BYS Grup Participated in Horizon Europe Cluster 3 Focus Group Training in Istanbul
BYS Grup participated in the Horizon Europe Cluster 3 “Civil Security for Society” Focus Group Training, organised in Istanbul on 26–27 August 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its capacity in European research and innovation programmes.
Representing BYS Grup, Özlem Bengisu Deniz took part in the two-day programme, which brought together 25 participants working across the Turkish Research Area and focused on developing stronger and more competitive project proposals under Horizon Europe Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society.
The training addressed the strategic and practical dimensions of Cluster 3, which covers research and innovation activities in areas such as cybersecurity, border security, disaster resilience, crime prevention and other challenges related to civil security.
Throughout the programme, participants examined the Horizon Europe Cluster 3 policy framework, Work Programme and call structure, as well as the European security policies and programming processes shaping upcoming funding opportunities. Particular attention was given to Cluster 3-specific participation requirements, consortium structures, previous projects and potential opportunities for international collaboration.
Another key focus of the training was the Horizon Europe proposal evaluation process. Participants explored the Excellence, Impact and Implementation criteria from an evaluator’s perspective, together with the changes introduced in the 2026 proposal templates. Topics including objectives and methodology, end-user involvement, impact pathways, exploitation of project results, consortium design, resource planning and risk management were discussed through practical examples.
The programme also covered the lump-sum funding model, which is becoming increasingly important within Horizon Europe. Participants examined key aspects of budget preparation, eligible cost planning and project implementation under the lump-sum approach.
A significant part of the programme was dedicated to practical group work. Participants worked on selected Cluster 3 calls, developed project ideas and further elaborated them in terms of Impact, Implementation and budget planning, before presenting their concepts to experts and fellow participants. These sessions also provided opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking and the development of potential future collaborations.
BYS Grup would like to thank Dr. Marina Martinez-Garcia, Dr. Tuba Bircan, TÜBİTAK Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 National Contact Points, and the TÜBİTAK Horizon Europe Programme team for their contributions to the programme.
Participation in the training forms part of BYS Grup’s continuous efforts to enhance its expertise in Horizon Europe, strengthen its international cooperation network and contribute to the development of competitive research and innovation projects addressing Europe’s evolving civil security challenges.
For further information about the training:
Horizon Europe Cluster 3 “Civil Security for Society” Focus Group Training – TÜBİTAK Horizon Europe
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