The “Horizon Europe Project Writing Training,” organized at our university on April 16–17, 2025, in collaboration with Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Technology Transfer Office (TTM) and TÜBÄ°TAK, was successfully completed with the active participation of our researchers. Implemented as part of the vision to enhance Karadeniz Technical University’s capacity to access international funding sources and to encourage the participation of regional researchers in European Union projects, the training brought together stakeholders from public institutions, universities, and industry around shared goals.

On the first day of the training, participants received comprehensive information about the general structure, objectives, and priority areas of the Horizon Europe Program. In addition, key elements to consider when preparing a successful project proposal and success factors that increase the chances of receiving funding were thoroughly discussed. The full project development process was conveyed—from shaping the project idea to forming appropriate partnerships, from budget planning to the preparation of application documents. In the following session, the program’s evaluation criteria, reviewer expectations, and strategies for effective proposal writing were shared.

The second day of the training continued with hands-on group work in which participants actively engaged. Within thematic groups formed according to their disciplines, participants had the opportunity to develop their own project ideas and strategies. During these intensive group sessions, researchers gained practical experience while expanding their collaborative networks across various topics. The training concluded with presentations summarizing the outcomes of the group work.

This training, which will significantly contribute to KTU’s internationalization goals in line with its research vision, also served as a strong starting point for researchers aiming to take part in Horizon Europe projects.