Following the success of the first Transnational Access (TA) Funding Call, AQUARIUS is preparing to launch its second Funding Call on 2 September 2025.
With a total of €4 million to support scientific projects to access world-class research infrastructures, this is a unique opportunity for research scientists from academia, industry, public bodies or citizen science organisations to travel to and use these infrastructures, for free, to advance research on our aquatic ecosystems.
Selected projects will receive fully funded access to world-class research infrastructures across Europe. This includes subsidised travel, use of facilities, and comprehensive logistical, scientific, and technical support throughout the research stay
Following feedback from the first Call, the eligibility criteria for international collaboration have been adapted for the second Call. The updated criteria now make it easier for single-organisation proposals – particularly those focused on specific sea basins – as well as for applicants from industry or citizen science organisations to apply. Single applicants are now eligible to apply, and only user groups with more than four users from different organisations are required to include partners from at least two different countries (based on current affiliation).
The Call will focus on six overarching challenges relevant to achieving the objectives of the ‘EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’, however direct contribution to the Mission Objectives is no longer a mandatory eligibility criterion.
Open from 2 September 2025 until midnight on 28 October 2025, the funding will support scientists to access an incredible portfolio of research infrastructures, including research vessels, mobile and fixed marine observation platforms, aircraft, drones, satellites, experimental research facilities, river and basin supersites, and sophisticated data service infrastructures.
We will be organising a webinar in the coming months to help you prepare for Call 2, this will be made available via our website. Stay tuned on our social media for the registration link.
In advance of the Call opening, interested applicants are advised to visit the AQUARIUS website for all the information on the application process and eligibility criteria, follow our social media accounts and sign up to our newsletter for additional information.
