Improving and integrating polar observation systems in response to user requirements at local, regional, and international level

The main goal of this opportunity is to improve and connect polar observation systems to better meet the needs of users at local, regional, and international levels. It aims to enhance how environmental data is collected, shared, and used, making these systems more effective and easier to access. The focus includes supporting digital models like the European Digital Twin of the Ocean and promoting the long-term sustainability and resilience of observation systems. Key topics are the carbon cycle, sea ice, ice shelves, freshwater flows, atmospheric conditions, subsea permafrost, and marine biodiversity. Projects must concentrate on either the Arctic Ocean and its coasts or the Antarctic shelves and Southern Ocean, with international collaboration encouraged.

• Projects must follow specific page limits and layout rules as set in the application guidelines.
• Participants must be from eligible countries, with some non-EU/non-Associated Countries potentially qualifying if they have arranged funding.
• If using satellite-based data, projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems (other data sources can be included too).
• Projects should aim to reach a technical readiness level of 7-8 by the end, starting from any level.
• Proposals must focus on either the Arctic Ocean and coastal regions, or the Antarctic shelves and Southern Ocean.
• All evaluation and scoring criteria must be met as outlined in the guidelines.

Examples:

• A project that builds a new data-sharing platform for sea ice monitoring in the Arctic using Copernicus satellite data.
• A collaboration to improve marine biodiversity observations on the Antarctic shelves, involving partners from both EU and non-EU countries.
• A research initiative developing advanced tools for tracking freshwater flows into the Southern Ocean, aiming for high technical readiness by project end.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 16.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 8.000.000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as listed in the official guidelines.
• Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate if they have secured funding arrangements.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) can join as a consortium member.
• Proposals must include all required documents and follow the official submission process.
• Applicants must meet standards for financial and operational capacity.
• Consortium participation is required (individual applicants are not eligible).
• International cooperation is encouraged, especially with partners from non-EU and non-associated countries.