European Project AQUARIUS Launches Transnational Access Call

The AQUARIUS-RI project is a European initiative aimed at developing and strengthening a collaborative network of marine and oceanographic research infrastructures, with the goal of improving the monitoring of marine ecosystems, understanding environmental changes, and addressing the impacts of climate change on ocean life.

Focusing on innovation and international scientific collaboration, AQUARIUS-RI promotes data sharing, advances science for ocean conservation and sustainability, and supports decision-making for the sustainable management of marine resources and biodiversity. Through cutting-edge technologies, the project provides access to advanced facilities and tools, contributing to sustainable ocean governance.

The Hydrographic Institute (Instituto Hidrográfico – IH) participates in AQUARIUS-RI by developing scientific tools hosted in a Virtual Laboratory (VLab), within the Virtual Research Environment of the Blue-Cloud 2026 project, aligned with the EOSC strategy and open science principles. These scientific tools, combined with data collected through Transnational Access (TA) programs, will enable the creation of new products and the expansion of existing services in the VLab. IH is also responsible for training activities related to the Virtual Laboratory and its Thematic Services.

TA calls are a key pillar of AQUARIUS-RI, offering scientists from the EU and partner countries free access to network infrastructures, with technical and scientific support. These initiatives foster scientific excellence, knowledge exchange, and cooperation among research centers. The next Transnational Access call has already been announced and features the Hydrographic Institute in the promotional video accompanying the launch.

AQUARIUS-RI also offers a variety of training opportunities, including the Seabed Mapping Training Programme, Internships, Summer Schools, and Floating Universities.