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 in the two-year period 2026-2027.

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 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 15^th October 2025, and selected projects will be able to conduct their research activities in the Mediterranean Sea in 2026 and 2027.

To participate, projects need to include a Principal Investigator 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 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 with a maximum capping of €30,000 per entity 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 a 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 application form to Xjenza Malta by 22nd October 2025, 23:59 CET at international.xjenzamalta@gov.mt.

Application form

·        Application form for undertakings that carry out an economic activity within the meaning of Article 107 TFEU

Click here to apply (Private Entities).

·        Application from for Public Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisations that do not engage in an economic activity within the meaning of Article 107 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Public Entities whose activity does not constitute an economic activity within the meaning of Article 107 TFEU (Excluding Public Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisations) (Public RKDOs and Public entities).

Click here to apply (Public Entities)

Private entities must also submit a state aid declaration (de minimis) which can be downloaded from the resource page.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Xjenza Malta on sandrine.borg.1@gov.mt if they require any further assistance.