EU-India cooperation on cumulative impacts of marine pollution on marine organisms and ecosystems

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance research and innovation on how different types of marine pollution impact marine organisms and ecosystems. It aims to improve scientific understanding of the combined effects of pollutants, how they break down, and their risks to marine life and human health. The focus is on pollutants such as marine litter, persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, heavy metals, and micro- and nano plastics, including their interactions with climate change. This opportunity also seeks to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and India, supporting joint research and policy development. Projects should address both scientific and policy needs related to the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

• Projects must follow the required page limits and layout as specified in the application guidelines.
• Each project consortium must include at least one legal entity from India as an associated partner.
• Projects should focus on the cumulative impacts of marine pollutants and their interaction with climate change.
• Proposals must analyze bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the marine food chain.
• Projects should develop new tools for detecting and monitoring marine pollutants.
• Proposals must support EU-India cooperation and align with expected outcomes, such as advancing scientific understanding and supporting policy-making.

Examples:

• A joint EU-India project developing sensors to monitor microplastics and their effects on marine life.
• A research study assessing how pharmaceuticals and heavy metals together affect fish populations and food safety.
• An initiative analyzing the combined impact of PFAS and climate change on coastal ecosystems in both regions.

• Personnel costs for researchers and project staff
• Costs of purchasing and maintaining research equipment
• Materials and consumables for laboratory and field work
• Travel expenses for project meetings and field studies
• Data collection and analysis costs
• Development and validation of analytical tools
• Costs related to dissemination and communication of results
• Collaboration and networking expenses between EU and Indian partners
• Project management and administrative costs

Expenses are funded as a lump sum. Detailed eligible costs are defined in the Horizon Europe reference documents. Restrictions may apply as specified in these documents.

• Budget for this Call: 12,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per grant: 6,000,000€

• Consortia must include at least one legal entity established in India as an associated partner.
• Legal entities from India can only join as associated partners.
• Proposals must follow the required page limits and layout as described in the application guidelines.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined in the Horizon Europe guidelines.
• Projects must focus on the cumulative effects of marine pollution and support EU-India research collaboration.
• Applicants must use the specific application form provided for this call.