Your path to cutting-edge research across Europe

The AQUASERV Transnational Access Programme

Through our Transnational Access programme, eligible researchers from academia and industry can use state-of-the-art resources and specialised facilities in the fields of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, ecological restoration and the blue economy. Check our available services in our services catalogue.

What is transnational access?

Transnational Access provides researchers with the opportunity to access advanced research services across Europe, completely free of charge. These services include on-site access, where you visit a partner facility in a different country, and remote access, where data and resources are sent directly to you. All transnational access services are covered for accepted projects, including:

Access to specialized research facilities.

General lab materials and standard consumables

Travel, accommodation, and subsistence for up to two users per project

Calls for Transnational Access

You can apply at any time for transnational access that will elevate your research! AQUASERV has a continuous Open Call for Transnational Access. In addition, AQUASERV periodically launches specific Challenge-Driven Calls focused on key research themes.

Check out our open calls and stay tuned by visiting our website or following us on social media!

Open Calls

Our step-by-step guide

The complete process of AQUASERV’s Transnational Access (TA) program is outlined in our step-by-step guide, from pre-application preparations to project wrap-up.

Pre-access steps

Learn about eligibility, explore available services, and receive tips on crafting a successful application.

During-access steps

Find out what to expect from the service provision and available support at your chosen facility.

Post-access steps

Find out about essential follow-up tasks like submitting reports to complete your TA experience smoothly.

PRE-ACCESS

Please note that you can find all these steps in more detail in our TA handbook. This is a working document, and it is subject to regular updates. So please make sure you download the latest version.

Check our TA Handbook

Stage 1: Reviewing eligibility

First, make sure you’re eligible to apply! The AQUASERV Transnational Programme is open to PhD students, researchers, engineers, and other research professionals with a PhD, Master’s degree, engineer’s degree, or equivalent. Applicants must apply from a country different from the access providers and should be affiliated with a recognized academic institution, a not-for-profit organization, or a registered company.   

Eligibility details for applicants and organizations can be found in the TA handbook.

Who can apply?

Stage 2: Consulting the service catalogue

Explore our service catalogue to find the resources best suited for your research needs, from biobanks and culture facilities to molecular biology labs and fieldwork vessels. AQUASERV’s extensive network comprises six European research infrastructures, spans over 16 countries and covers every major European sea.

See the full service catalogue for a complete list of services and specialized facilities in the fields of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, ecological restoration, and blue economy research.

Stage 3: Contacting an Access Manager (optional but highly recommended)

Before drafting your application, reaching out to an Access Manager at your chosen facility can greatly enhance your project’s quality and chances of acceptance. Access Managers can provide specific insights on services availably, techniques, required consumables, and potential travel support. Taking this step early can streamline your project planning and ensure smooth access to the services you need.

Where can I find more detailed information?

We have a detailed TA Handbook where you can find all the information you need to know. Please keep in mind that this document is a living document and is constantly updated. So please make sure you download the latest version, by clicking here.
What are Transnational Access or TA services?

Transnational Access provides researchers access, free of charge, to specific research services (e.g. equipment, expertise, resources) offered by the AQUASERV consortium members’ research infrastructure facilities. Click here to see what we can offer you. Access to these TA services can be made through two modalities: On-site: Applicant researchers are supported to travel to one of our partner facilities in Europe and use the research services they provide in person. In this modality, up to two applicant researchers have their travel and accommodation paid for by the project. Remote: In this modality, the research services are provided by our partner facilities without the need for applicant researchers to travel to that location. Examples of remote services include (but are not restricted to): Collecting, processing and shipping samples and/or specimens Taxonomic identification of specimens Rearing of organisms Analytical procedures Using strains from culture collections
What services do you have?

AQUASERV comprises a network of six European research infrastructures, gathering 40 scientific partners covering research and innovation for sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, and the blue economy. Through this network, AQUASERV offers service coverage in 16 countries around European seas (Baltic, Northeast Atlantic, and Mediterranean) and inland waters. Here’s the main categories and sub-categories available, that you can browse through our service catalogue:
Where can I find the Access Managers’ contacts?

