DTO-BioFlow has successfully closed its second open call, receiving a high level of interest and reinforcing its commitment to advancing marine biodiversity monitoring. This initiative builds upon the success of the first call and makes a meaningful contribution to the EU's mission of restoring oceans and waters by 2030. The response to this call was overwhelming: the application period closed on 28 February 2025, with an impressive 61 proposals submitted, reflecting a growing global dedication to ocean conservation. This surge in participation highlights the collective efforts of research institutes, universities, NGOs, private companies, and citizen science initiatives, all working toward a shared goal: a more comprehensive and data-driven understanding of our marine ecosystems.
Strengthening Data Collection Across European Waters
Applications were submitted from 19 countries across Europe and beyond, all focused on projects that collect marine biodiversity data within EU waters. Proposals came from organizations in Turkey, Estonia, Portugal, Israel, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, France, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Indonesia, Slovenia, Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Cyprus. This broad participation reflects the growing collaboration between scientific institutions, government bodies, and environmental organizations working to enhance data integration and support the Digital Twin of the Ocean.
What’s Next: Selection and a Landmark Workshop in Paris
With the application phase complete, a panel of experts is now carefully reviewing submissions. The selection process focuses on identifying projects that can enable long-term data contributions, feeding valuable biodiversity insights into the EU Digital Twins of the Ocean through EMODnet, the European Marine Observation and Data Network. This aligns with the overarching Horizon Europe Mission to restore our oceans and waters by 2030.
Successful applicants will receive DTO-BioFlow project FSTP grants of up to €60,000 and gain access to an exclusive data training workshop in Paris from 3 to 5 June 2025. This event will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, offering training in data transformation, quality control, and metadata management, alongside best practices for marine data collection. More than just a technical gathering, the workshop will be a collaborative forum where participants refine methodologies, discuss challenges, and strengthen connections within the growing marine biodiversity data network.
Be the First to Meet the Winners
The announcement of selected projects will take place in early April 2025. Want to be among the first to meet the winners and follow their journey? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead with exclusive insights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content on the groundbreaking work shaping the future of ocean conservation.
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