On 30th November 2007, the European Union launched its second call for proposals for competitive research under the 7th Framework Programme (2007 – 2013).

The second call invites competitive research proposals from suitably qualified consortia (including from at least three Member States) under a number of topics including: 

Theme 2: Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology

Deadline for submission of proposals: 26th February 2008

Indicative topics include, but are not limited to:

• Fisheries management approach based on “maximum acceptable limits of negative impacts”.
• Assessment and mitigation of the impact of aquaculture on wild populations.
• Microbial control of more sustainable aquaculture.
• Deep sea fisheries management. 
• Measures aimed at promoting healthy eating habits.
• Bioactive compounds in traditional food products (Black Sea).
• Industrially relevant products and processes from marine biotechnology
• Aquatic anaerobic bioremediation.  

Theme 6 Environment, including climate change

Deadline for submission of proposals: 25th February 2008  

Indicative topics include, but are not limited to:

• Sea-Level Rise: trends in contributions from continental (Arctic/Antarctic) ice, processes and links to climate change,
• Climate change impacts and thresholds on Arctic Ocean Ecosystems.
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas.
• Deep-Sea Ecosystems.
• Ecosystem Approach to marine environment and resources.
• Assessing the Ecological Status of Water Bodies.
• Development of automated sensing technologies for estuarine, coastal areas and seas.
• European Environment Earth Observation System supporting INSPIRE / GEOSS.
• Monitoring / observing oxygen depletion in different
• Earth system components.
• Developing EO monitoring & prediction of environmental impacts from energy extraction, transportation and/or exploitation.  

Theme 7, Transport (including Maritime Transport)

Deadline for submission of proposals: 7th May 2008

Indicative topics include, but are not limited to:      

• New ship propulsion systems.
• Green corridors.
• Environment-friendly and efficient industrial processes.
• Preventative and emergency interventions to protect marine, coastal and land environments. ·       
• Efficient interfaces between transport modes.
• Improved services in terminals.
• Continental shipping.
• New mobility concepts for passengers ensuring accessibility for all. ·       
• The competitive ship.
• Integration of marine and maritime sciences in waterborne transport in support of the European Research Area.    

1st Call (deadline May 2007): Nine marine projects with Irish participation are currently under contract negotiation as a result of the evaluation of the 1st call.

Total grant-aid to Irish partners is estimated to be in excess of €4.7 million with two of the projects being led by Ireland.

Topics covered include, Fisheries, Renewable Ocean Energy, Marine Environment and Maritime Transport.  

For further information visit the Funding pages of our website or visit the FP7 Section on the CORDIS website.