The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) is thrilled to announce the pre-launch of an unprecedented initiative in marine research – the JPI Oceans Joint Call on ‘Consequences of Changing Marine Lightscapes’. This groundbreaking endeavor aims to illuminate the intricate dynamics of shifting marine light environments, offering profound insights into their ecological implications.
Marine ecosystems, shaped over millennia by natural light conditions, are undergoing unprecedented transformations. Coastal Darkening, characterized by a gradual reduction in water clarity, and the proliferation of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) in coastal regions, stand as hallmarks of this transition. Through this joint call, MCST endeavors to unravel the multifaceted drivers and consequences of these changes, paving the way for informed management strategies.
Driven by a year-long scoping process, the initiative has been meticulously crafted to address critical knowledge gaps. From biodiversity and biogeochemistry to ecosystem functioning and food web architecture, the call encompasses a diverse array of research avenues.
Moreover, proposed projects are encouraged to explore innovative mitigation measures, harnessing technological advancements and policy interventions to foster sustainable marine environments. As a key supporter of the scientific progress, MCST underscores the importance of disseminating project outcomes, ensuring that insights gained permeate policy frameworks and societal discourse.
The timeline for this groundbreaking endeavor is as follows:
- Call publication: 2 April 2024
- Deadline for submitting proposals: 30 May 2024 – 17:00 CEST
- Selection of full proposals: Q4 2024
- Commencement of projects: Q1/Q2 2025
The joint call presents a unique opportunity for researchers and stakeholders to converge, catalyzing transformative change in marine research. Eligibility for participation is open to research partners and industry collaborators from Malta as well as other participating countries, fostering a spirit of international cooperation and knowledge exchange. As MCST, we are committed to driving Malta’s scientific agenda forward, leveraging collaborative initiatives such as this joint call to propel our nation onto the global stage of marine research excellence.
The Malta Council for Science and Technology as one of the Research Funding Organizations will launch the 2024 JPI Oceans “Consequences in Changing Marine Lightscapes” Joint Call for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology and will be funding R&I projects addressing challenges on the following priority areas:
- Observing changes in marine lightscapes
- Causes of change in marine lightscapes
- Consequences of changing marine lightscapes
- Managing impacts of changing marine lightscapes
Entities based in Malta are eligible for funding, with the option of requesting up to €200,000 to participate in the Project consortium*.
We are more than pleased to arrange one-on-one meetings to explore and discuss this funding opportunity in greater detail kindly contact eusubmissions.mcst@gov.mt.
This article was last updated on: March 21, 2024