Deadline: 10-Sep-2026
The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call invites eligible organizations in Ireland to submit research proposals addressing priority marine science, sustainable ocean management, and blue economy challenges. The programme supports both desk studies (12–18 months) and medium-scale research projects (24–36 months) that contribute to evidence-based policy, marine innovation, climate action, and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
About the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call
The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call is part of the Marine Institute’s Marine Research Programme, which supports research and innovation to strengthen Ireland’s marine sector and advance a sustainable, climate-neutral blue economy.
The programme aligns with Ireland’s national marine research strategy and international commitments by investing in research that improves scientific knowledge, informs public policy, supports sustainable economic development, and protects marine ecosystems.
The strategy coordinates national investments in marine research and innovation while promoting collaboration among academia, government, industry, and civil society. It includes 51 strategic actions that are regularly reviewed and updated through stakeholder engagement to ensure research remains responsive to emerging marine challenges.
Funding Opportunities
The programme supports two categories of research projects:
- Desk Studies
- Project duration: 12–18 months
- Medium-Scale Research Projects
- Project duration: 24–36 months
Funding is provided according to the project category and scope outlined in the official call documentation.
Programme Objectives
The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call aims to:
- Advance marine science and innovation.
- Promote sustainable use of ocean resources.
- Support evidence-based marine policy.
- Strengthen Ireland’s blue economy.
- Encourage climate-neutral marine development.
- Improve marine governance.
- Protect marine biodiversity.
- Build national research capacity.
- Promote technology transfer.
- Enhance collaboration across the marine sector.
- Increase public awareness of marine heritage.
- Support sustainable economic growth.
Research Topics
Applicants must address one of the programme’s eight priority research topics.
Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management
Research on ecosystem-based approaches for managing changing fish stocks under environmental and climate pressures.
Greening Aquaculture
Projects that improve the sustainability and environmental performance of aquaculture systems.
Sustainable Wild Seaweed Harvesting
Research supporting environmentally sustainable harvesting and management of wild seaweed resources.
Marine Policy and Seafood Production
Studies examining how marine policy influences seafood production and sustainable fisheries.
Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
Research exploring the implications of the United Nations Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Sustainable Coastal Passenger Transport
Projects supporting sustainable transitions for coastal passenger boat services.
Citizen-Led Marine Science
Research promoting citizen science initiatives that strengthen marine monitoring, education, and public participation.
Commercial Port Development
Studies assessing the socio-economic impacts of developing commercial ports and associated marine infrastructure.
Research Priorities
Projects should contribute to:
- Marine ecosystem protection.
- Sustainable fisheries.
- Climate resilience.
- Marine biodiversity conservation.
- Blue economy development.
- Ocean governance.
- Marine innovation.
- Evidence-based policymaking.
- Sustainable aquaculture.
- Coastal community development.
- Technology transfer.
- Marine resource management.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Higher education institutions.
- Universities.
- Research institutes.
- Public research organizations.
- Government research bodies.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Private companies with relevant scientific and technical expertise.
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to successfully deliver high-quality marine research.
Partnership Requirements
Applications may be submitted by:
- A single eligible organization.
- A partnership consisting of up to three partners.
The coordinating applicant must be located on the island of Ireland.
Organizations from outside Ireland may participate only as contributing partners and must provide specialist expertise that is not available within Ireland.
Eligible Project Duration
Project duration depends on the funding category:
- Desk Studies: 12–18 months.
- Medium-Scale Projects: 24–36 months.
Projects should have realistic work plans aligned with the selected funding category.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Generate high-quality scientific evidence.
- Inform marine policy and governance.
- Support sustainable marine industries.
- Improve understanding of marine ecosystems.
- Strengthen climate resilience.
- Enhance marine innovation.
- Promote sustainable economic development.
- Increase collaboration between research and industry.
- Support knowledge exchange.
- Contribute to national and international marine strategies.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps.
- Review the official Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call guidelines.
- Select one of the eight priority research topics.
- Confirm organizational eligibility.
- Form a partnership if required.
- Develop a detailed research proposal.
- Prepare a work plan and project timeline.
- Develop a realistic project budget.
- Complete the official application form.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline.
- Respond to any clarification requests during the evaluation process if required.
Application Components
A competitive proposal should generally include:
- Applicant information.
- Organizational eligibility details.
- Research project description.
- Selected priority topic.
- Research methodology.
- Expected outcomes.
- Work plan.
- Timeline.
- Budget and budget justification.
- Partnership information (if applicable).
- Knowledge dissemination strategy.
- Supporting documentation requested by the programme.
Selection Criteria
Applications are expected to be assessed based on:
- Scientific excellence.
- Relevance to programme priorities.
- Innovation.
- Policy impact.
- Research methodology.
- Feasibility.
- Research team expertise.
- Collaboration quality.
- Knowledge transfer potential.
- Expected societal and environmental impact.
Projects with strong scientific foundations and clear policy relevance are likely to be more competitive.
Why This Research Call Matters
Healthy oceans are essential for biodiversity, food security, climate regulation, renewable energy, and sustainable economic development.
The programme supports:
- Better marine governance.
- Sustainable fisheries.
- Climate-neutral economic growth.
- Marine biodiversity conservation.
- Sustainable aquaculture.
- Coastal resilience.
- Evidence-based policymaking.
- Innovation in marine industries.
- Public engagement with marine science.
- Long-term protection of Ireland’s marine resources.
By investing in targeted marine research, the programme strengthens Ireland’s leadership in ocean science while supporting national and international sustainability goals.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid these common mistakes.
- Selecting research topics outside the programme priorities.
- Submitting weak or incomplete research methodologies.
- Failing to demonstrate policy relevance.
- Preparing unrealistic project timelines.
- Providing unclear budgets.
- Including ineligible consortium structures.
- Failing to explain the value of international partners.
- Submitting incomplete supporting documentation.
Strong proposals should clearly demonstrate scientific excellence, practical impact, policy relevance, and alignment with Ireland’s marine research priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call?
It is a competitive research funding programme under the Marine Institute’s Marine Research Programme that supports research addressing priority marine science, sustainable ocean management, and blue economy challenges in Ireland.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, research institutes, public research bodies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies with relevant scientific and technical expertise.
Can organizations apply as partnerships?
Yes. Applications may be submitted by a single organization or a partnership of up to three partners.
Can international organizations participate?
Yes. Organizations outside Ireland may participate as contributing partners if they provide specialist expertise that is unavailable on the island of Ireland. However, the coordinating applicant must be based on the island of Ireland.
What research topics are supported?
The programme supports research on ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, wild seaweed harvesting, marine policy, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, coastal passenger transport, citizen science, and the socio-economic impacts of commercial ports.
How long can projects run?
Desk studies may last 12–18 months, while medium-scale research projects may run for 24–36 months.
What makes a strong application?
Competitive proposals demonstrate scientific excellence, innovative research methods, policy relevance, realistic implementation plans, strong partnerships, and clear contributions to sustainable marine management and the blue economy.
Conclusion
The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Research Call provides an important opportunity for researchers and organizations in Ireland to contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources and the development of a climate-neutral blue economy. By supporting both desk studies and medium-scale research projects across eight strategic marine topics, the programme promotes scientific excellence, informs public policy, strengthens innovation, and enhances the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s marine environment and coastal communities.
For more information, visit Marine Institute.
