On 6 November 2024, the First National Contact Points (NCP) Workshop on Horizon Europe Promotion Plan 2025 was held, a workshop designed to equip NCPs with the strategies and tools necessary to engage effectively with stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming Horizon Europe funding cycle. The workshop was organized in close cooperation with Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).

The workshop was jointly conducted by Ms. Qamile Sinanaj, Head of the International Cooperation in Higher Education and Science Division at the MESTI, and Mr. Gorazd Weiss, SHER Programme expert from our consortium member Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI).

The first part of the day was dedicated to developing a comprehensive Horizon Europe Promotional Plan for 2025 with the NCPs. Discussions centered on identifying the most effective ways to reach target groups through info sessions and social media, while also addressing key cross-cutting issues, such as open science, ethics, and gender equality. In the second part of the day, individual consultations were held with potential applicants, guiding them through the application process and providing tailored advice to ensure high-quality submissions.

The workshop proved to be a valuable opportunity for NCPs to gain insights into how to improve outreach, raise awareness, and foster a more inclusive and effective Horizon Europe programme for 2025.