Option 1: You can navigate to the service catalogue page and select the service you wish to access. You will then be able to view the name and contact details of the relevant Access Manager on the right-hand side of the page. Option 2: You can download our TA Handbook, here, and you’ll find an overview table of all Access Managers in the appendix section.
What is AQUASERV?

AQUASERV is a pioneering multinational initiative that unites six leading research infrastructures and over 40 scientific institutions across Europe dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, and the blue economy by providing cutting-edge research services. Find out more about AQUASERV here.
What is AQUASERV committed to?

At AQUASERV, we are committed to tackling some of the 21st century’s most pressing challenges: → Ensuring food security for a growing global population → Protecting our aquatic environments We aim to provide a sustainable approach, fostered by innovative solutions and international cooperation, to follow and implement European Union strategies and policies, including: The New Approach for a Sustainable Blue Economy in the EU The Common Fisheries Policy The "Farm to Fork" Strategy The European Green Deal

Stage 4: Submitting your access request

You have decided and you are ready to submit! Applications for Transnational Access are submitted online through the ARIA application system. Follow these steps to apply: 

Register with ARIA:
During registration, select "AQUASERV" in the "Project selection" step. 
Access the Application System, via this link:
Log in to ARIA and begin writing your proposal.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide, follow our instructions in the TA handbook. If you have any problems, please contact Stella Alexandroff, AQUASERV Access Officer, at stella.alexandroff@embrc.eu.

Stage 5: Waiting for your evaluation and review

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis every four months, and the review itself may take up to four months. Each proposal will undergo:

Eligibility and feasibility check:
Confirmation of compliance with programme criteria and technical feasibility.

Scientific review:
Two external reviewers will assess the application based on scientific excellence, novelty, overall feasibility, alignment with programme priorities, need for access, and compliance with the AQUASERV Ethics Policy.

Final decision:
AQUASERV leadership and external scientific and technical advisors will rank and select proposals based on the reviews and scores. The Access Officer will inform you of the funding decision via the ARIA platform or by email.

For more on the selection process, consult our TA Handbook.

Stage 6: Signing your hosting agreement

Was your project accepted? Congratulations!
Next, you’ll sign a Hosting Agreement with your Access Provider, a legally binding document, which outlines your project’s details, rules, obligations and data-sharing requirements. At this stage, you may also adjust your project design, if needed, to better align with your objectives.

By signing, you agree to follow Responsible Open Science practices, including depositing data in a public archive and publishing results openly whenever possible.

DURING-ACCESS

Stage 7: Service Provision

During the access period, AQUASERV will provide the research services you selected. Depending on your needs, this can include on-site lab access, equipment use, hands-on support, and training. Remote users will receive any agreed-upon samples or data directly. Throughout your access period, facility staff will be available to ensure you have what you need for a productive research experience.

During your stay, you'll be encouraged to give a seminar on your project and other social media communications.

POST-ACCESS

Stage 8: Confirm your access

By the end of your access period, you and your Access Manager will confirm the completion of the services in a Confirmation of Access form. This document must be signed and submitted within 30 days to finalise the access provided and record it for reporting purposes.

Stage 9: Comply to the follow-up reports

After your AQUASERV access, you'll receive an email notification from ARIA to submit an Activity Report detailing project results and potential applications and answer a few questions about your experience, highlighting the quality of the services or any shortcomings you encountered during your stay. These reports help us to improve the TA programme and support future researchers. The Activity Report is due within 45 days of the end of your project.

Stage 10: Acknowledging AQUASERV

As a final step, please acknowledge AQUASERV’s support in any publications or outcomes resulting from work carried out with AQUASERV support should be acknowledged as follows: “Funded by the European Commission under grant agreement No 101131121, AQUASERV project”.

You are done!

With that, your AQUASERV journey is complete! For any issues or further assistance, please contact the AQUASERV access office at aquaserv@ualg.pt.