A stronger Global Ocean Observing System to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation
A stronger Global Ocean Observing System to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation funds ocean teams’ observing networks for climate and biodiversity knowledge.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: February 16, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: €50 million total topic budget; one €50 million award expected
Summary: Supports the deployment, optimisation and long-term sustainability of global ocean observing systems for biodiversity, climate resilience and European strategic autonomy.
Key Information: Collected in-situ marine observation data must be openly available through EMODnet using FAIR principles.
Description
This European Commission Horizon Europe Innovation Action supports a stronger Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), coordinated under IOC-UNESCO and aligned with the OceanEye initiative. It combines immediate deployment of ocean observation equipment with long-term improvements to observing networks, technologies and open data delivery. The primary geographic focus is areas beyond national jurisdiction, including under-observed polar regions and the deep sea.
Proposals should bring together ocean observation scientists, research infrastructures, industry and service operators to maintain critical observations and improve biodiversity and ecosystem knowledge. Priorities include network optimisation, high-TRL sensors, integration of in-situ observations with remote sensing and modelling, and training and knowledge exchange. The action aims to sustain reliable services such as Copernicus, strengthen European leadership and reduce critical technological dependencies.
