During previous European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation, disparities in participation were observed between different EU Member States and Associated Countries. Based on the outcome of a study by the European Commission (EC), which analysed the main reasons for this 'science divide', the new programme "Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation" (SEWP) was introduced for the first time with the launch of Horizon 2020 in 2014.

SEWP addresses the causes for low participation of these countries (dubbed "Widening countries") by launching measures that aim to raise their research excellence. The main measures are:

• Twinning – The aim of this institutional networking programme is to strengthen a particular research field at an institution in a Widening country. It links the institution with at least two leading counterparts in Europe, e.g. Switzerland. Activities like short-term staff exchanges, expert visits, training, workshops, conference attendance and outreach are supported. See open call.
• Teaming – These institution-building projects create new or update existing centres of excellence in Widening countries by teaming up with a leading European scientific institution, e.g., in Switzerland. Applications undergo a 2-phase procedure. Currently there are no upcoming phase 1 calls.
• ERA Chairs – Outstanding academics are brought to research institutions in Widening countries. Applications for an ERA Chair are only open to Widening countries. Thereafter, the open recruitment process for the ERA Chair holder is open to any nationality.

It was originally aimed at Swiss stakeholders. The information is anyway relevant also for other countries.

For more information, watch the Euresearch webinar on SEWP