Offering access to marine infrastructure
ASSEMBLE partners are developing an integrated infrastructure to optimize the possibilities for European scientists to excel in research on marine ecosystems and marine biological models using the most advanced approaches in modern biology. On-site and remote access is available for marine research projects.
When?
The third ASSEMBLE call for applications is now open. Apply for on-site access to the ASSEMBLE infrastructure sites, for projects taking place within the time period December 2010 - May 2011. Deadline for applications is 15 September 2010. Remote access (shipment) of marine models and algal culture collections can be applied for all year around. See Calls and Selection for more information.
Who?
Only European user groups (from EU Members states or Associated states) can apply and only to ASSEMBLE sites outside their own country. New users and users from outside the ASSEMBLE network are prioritized as are users moving from a non-marine area into the marine field. The proposed project can not be led by scientists working at the infrastructure site applied to. Also, proposed projects that to some extent include local scientists will have lower priority than independent projects. See Access rules for more information.
What?
Applications for access to marine infrastructure for conduction of complete, smaller research projects (not for training, workshops or outreach activities).
Each ASSEMBLE infrastructure site offers access to a wide range of installations such as general laboratories, state-of-the-art experimental facilities, technological platforms, research vessels, and a wide variety of marine organisms (either on-site or by shipment). An overview of each ASSEMBLE infrastructure site and the installations offered for access can be obtained at The infrastructure sites.
Proposed projects should be using local ecosystems, species or models. Projects where users only want to bring their own samples to do experiments or analyses are not eligible for funding.
ASSEMBLE can (i) for on-site access fund up to 4 weeks of research visits if these take place within the call designated 6-month project period and (ii) for remote access fund shipments up to a value of €5000. Due to different budget limitations across the ASSEMBLE sites as well as oversubscription non top ranked applicants may be asked to co-fund the proposed project.
On-site access will be provided free of charge, including the logistical, technological, and scientific support as well as any specific training that is normally provided to external researchers using the infrastructure. Basic laboratory consumables are included, but not more specialized requirements (e.g. restriction enzymes, antibodies, PCR mixes etc). On-site access including travel costs (economy tickets, reimbursed only after the visit) and accommodation costs at fixed rates will be covered for 1-2 users per group.
Remote access to marine samples will be provided free of charge except for the actual shipment costs that will be charged to the user.
How?
Information about the infrastructure sites and what installations each site offers access to may be found (i) at the one-page overviews here at the ASSEMBLE site; (ii) at respective institute´s web page (iii) by contacting the site directly to resolve more detailed questions and/or to discuss the viability, relevance and feasibility of a proposed research visit.
To apply you create a user account, fill in the application forms and submit (before deadline for on-site access); go to On-line application system to start the process.
