Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) evolution: new and innovative ocean data assimilation techniques

The main goal of this opportunity is to enhance ocean monitoring and prediction by developing innovative ocean data assimilation techniques. It aims to advance the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) through new approaches in assimilating high-resolution and high-frequency observations, improving uncertainty estimates, and integrating Artificial Intelligence. The focus is on making the most of recent observation technologies, optimizing software and computing infrastructure, and establishing best practices for validation. Projects should encourage collaboration between operational centers and the scientific community across eligible countries.

• Proposals must follow specified page limits and layout requirements.
• Projects must use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or timing data, especially Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined in the relevant annexes; some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also participate.
• Applicants must show they have the necessary financial and operational capacity.
• Projects will be judged on specific evaluation and award criteria, with only one selected for funding.
• Integration of gender perspectives, international cooperation, and transfer of research to operations are encouraged.

Example projects:

• A project developing AI-based methods to assimilate high-frequency satellite data into marine forecasting models.
• A consortium creating software to combine new in-situ ocean observations with Copernicus satellite data for improved prediction accuracy.
• An international partnership testing the impact of new observation sources on the reliability of ocean analysis and forecasts.

• Personnel costs for researchers and technical staff
• Costs for purchasing or accessing satellite and in-situ data
• Development and testing of new software tools or platforms
• High-performance computing resources
• Travel and meeting costs for project collaboration
• Costs for validation and comparison studies
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Training and capacity-building workshops
• Subcontracting specific technical tasks
• Equipment and materials essential for project implementation

All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme. Restrictions may apply as described in the relevant annexes.

• Budget for this Call: 5,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Maximum value per project: 5,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 5,000,000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined in the relevant annexes of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.
• Projects must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS satellite-based data and services.
• Other data and services may also be used to complement Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS data.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a consortium member.
• Applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Proposals must comply with specified formatting and submission requirements.
• International cooperation and inclusion of gender perspectives in research are encouraged when relevant.