Building on the results from the joint transnational call “Ecological aspects of microplastics in the marine environment” and recent scientific findings this joint transnational call intends to increase the knowledge about the relevant sources of microplastics, analytical methods for identifying smaller micro- and nano-)plastics, monitoring their distribution and abundance in marine systems and their effects thereon as well as concepts to reduce inputs of plastic into the marine environment.
For this call funding partners from Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden have allocated a total amount of up to 10.5 million EUR funding. In addition, researchers based in other countries are able to participate with their own resources.
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:
- Identification, characterisation and quantification of the major microplastic sources, especially mechanisms and time scales of macroplastic fragmentation
- New sampling and analytical methodologies - focusing on the smaller (nano-)particles and in situ measurement methods for all matrices (water, sediment, biota)
- Monitoring and mapping of microplastics in the marine environment including its effects on the marine environment
- Concepts to reduce inputs of plastics into the marine environment including through new recycling methods, raising public awareness, promoting behavioural change, socio-economic analyses
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.
The deadline for submitting proposals is on 28 February 2019 at 12:00 CET (mid-day). All applications must be submitted via the submission platform.
Details of the call, including the call announcement and the application process are provided on the submission platform. Before starting to prepare proposals, applicants are advised to consult the national funding guidelines and contact their funding organisation(s) as listed in the annex documents for the call.