The Horizon 2020 programme has three main priorities, that are called "pillars“, 1) Excellent science, 2) Industrial Leadership and 3) the Societal Challenges, each with a set of specific objectives. Besides the three pillars there are two specific programmes “Science with and for society” and “widening participation”, next to a cross-cutting programme. Besides there are also Focus areas or cross-cutting activities which are specific new challenges.
Funding opportunities under Horizon 2020 are set out in multiannual work programmes.
The current main Horizon 2020 work programme comprises an introduction, 18 thematic sections and the general annexes describing general rules such as standard admissibility conditions and eligibility criteria, selection and award criteria, etc.
Of each Horizon 2020 programme a Work programme is edited containing the background and specific calls.
In the Horizon 2020 tab in the menu on this website more information per programme is given with links to policy related information, to the work programmes, specific events, etc.
Horizon 2020 is part of the bigger picture of the European landscape for research and innovation, which also embraces public-public partnerships (as JPI's), European Innovation Platforms and European Technology Platforms. More details of some of these programmes are elaborated on Other EU Funding.