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CIHEAM Zaragoza hosts PREMIERE and EU-FarmBook training on building stronger multi-actor proposals
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > CIHEAM Zaragoza hosts PREMIERE and EU-FarmBook training on building stronger multi-actor proposals
  • CIHEAM Zaragoza has hosted a two-day training organised by the PREMIERE and EU-FarmBook projects, bringing together professionals from universities and research centres across Europe to strengthen their skills in supporting Horizon Europe proposal development.
  • As a partner of the PREMIERE Project, CIHEAM Zaragoza welcomed participants working in research support, knowledge transfer, administration, and international cooperation — all sharing a common goal: building better, more impactful multi-actor proposals.

CIHEAM Zaragoza has hosted the joint PREMIERE & EU-FarmBook training “Maximising Multi-Actor Proposal Success in Horizon Europe”, bringing together research support professionals from universities, research centres, innovation offices and funding organisations from across Europe for two intensive days of hands-on learning, exchange and collaboration.

Held on 26 and 27 May 2026, the training responded to a growing reality within Horizon Europe: successful proposals today require much more than scientific excellence; they must demonstrate meaningful collaboration, stakeholder engagement, co-creation processes and clear pathways to impact.

A total of 26 participants from 14 European countries – including Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom – came together in Zaragoza to explore how the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) can move from theory into practice.

Understanding the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) in practice

The training opened with welcome remarks by CIHEAM Zaragoza Director, Raúl Compés, who underlined how PREMIERE aligns with CIHEAM Zaragoza’s broader focus on strengthening capacity building and knowledge exchange in agri-food systems, followed by sessions introducing the complementary roles of the PREMIERE Project and EU-FarmBook within the Horizon Europe.

A central theme throughout the event was the evolving expectation placed on Horizon Europe proposals, particularly under Cluster 6, where projects are increasingly assessed not only on scientific quality, but also on their ability to engage stakeholders meaningfully and ensure the uptake of results.

Participants explored common challenges faced by proposal support professionals across Europe, including how to operationalise co-creation, involve stakeholders earlier in the proposal process, and translate the Multi-Actor Approach into concrete work packages, governance structures and implementation strategies.

One of the highlights of the first day was the Multi-Actor Simulation Game (MAMY), an interactive exercise that allowed participants to experience first-hand the dynamics of building a multi-actor consortium and navigating collaborative proposal design.

Sessions throughout the programme also focused on practical methodologies and tools for designing stronger proposal structures, understanding evaluator expectations, building credible impact pathways, improving stakeholder engagement strategies and strengthening consortium governance and implementation logic.

A recurring reflection throughout the discussions was the distinction between formal compliance with the Multi-Actor Approach and genuine co-creation. Participants highlighted the risk of MAA being treated as a “box-ticking exercise”, rather than a meaningful process that improves both proposal quality and project impact.

From proposal design to knowledge uptake

The second day focused on how multi-actor projects can maximise dissemination, exploitation and long-term uptake of results.

Participants explored the PREMIERE Toolkit and Online Academy, while also learning how EU-FarmBook can support the visibility, accessibility and reuse of project outcomes across Europe.

An interactive co-creation exercise gave attendees the opportunity to test methodologies in practice while providing direct feedback on EU-FarmBook tools and functionalities. Discussions also addressed strategies for producing high-quality practice-oriented outputs and ensuring stronger connections between research results and end users.

Throughout the training, peer exchange played a central role. Participants shared institutional experiences, challenges and approaches to support researchers.

“What stood out in this training is how similar the challenges are across very different institutions. Whether participants are experienced or just building their MAA expertise, the need is the same: moving from formal requirements to real co-creation that strengthens proposal quality and impact. I hope this training is also a step toward building a community of practice that keeps this exchange going beyond these two days” - Irene Gavieiro Agud, PREMIERE Project Manager at CIHEAM Zaragoza

The training concluded with a reflection on how participants can apply these approaches within their own organisations and continue strengthening support structures for Horizon Europe proposal development.

CIHEAM Zaragoza is proud to contribute to the PREMIERE consortium and to support initiatives that strengthen collaboration, innovation and capacity building across the European research community.

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