The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership has officially launched the Rolling Transnational Access Call to Marine and Maritime Research Infrastructures (RIs). This call represents a key strategic instrument of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, enabling transnational access to high-quality research infrastructures and fostering scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation across Europe in support of a sustainable blue economy. The Call is open from 20 February 2026 to 29 February 2028.

Rolling submission with cut-off dates every 4 months.
First cut-off date: 20 June 2026 – 11:00 CEST

This initiative enables pan-European access to approximately 50 Research Infrastructures across the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

What is offered?#

The Partnership provides access to:

• Research Vessels
• Fixed Platforms & Experimental Stations
• Mobile Platforms (AUVs, gliders, aircraft)
• Analytical Laboratories & Test Benches
• High Performance Computing & Digital Facilities
• Virtual Access to data infrastructures

Access modalities include:

• Physical Access (in person / hands-on)
• Remote Access (operated by RI staff)
• Virtual Access (fully digital environments)

Full RI catalogue and contact points available in Annex A.

Who can apply?#

Eligible applicants include:

• Universities & Higher Education Institutions
• Public & Private Research Organisations
• SMEs & Large Enterprises
• NGOs
• Public Authorities

Applicants must demonstrate own funding to conduct the project.

The Partnership covers access costs to RIs but not operational costs of the user team.

Evaluation#

Proposals are evaluated by an International Evaluation Panel (IEP) according to three criteria:

• Excellence
• Impact
• Quality and Efficiency of Implementation

Each criterion threshold: 3/5
Overall threshold: 10/15
Detailed evaluation criteria available in Annex B.

How to apply#

Applications must be submitted via EPSS.

🔗 APPLY HERE#

Applicants must:
1. Contact the selected RI provider before submission
2. Obtain feasibility confirmation
3. Submit your proposal

Complementary information#

Guidelines and proposal structure available in Annex C. Selected projects will sign a User-Provider Agreement (template in Annex D.

Key contacts#

Technical Helpdesk: epss.sbep-ris@g.etag.ee
General enquiries: sbepcallresearchinfra@mur.gov.it