AQUASERV’s Transnational Access (TA) programme provides free access to Europe’s leading research facilities by PhD students, early-career researchers, or research professionals affiliated with a recognized institution. AQUASERV welcomes innovative research ideas across all areas related to sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, ecological restoration, and blue economy. This call will always be open and an info session will be delivered on the 12 December.
Through AQUASERV researchers can gain access to some of Europe’s most advanced labs, services, and research facilities, with all costs covered by AQUASERV, from travel and accommodation to consumables.
Eligibility
PhD students, early-career researchers, or research professionals must have an active contract with their home institution, ensuring coverage of insurance and other provisions during the access period.
Applicants must apply from a country different from the Access Provider’s.
Collaboration with research and technical staff at the Access Provider is encouraged but not mandatory.
How to apply
First you should explore all the available services or reach out to AQUASERV Access Managers.
The access to these TA services can be made through two modalities:
(1) On-site: applicant researchers are supported to travel to one of the partner facilities in Europe and use the research services they provide in person. In this modality, applicant researchers have their travel and accommodation paid for by the project.
(2) Remote: the research services are provided by the partner facilities, so applicant researchers are not required 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
You then need to write a project.
AQUASERV is looking for:
- Scientific excellence and innovation: original, ambitious research ideas that show potential for real-world impact.
- Programme relevance and compliance: projects that contribute to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, ecological restoration, and the blue economy.
Evaluation
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.
Supporting information AQUASERV is hosting an online Info-Session, 12 December, 10:00-11:00 CET to answer questions, and show applicants how to apply. Sign up here.
Additional information can be found here.