The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be climate-neutral by 2050. Serbia has also adopted the Clean Energy for all Europeans package and agreed to a decarbonization roadmap. The transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions includes the decarbonization of the power sector. However, up to date, the majority of the energy in Serbia is fossil-fueled, with very little or no progress towards energy decarbonization. Moreover, pollution in Serbia is reaching alarming numbers, placing it as one of the leading countries in Europe related to bad air quality and pollution. Nonetheless, research capacity in the power system decarbonization domain at UB, as well as other actors in Serbia and the region, are undeveloped and insufficient for competitive R & I. Therefore, SUNRISE aims to support the Power System Department (the University of Belgrade – School of Electrical Engineering) in improving excellence capacity in the field of Power system decarbonization. Research excellence will be promoted in three dimensions by improving research infrastructure through the development of Real-Time Simulation Laboratory for power system simulation, upskilling research staff through training and mobility, the development of new approaches in exploratory research projects with partners. Furthermore, as network and collaboration between UB and other research institutions in the EU is modest or non-existent, as well as low linkages between UB and industry, the special focus in SUNRISE will be given to mobility and networking activities. One more SUNRISE objective is to improve the research management and administrative skills of the staff at UB, to enhance funding attraction and participation in international research projects. SUNRISE partners have a long experience and high scientific impact in the power system decarbonization field, and they can support UB to improve scientific performance and research profile, as well as participation success in HE.