The call will support research
and innovation projects that establish integrated and cross-sectoral approaches for risk-management combining the research areas of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs), pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. The whole water cycle, from the source through the river basins and eventually to the estuaries and oceans, has to be considered. 26 countries are pooling resources of about 22 M€ to implement the joint transnational call for research and innovation projects.
There are still major risks associated with the occurrence of emerging contaminants, pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria in our water bodies and oceans. To face these challenges in a comprehensive way and to develop multidisciplinary and practical solutions for the provision of safe drinking water and healthy aquatic environments, this Joint Transnational Call (JTC) aims to make the research communities in the freshwater, marine and the health sectors work together and create synergies for joint approaches.
Call themes
The call is divided into 3 themes with several subthemes. Research & innovation proposals are invited to respond to at least one of the following themes:
- Measuring – Environmental behaviour of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria in aquatic ecosystems
- Evaluating – Risk assessment and management of CECs, pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria from aquatic ecosystems (inland, coastal and marine) to human health and environment
- Taking Actions – Strategies to reduce CECs, pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria in aquatic ecosystems (inland, coastal and marine)
Call Timeline
- Call opening: 17 February 2020
- Deadline pre-proposals: 16th April 2020:
- Invitation to submit full proposals: June 2020
- Deadline full proposals: 14th August 2020
- Funding decision announced: October 2020
- Start of projects: December 2020 – March 2021
- Project ends: 30 June 2024
Support for applicants
Information Webinar for Applicants
12 March 2020, 13 – 14.30, online. Register Now!
Partnering Tool on AquaticPollutants Submission Platform
On the Online Submission Platform, a specific section is provided where you can search for partners or enter your partnering profile.
Guidelines for proposal submission
South African applicants are advised to submit their project outlines to the Water Research Commission (WRC), before submitting to the AquaticPollutants call secretariat. The project outlines should be aligned to one or more of the WRC strategic objectives to qualify for funding and also highlight the required financial cost for the SA partner to get WRC endorsement. Please submit the project outlines to the WRC AquaticPollutants National Contact Point (NCP), Mr Tiyani Chauke tiyanic@wrc.org.za not later than 2 weeks (by 3rd of April 2020) before the call deadline. This is to allow sufficient time for the WRC experts to assess the applications.
Please see below links for more Call information:
