Rolling Transnational Access Call to Research Infrastructures (Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership)
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Clarified: infrastructure access, not a cash grant; rolling until 29 Feb 2028, next cut-off 20 Oct; conditions added
Summary
Free access to around 50 European marine research infrastructures, not a cash grant. The call is rolling until 29 February 2028 with cut-offs every 4 months; the next deadline is 20 October 2026, 11:00 CEST.
About the call
The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership opens access to research vessels, fixed platforms, mobile platforms (AUVs, gliders), laboratories, computing and virtual labs across the Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic, Black Sea and Mediterranean. Access can be physical, remote or virtual.
The Partnership covers only infrastructure access; the user team funds its own operating costs. Projects need at least two partners from two different countries, and most of the team must work outside the country providing the infrastructure. Applicants may come from any country, but access for teams mostly outside the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries is capped at 20% of the total.
Who can apply
- Universities and research organisations
- SMEs and large companies
- NGOs
- Public authorities
- Consortia from at least two countries
Who cannot apply
- Teams requesting infrastructure in their own country
- Organisations that provide the requested infrastructure
What the funds are for
- Access to research vessels and platforms
- Work in analytical labs and test benches
- Computing and virtual resources
What is not funded
- Operating costs of the user team
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
How to apply
- 1Choose an infrastructure from the catalogue (Annex A)
- 2Contact the provider and obtain feasibility confirmation
- 3Submit in English via EPSS by 20 October 2026, 11:00 CEST
Questions and answers
- Are partners required for an SBEP access proposal?
- Yes. Projects need at least two partners from two different countries, and most of the team must work outside the country providing the infrastructure.
- Does SBEP cover the team's operating costs?
- No. The Partnership covers only infrastructure access; the user team funds its own operating costs and submits a declaration of self-funding for the project.
Change history
- Updated: Clarified: infrastructure access, not a cash grant; rolling until 29 Feb 2028, next cut-off 20 Oct; conditions added
Donor contacts
Email: sbep@mur.gov.it
