Free access to Europe's leading research facilities
Open Call for Transnational Service
Ready to push the boundaries of your research? AQUASERV’s Transnational Access (TA) programme provides you free access to Europe’s leading research facilities. Explore, apply, and start your journey with AQUASERV today by browsing our service catalogue or reaching out to our Access Managers.
Always open!
Submissions starting date: November 15, 2024
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Evaluation cycles:
Every 4 months from submission (March, July, November)
What can AQUASERV offer you?
Gain access to some of Europe’s most advanced labs, services and research facilities, with all costs covered by AQUASERV. Through AQUASERV’s extensive network of research infrastructures, your project can harness specialized resources and facilities from any of our leading European partners. Whether you need cutting-edge technological platforms, unique organism collections, or advanced aquaria facilities AQUASERV is here to support your project’s specific needs. From travel to consumables, we’ve got you covered, so you can focus on what matters: advancing your research.
Who can apply?
If you’re a PhD student, early-career researcher, engineer or research professional affiliated with a recognized institution, AQUASERV is for you! Your institution could be an academic, a non-for-profit organisation or a registered company.
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Note: Applicants must apply from a country different from the access provider’s.
What kind of project can you propose?
AQUASERV welcomes innovative research ideas across all areas related to sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, ecological restoration and blue economy —whether you’re focused on sustainability, food security, marine biotechnology, ecosystem health, pollution, or other.
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With AQUASERV’s Open Call, you can design a project that aligns with your unique goals while supporting European priorities like the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Common Fisheries Policy, the Sustainable Blue Economy, and efforts to restore our oceans by 2030. This programme offers you the flexibility to bring fresh perspectives and explore ambitious, impactful ideas in fields essential to sustainable development and environmental resilience.
How does the evaluation process work?
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis every 4 months, going through multiple stages, such as eligibility and feasibility check, scientific review and evaluation. This whole process may take up to 4 months, depending on the complexity of the requested services.
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What are we looking for?
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Scientific excellence and innovation:
AQUASERV looks for original, ambitious research ideas that show potential for real-world impact. -
Programme relevance and compliance:
Does your project align with EU priorities and AQUASERV’s goals? We look for projects that contribute to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, ecological restoration and the blue economy.
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Please check for more information in our
How do you apply?
Choose Your Service(s): Browse AQUASERV’s services catalogue and use the TA Handbook for additional information on the Access Providers.​
Prepare your proposal: Once you have an idea of what services you want to apply for, get in touch with the Access Manager of the facility you selected to prepare your proposal and discuss any questions.
Register on the ARIA Portal: Create an account on the ARIA portal to access the application system and start your proposal. You can click here.
Submit Your Proposal: Complete your proposal on the ARIA system, where you can also track your proposal status.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
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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.
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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
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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For enquiries about a specific service or your project, please direct your message to the relevant access manager.
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For questions regarding the application process and assessment, please contact Stella Alexandroff - stella.alexandroff@embrc.eu.
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For general enquiries, please email aquaserv@ualg.pt and we will redirect your message to the most appropriate contact.
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Please read the Terms of submission.
Please find more information in the TA Handbook.
