About the Call

The Call invited proposals from blue economy stakeholders—including research institutions, private companies, and NGOs—to access a portfolio of 49 research infrastructures. These facilities span research vessels, fixed and mobile platforms, analytical labs, and high-performance computing centres. Applicants were encouraged to address key intervention areas, namely Digital Twins of the Ocean, multi-use marine infrastructures, sea-use planning, and blue bioresources, around Europe’s major sea basins.

Applications closed on 29 April. Four proposals were received from three countries, targeting research infrastructures in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. After a rigorous evaluation by nine independent experts and an observer, three projects were selected for access.

Meet the Projects

MACAROCONNECT

“IS Macaronesia Connected? Linking Physical Oceanography with Marine Ecology” focused on the Atlantic basin, aiming to strengthen research on the interplay between oceanographic conditions and marine ecosystems in Macaronesia, a region spanning the Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. The project combines field experiments, particle tracking, and zooplankton sampling to better understand ecological connectivity across these archipelagos.  

Led by the University of the Azores (Portugal), the project requested access to the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM). The evaluators highlighted its strong scientific grounding and the relevance of its cross-Atlantic collaboration.

MARVEL

“MARVEL – Multiple acoustic observing systems to investigate soundscapes and acoustic behaviour of marine fauna in relation to underwater noise from vessels in island ecosystems” brings together partners from Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, and Martinique to study the impact of underwater noise on marine life in island ecosystems.  

Using acoustic observing systems in the Mediterranean (Ibiza Channel) and Atlantic (Cabo Verde), MARVEL aims to characterise marine soundscapes, assess the behaviour of key species, and promote open science. The project’s outcomes would support the design of low-noise marine protected areas and contribute to EU biodiversity and conservation strategies.  

MARVEL has requested access to OSCM and the Balearic Islands Ocean Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB). Evaluators praised its innovative scope and interdisciplinary approach.

MOOSE_GE2026

MOOSE_GE2026, coordinated by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), focuses on long-term ocean observation in the northwestern Mediterranean. The project will conduct a multidisciplinary research cruise aboard the RV Gaia Blu, collecting data on physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Activities include mooring maintenance, water and biological sampling, and deployment of autonomous platforms. The data generated will feed into climate models, digital ocean twins, and marine policy frameworks, with all results made openly available.  

Building on existing infrastructure and regional cooperation, the Evaluation Committee noted its potential contribution to advancing both technical monitoring and broader governance objectives. 

Looking Ahead

Building on learnings from this call, the Partnership will launch a new, rolling call for access to research infrastructures in early 2026. This will further expand opportunities for researchers and innovators to collaborate and contribute to a sustainable ocean economy.

For more details on the selected projects and the call, read the full 2025 TA Call to Research Infrastructures Booklet. 

For any inquiries about this and related calls, please contact: sbepcallresearchinfra@mur.gov.it