 2026.

Following the selection process, selected Korea–Associated Country pairs may identify and invite potential European partners themselves or seek opportunities to connect with European researchers during the forum to further develop their Horizon Europe consortia.

Further information on the detailed programme, participating researchers, and matchmaking opportunities will be announced later.