Xjenza Malta is providing additional financial support to Malta-based entities collaborating with the Italian National Research Council (CNR) for access to ship time aboard the Research Vessel Gaia Blu.

The R/V Gaia Blu offers a platform for conducting advanced marine research, varying from oceanographic surveys, environmental monitoring, long-term data collection, and educational or outreach-focused cruises. Researchers can propose a variety of projects on several research fields as is highlighted in the CNR Application Form. This ship time opportunity enables multidisciplinary studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of the Mediterranean’s marine environment, supporting a wide range of scientific and environmental goals. The deadline to submit proposals to CNR by the Principal Investigator is November 30, 2024, and selected projects will be able to conduct their research activities in the Mediterranean Sea between March and December 2025.

To participate, projects need to include a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) from CNR, however further collaborations with Italian and international researchers is encouraged. Researchers with a project idea are encouraged to contact previous collaborators or reach out to potential new partners who may be interested in this call. For those seeking assistance in identifying a suitable CNR collaborator, Xjenza Malta can facilitate by sharing relevant information with CNR. To request this support, please complete the attached expression of interest form and submit it to francesca.grillo@gov.mt.

For full details on how to apply and to access the guidelines and additional documentation visit the official CNR webpage: CNR Gaia Blu Call.

Xjenza Malta’s additional funding is aimed to facilitate the active participation of Malta-based researchers in this international collaboration. Up to €6,000 per researcher is available to cover travel and other operating expenses that are not funded by CNR, within the scope of the Malta-based researchers’ involvement. To access these funds, Malta-based entities are requested to send to Xjenza Malta the attached national application form for financial assistance from Xjenza Malta, together with a copy of the submitted application form to CNR by the Principal Investigator. Malta-based entities collaborating with CNR must submit the attached application form to Xjenza Malta by 4th December 2024, 23:59 CET at international.xjenzamalta@gov.mt.

Additional information can be found in the below link:

Information and image source: