Horizon 2020 funds a range of prizes to encourage and recognise the very best research and innovation. The Horizon Prizes are 'challenge' prizes (also known as 'inducement' prizes) offering a cash reward to whoever can most effectively meet a defined challenge, while achievements in innovation are also recognised by two awards, for the European Capital of Innovation and  the EU Prize for Women Innovators.

Several important challenges are tackled by the current Horizon Prizes, including the €3m Materials for Clean Air Prize that opened for applications on 26 January 2017. And don't miss the announcement on 6 February 2017 of the winner of the Horizon Prize for the Better Use of Antibiotics.

The search begins in March for a successor to Amsterdam as Europe's capital of innovation. In the meantime, learn more about the 12 inspiring finalists of this year's Women Innovators awards. We'll find out who the winners are on 8 March, International Women's Day.