A Transnational research project aiming to tackle ocean microplastic pollution through raising public awareness, promoting behavioural change, using new recycling methods and more. Application deadline: 28 February.

The Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans), established in 2011, is an intergovernmental platform, open to all EU Member States and Associated Countries who invest in marine and maritime research.

This year, twelve JPI Oceans member countries such as Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany and Sweden together with Brazil launched a call for transnational research projects of approx. 9.2 M€ to study the sources, distribution and impact of microplastics in the marine environment. Through this new call, JPI Oceans is aiming to promote European and transatlantic research cooperation on the issue, and contribute to the Regional Seas Conventions, to the implementation of the Belém Statement as well as G7, G20 and UN aims of reducing (micro-) plastic pollution in the ocean.

This call comprises four main themes:

1. Identification, characterisation and quantification of the major microplastic sources, especially mechanisms and time scales of macroplastic fragmentation
2. New sampling and analytical methodologies - focusing on the smaller (nano-)particles and in situ measurement methods for all matrices (water, sediment, biota)
3. Monitoring and mapping of microplastics in the marine environment including its effects on the marine environment
4. Concepts to reduce inputs of plastics into the marine environment including through new recycling methods, raising public awareness, promoting behavioural change, socio-economic analyse

Rules for Participation

• Each application must address at least one of the four themes of the call. Please note that not all funding partners will fund applications in all topic areas.
• Proposals need to involve eligible research partners from at least three participating countries. Projects will be funded for up to 36 months. The maximum requested funding per proposal is € 2,000,000. Researchers based in other countries are able to participate with their own resources.
• The deadline for submitting proposals is on 28 February at 12:00 CET (mid-day). All applications must be submitted via the submission platform.