AQUARIUS is a Horizon Europe-funded project with the aim to provide access to a comprehensive and diverse suite of integrated research infrastructures to address challenges and explore opportunities for the long-term sustainability of our marine and freshwater ecosystems.
A Word from our Coordinator, Aodhán Fitzgerald
At the time of writing, work continues apace for AQUARIUS. Following a robust evaluation phase for our first Transnational Access Funding Call, we are in the process of finalising contracts with the successful projects. These were selected based on scientific excellence and logistical feasibility of the proposals. A total of 298 days of access have currently been granted and eleven research infrastructures have been recommended for funding. Research vessels proved to be the most popular infrastructures requested in Call 1, with the majority of proposals focusing on the Atlantic-Arctic lighthouse area. In the coming months we will provide further updates and you will be able to read about the AQUARIUS-funded projects and follow their progress and data collection efforts in the upcoming AQUARIUS Dataflow Dashboard.
Meanwhile, we are preparing to launch our second Call this September. The second AQUARIUS Funding Call – Marine and Freshwater Infrastructure Access was designed to adapt and respond to the needs we identified following Call 1. You can read more about Call 2 and the updated eligibility criteria below. Given the early September launch, we would advise potential applicants to use the summer period to plan ahead. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.
Otherwise, our partners continue the work to tailor and promote some very exciting training opportunities for early career scientists. Additionally, successful Call 1 project teams are being trained in the AQUARIUS FAIR data management practices in line with our Data Management Plan.
Finally, while the coming months will be a busy time for us, we wish you all a good summer and don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have.
With a total budget of €4 million, the upcoming AQUARIUS Funding Call offers a unique opportunity for marine and freshwater research scientists from academia, industry, public institutions, or citizen science organisations.
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.
Whether you are investigating ecosystems, testing new technologies, or advancing scientific knowledge, this is your chance to avail of cutting-edge infrastructure—at no cost.
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.
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 website for all the details, follow our social media accounts and sign up to our newsletter for relevant alerts.
Please spread the word among your own networks. It is a fantastic opportunity for scientists to access incredible research infrastructures and services that would otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of euros.
We were very excited to announce a new training opportunity in April, the Seabed Mapping Training Programme on the RV Tom Crean, organised by the Marine Institute of Ireland in conjunction with the INFOMAR programme and HydroOctave. Targeted at seabed mappers and hydrographers, spaces are filling up fast, so you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible to confirm your spot! While training is free, and accommodation and meals will be provided onboard the ship during the training, participants must arrange and cover their own travel and any other additional expenses.
Find out more about all our training opportunities including the PLOCAN Glider summer school and upcoming Floating Universities on board CNR’s RV Gaia Blue in Italy, and SLU’s RV Svea, in Sweden.
Watch our updated video that captures the full story of AQUARIUS!
AQUARIUS partners have been engaging with the scientific communities to promote our upcoming call and all the opportunities we offer.
A highlight was our joint booth at EGU, together with POLARIN, which was visited by around 500 interested participants. AQUARIUS also had a standout presence at European Maritime Day where it was showcased both at a stand organised by the Marine Institute, and on board the RV Tom Crean which was open to the general public over the course of the weekend!
Finally, our partner EMSO are highlighting AQUARIUS and its transnational access opportunities in a poster at the One Ocean Science Congress 2025.
Thank you for reading our first newsletter. If you have any comments of suggestion, please contact us at hello @aquarius-ri.eu.
If you have enjoyed learning about the AQUARIUS project, please help us spread the word and share the subscription link with your networks.
