Project Overview
What is APRISE
APRISE (Alternative Proteins Research and Innovation Skills Enhancement) is a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action funded under the WIDERA – ERA Talents programme. The project focuses on strengthening research, innovation, and professional skills in the alternative proteins sector by addressing structural capacity gaps in Widening Countries.
By combining targeted training, intersectoral mobility, and cross-border collaboration, APRISE supports talents across academia, industry, and non-profit organisations while contributing to a more inclusive and resilient European Research Area.
Why Alternative Proteins
Alternative proteins are increasingly recognised as a key component of sustainable food systems, with strong relevance to climate action, resource efficiency, and food security. However, rapid technological progress in this field requires a workforce equipped with advanced technical, interdisciplinary, and transferable skills.
APRISE responds to this need by supporting capacity building in alternative protein research and innovation, ensuring that emerging knowledge, technologies, and practices are matched by appropriately trained talents across Europe.
Why Widening Countries
Widening Countries possess strong scientific potential and rich agri-food ecosystems but often face structural challenges that limit participation in cutting-edge research and innovation activities. These challenges include reduced access to international mobility, fragmented innovation ecosystems, and limited opportunities for skills development beyond traditional academic pathways.
APRISE directly addresses these barriers by prioritising talents and institutions from Widening Countries, supporting long-term skills retention, institutional capacity building, and equitable participation in European research and innovation networks.
What APRISE Does
APRISE delivers an integrated capacity-building framework built around four complementary pillars:
These activities are implemented through structured training programmes, training schools, online modules, and international secondments across academic and non-academic sectors.
Who We Are
APRISE is implemented by an international consortium of 18 partner organisations, including universities, research institutes, private companies, and non-profit organisations active in the alternative proteins and agri-food sectors.
The project is coordinated by Middle East Technical University (Türkiye) and brings together expertise spanning food engineering, biotechnology, sustainability, policy advocacy, and research management. This diversity enables interdisciplinary learning and effective knowledge exchange across sectors and regions.
Funding & Project Facts
Key Information:
Project Objectives
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