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 has been extended until December 6 2024, 19:00 CET 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 6th December 2024, 23:59 CET at international.xjenzamalta@gov.mt.
Additional information can be found in the documents below:
Expression of Interest for Malta-Based Researchers
First Calls for access to RV Gaia Blu_Application Form_Private entities
First Calls for access to RV Gaia Blu_Application Form_Public Entities
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Xjenza Malta on francesca.grillo@gov.mt if they require any further assistance.
