The Joint Call on Offshore Freshened Groundwater by JPI Oceans funds research to improve scientific understanding of offshore freshened groundwater systems. With a total budget of €2.0 million, the initiative supports drilling, hydrogeological and geochemical analyses, pumping tests, and environmental assessments to inform sustainable management, policy, and governance. Applications close on 6 March 2026.
Overview of the Program
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Purpose: Advance knowledge on offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) resources through coordinated research.
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Total funding: €2.0 million contributed by four partner organisations.
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Application deadline: 6 March 2026.
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Maximum project duration: 3 years, starting within six months of selection results, no later than 15 December 2026.
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Geographic focus: Preferentially North Adriatic Sea (Friuli Venezia Giulia); other European marine basins include the Mediterranean, North Sea, and Baltic Sea.
Focus Areas and Objectives
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Scientific drilling and proof of concept studies.
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Hydrogeological and geochemical characterisation of OFG systems.
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Pumping tests to validate groundwater systems.
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Assessment of distribution, recharge mechanisms, and long-term viability.
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Environmental, technological, and economic feasibility studies.
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Legal and governance frameworks for sustainable OFG use.
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Onshore-offshore connectivity and system functioning analysis.
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Age, hydraulic, and hydrogeologic property assessment.
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Environmental impacts and ecosystem monitoring, including groundwater seeps.
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Evidence-based inputs for policy, regulation, and strategic resource management.
Eligible Applicants
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Research and industry Project Partners eligible for national funding from participating funding partners.
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Associated (self-funded) Partners may participate under specific conditions:
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Must provide written proof of independent funding.
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Cannot coordinate the project or play a critical role.
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Not counted toward minimum eligibility requirements.
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Project coordinator must be eligible for funding from a participating national funding partner.
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Consortium eligibility must be verified prior to submission.
Key Requirements
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Integrate drilling campaigns with advanced hydrogeological and geochemical analyses.
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Conduct pumping tests and environmental assessments.
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Generate systematic, evidence-based data for OFG management.
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Support policy development, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
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Monitor ecosystems, environmental baselines, and groundwater seeps.
Why This Call Matters
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Addresses critical knowledge gaps on offshore freshened groundwater.
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Supports sustainable use and strategic management of OFG resources.
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Generates data for policy-making and governance frameworks.
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Encourages collaboration between research and industry partners across Europe.
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Promotes understanding of environmental and socio-economic impacts of groundwater exploitation.
Tips for Applicants
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Verify consortium eligibility with national funding partners before submission.
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Ensure project scope includes drilling, hydrogeological analyses, and environmental assessment.
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Include self-funded partners only as minor contributors with documented proof of independent financing.
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Highlight policy relevance, governance considerations, and ecosystem protection measures.
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Plan for a 3-year project timeline with deliverables aligned to funding requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who can apply? Research and industry partners eligible for funding from national funding partners.
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Can self-funded organisations participate? Yes, as Associated Partners with restrictions.
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What is the total funding? €2.0 million.
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What is the project duration? Maximum of 3 years.
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Where is the research focused? Preferentially North Adriatic Sea; also Mediterranean, North Sea, and Baltic Sea.
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What activities are supported? Drilling, hydrogeological and geochemical analyses, pumping tests, environmental monitoring, and governance assessment.
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Who can coordinate the project? Only eligible funded Project Partners from participating national funding agencies.
Conclusion
The JPI Oceans Joint Call on Offshore Freshened Groundwater enables strategic, collaborative research to advance scientific understanding, assess environmental and socio-economic feasibility, and inform policy and governance for sustainable management of OFG resources in Europe.
For more information, visit JPI Oceans.
