Deadlines:

Phase 1: 19 October | Phase 2: 7 December 2026

Through the Pure Ocean Challenges Call for Projects, ambitious and innovative research projects are supported that protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems. For the 2027 call, only projects based in mainland France or its overseas territories will be eligible for funding. There is no age limit for applicants, but early-career applicants are particularly encouraged to apply. Funding of up to €80,000 is available for up to two years.

Challenges

Funding is available for projects addressing one or more of the following challenges (based on the United Nations 10 Ocean Decade Challenges):

• Understand marine pollution and tackle it at the source.
• Protect biodiversity and restore degraded marine ecosystems.
• Build resilience and adaptation to climate change.
• Improve understanding of the ocean system.

Eligibility

For the 2027 call, only projects based in mainland France or its overseas territories will be eligible for funding. This includes:

• French Atlantic coast, and overseas territories in the Atlantic
• Mediterranean
• French Southern and Antarctic Lands
• Overseas Territories in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

Applications are only open to non-profit organisations such as research institutes, universities and NGOs. The project may involve a collaboration with private stakeholders (companies, startups etc).

There is no applicant age limit, but early career applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

Funding

Funding of up to €80,000 is available for up to two years (up to €40,000 per year).

The funding may not be used exclusively for awareness-raising, clean-up initiatives, events, art, advocacy or training projects.

How to apply

There is a two-stage application process consisting of Phase 1 short applications followed by Phase 2 invited full proposals. The application form is available online.

Additional information can be found here.

Please keep in mind that if you are considering applying, you must follow these guidelines. Get in touch with us (cesam-gesciencia@ua.pt) and we can provide you with specific support.