2017 Shiptime Call

The Marine Institute invited applications for grant-aid towards the cost of ship-time onboard the national research vessels (R.V. Celtic Explorer and R.V. Celtic Voyager) during 2017.

Grant-aid will be provided for ship-time to carry out:

• Research

 The 2017 call had two elements – a thematic area (seven themes) and a targeted area (two areas). Eligible applicants could apply under both elements.

Thematic

Applications were accepted from research performing organisations (Higher Education Institutions, Public Research Bodies and Industry) within the island of Ireland to carry out ship-based research activity within the following thematic areas:

• Ecosystems Approach to Marine Resource Management
• Seabed Processes & Resources
• Climate/Environmental Change
• Renewable Ocean Energy
• Biodiscovery/Biodiversity
• Testing of Novel Marine Technologies
• Marine Policy/Legislation

Expected vessel availability for research surveys was:

• Celtic Voyager: 80 days
• Celtic Explorer: 45 days   

Targeted Area

1. A targeted slot onboard the Celtic Explorer for a period of 10 days incorporating a return transatlantic crossing is being offered. Applicants were invited to submit proposals which would utilise the opportunity of the return (eastbound) transatlantic crossing in May 2017 to complete research in the North Atlantic. Please note that funding will cover ship-time only, and applicants will have to have available funds to cover flight costs to Canada to commence the survey.

International collaboration with Canadian organisations was strongly encouraged. The Marine Institute can provide contact details, if required.

2. Surveys led by early stage emerging marine researchers/scientists. A total of 30 days was available on the Celtic Voyager in 2017, in three 10-day slots. This is to enable early stage researchers to gain access to the research vessels to pursue research in their area of speciality, and to gain experience in managing a scientific survey.

 Applicants were expected to demonstrate how the proposed work addresses national priorities or EU/international legislative requirements within the above themes and to provide clear evidence of expected deliverables/outputs.

 Collaborative and/or multi-disciplinary applications that fully utilise the research capabilities of the vessels were strongly encouraged.

OR

• Dedicated Training Programmes

Applications were accepted from Higher Education Institutions within the island of Ireland, to provide dedicated undergraduate and/or postgraduate training programmes onboard the vessels.

Applicants were requested to contact the Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology who are responsible for co-ordinating national training for third-level student in marine-related science and technologies (email : smart@gmit.ie) prior to submitting their application.

Expected vessel availability for training programmes:

• Celtic Voyager: 70 days

How to Apply:

For further information and details on submitting your application, please read the relevant Guidelines for Applicants:

Grant-Aid Guidelines—Research Surveys
Grant-Aid Guidelines—Ship-Based Training

N.B.  All applicants must complete an online application for use of the ship via the Survey Planning System (SPS), followed by an online application for grant-aid via the Research Information Management System (RIMS).

The closing date for receipt of applications on RIMS was 7:00 hours on Thursday, 8^th September 2016.

This initiative is supported by the Marine Institute, and is funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Irish Government.