Pushing the frontier of knowledge and conservation action for deep sea ecosystems

The EU-wide funding call “Pushing the frontier of knowledge and conservation action for deep sea ecosystems” is aimed at research institutions, universities, companies, NGOs, and public bodies from EU member states and associated countries. With a total budget of up to €9 million at a 100% funding rate, bathypelagic and abyssopelagic habitats below 1,000 m depth are to be investigated. Innovative monitoring and analysis methods such as multi-omics, imaging, or acoustic techniques will be supported to expand the knowledge base on biodiversity, ecological functional relationships, and climate impacts in deep-sea ecosystems. The goal is to develop scientifically sound protection, management, and restoration approaches, thereby advancing the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 as well as international agreements such as the BBNJ Treaty. Applications can be submitted until 17 September 2026; the call is part of Horizon Europe for Research & Innovation, Environment/Nature Conservation, and Climate Action.

A prerequisite for a successful application is a consortium structure with at least three independent legal entities from different countries, as well as compliance with ethical and security-sensitive requirements. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material and travel costs, equipment, and subcontractor services. Evaluation will be based on the criteria of Excellence, Impact, and Quality and efficiency of implementation. Application documents include a project description, budget plan, CVs of key personnel, and an ethics self-assessment. Project management foresees milestones for market analyses, open market consultations, and the development of field tests. This funding opportunity offers the chance to translate pioneering research results into concrete conservation measures and to contribute, as part of an international consortium, to the preservation and sustainable management of the deep sea.