Unique opportunities for Early Career Researchers in the area of marine science

CESAM is a full member of the international network EuroMarine. One of the major advantages is being eligible for the funding schemes boosted by this network – You will only compete with other members of the network (205 total)! Below you can find the opportunities that exist for Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Two funding opportunities are currently open, and one will open soon. You can also be involved in this network in other ways, which will greatly boost your career! Continue reading to get to know more.

Deadline: 31 August 2025

It allows research teams to scope and collaborate on an existing or emerging topic in marine science research. While the call welcomes submissions on a broad range of marine topics, the Steering Committee always encourages specific topics. This call is currently open (check here for more details).

Consortium: Proposals must involve at least five Euromarine member organisations from at least two countries (>50 organisations across 20 countries are available).

Funding: Four proposals are expected to be funded, each at 7,000€. All direct costs linked to the scientific activity are eligible, such as renting a venue and equipment, participants’ travel and subsistence costs, catering, communication materials, and developing and promoting outputs. Given the reduced funding amount, a lower overhead rate may be considered. Each request for a reduction is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, following the submission of a justification to the UA Research Support Office, which must seek validation from the Vice-Rector.

CESAM success stories: CESAM researcher Felisa Eiras was awarded this opportunity last year! The workshop OMALI, which took place in UA in June 2025, focused on the cross-cutting exploration of the many sources and applications of marine lipids for sustainable and nutritious aquaculture products.

Prospective dates: 1 July to 5 September 2025

The objective is to build networks within EuroMarine, bringing together ECRs through collaborative research projects. Proposals are led by at least two EuroMarine ECRs from two countries (>50 organisations across 20 countries are available).

Eligibility: Proposals should involve two or three ECRs from at least two different countries (>50 organisations across 20 countries are available). ECRs may be PhD students or individuals holding a postdoctoral position within 5 years of their PhD degree award (discounting any time spent on maternity/paternity, illness or similarly extensive non-holiday leave) at the call deadline.

Funding: Two proposals are expected to be funded, each at 7,000€. Eligible costs are research supplies, sample analysis in the awarded institution or external laboratory facilities, and travel costs, which cannot exceed 50% of the grant. Personnel costs, equipment and attendance at conferences or training activities are not eligible. Given the reduced funding amount, a lower overhead rate may be considered. Each request for a reduction is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, following the submission of a justification to the UA Research Support Office, which must seek validation from the Vice-Rector.

Deadline: Until funds are spent

Grants for parental care are explicitly aimed at EuroMarine members who wish to attend relevant events in person and need to travel with their children.

Eligibility: Children must be under the age of 2 years. Applicants should have secured a position for in-person attendance at any relevant event (conferences, workshops, etc.).

Funding: 10 grants are expected to be funded; 200€ each.

Deadline: Continuously open

Platform to allow marine science ECRs to develop personal and professional orientation and connections with experienced EuroMarine researchers (e.g., review projects or specific tasks, scientific questions, possibility of mobility). If you are a senior researcher, you may also apply as a mentor, such as CESAM researchers Ana Hilário, Bruno Nunes, Catarina Eira, and Paulo Baganha Baptista.

Eligibility: Eligible mentees include PhD students or individuals holding a post-doctorate position within 5 years of their PhD degree award or research technicians within 7 years of their last degree award (discounting any time spent on parental, illness or similarly extensive non-holiday leave).

Prospective dates: December 2025

Become part of the Orienting Young Scientists of EuroMarine (OYSTER), a dynamic network that promotes and supports opportunities for ECRs in marine science. As a member, you will access skills development, professional support, and unique networking opportunities across Europe.

OYSTER comprises four working groups: Secretary, Communication, Mentorship, and Engagement. The group is currently seeking new members, focusing on Marine Social Scientists.

Eligibility: Eligible members include PhD students or individuals holding a post-doctorate position within 5 years of their PhD degree award or research technicians within 7 years of their last degree award (discounting any time spent on parental, illness or similarly extensive non-holiday leave).

CESAM success stories: CESAM PhD student Joana Fernandes is part of the OYSTER group.

Prospective dates: April-May 2026

Funding to attend training activities of your choice (e.g., courses, workshops)

Eligibility: Candidates include PhD students or individuals holding a post-doctorate position within 5 years of their PhD degree award or research technicians within 7 years of their last degree award (discounting any time spent on parental, illness or similarly extensive non-holiday leave).

Funding: 15 proposals, each 500€, are expected to be funded. Participation fees, travel, and subsistence expenses are eligible costs.

CESAM success stories: In previous editions, at least 5 PhD students were awarded with these grants.

Prospective dates: April-May 2026

Funding to attend conferences.

Funding: Ten proposals, each 500€, are expected to be funded. Participation fees, travel, and subsistence expenses are eligible costs.

How to apply

In all the cases where funding is involved, applications must be submitted by email to fellowships@euromarinenetwork.eu. You should read the call announcement carefully to check the information and templates you must submit. Applicants must complete a declaration form signed by CESAM’s representative (the researcher Paulo Baganha Baptista). You must remember that if you are considering applying, you must follow these guidelines. Contact with the Research Support Office (research@ua.pt) will be essential to properly address the eventual reduction in overheads regarding the Foresight workshops and Cooperation grants.

Supporting material

CESAM organised an online info session with staff from EuroMarine and successful histories of applications (one for a Foresight Workshop and another one from a Cooperation Grant). It is a good way to understand these opportunities better, and the successful testimonies are truly inspiring. The recording is available here.

Additional information can be found here.

Get in touch with us (cesam-gesciencia@ua.pt) and we can provide you with specific support (even in calls without funding involved).