Marine Institute Research and Innovation Call 2025

Ireland’s new Research and Innovation Call in marine science and policy is informed by priorities identified through engagement with the Marine Research Funders’ Forum (MRFF) and the national marine research and innovation community, including discussions at the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference in November 2024. The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference served as a pivotal forum for shaping Ireland’s marine research priorities, bringing together diverse stakeholders to identify key opportunities, challenges, and collaborative pathways for advancing marine science and innovation. This coordinated approach reflects a shared ambition to strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in marine research, knowledge, and technology.

This call will support the alignment of marine research and innovation activities with national and EU-level strategies and policy frameworks. It aims to optimise research impact, enable sustainable and equitable use of ocean space, and contribute to the development of a sustainable, climate-neutral blue economy.

The Marine Institute is delighted to issue this call for proposals for Desk-Studies or Medium-Scale Project Awards for research on nine topics as follows:
1.    Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management in the Celtic Sea 
2.    Marine and Maritime Resilience and Digital Readiness
3.    The High Seas Biodiversity Treaty – Implications and Obligations for Ireland 
4.    Coastal Passenger Boat Experiences – Transition to Sustainability 
5.    Baseline Study: A Plan-led Approach to Aquaculture 
6.    Protein Production Capacity and Food Security from Fisheries and Aquaculture 
7.    Decarbonising Shipping and Green Ports 
8.    Reducing Environmental Impacts of Offshore Renewable Energy
9.    Advanced Ocean Data Analytics and Modelling Infrastructure

Proposals are invited from eligible legal entities (national, EU or international) with the appropriate scientific and technical qualifications and research expertise and can be for a duration of 9 to 18 months (Desk-Studies) or 24 to 36 months (Medium-Scale Projects).

Further details on each topic are available in the Terms of Reference (opens in a new window).

Further details including the application procedure are available in the Guidelines for Applicants (opens in a new window) for this call.

All applications must be submitted through the Marine Institute's Research Information Management System (RIMS). Details on registration and links to the system are also available in the Guidelines for Applicants.  

This call will close on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 at 16:00. Please email the Research Funding Office (funding@marine.ie) if you have any queries.