Both, Europe and Southeast Asia increasingly suffer from the impact of climate change and related extreme weather events, sea-level rise and changing precipitation patterns. Adaptation to these conditions and increased local resilience are high on the agenda in both regions. Therefore, the European Commission (EC) and the JFS funders have decided to devote the 2024 JFS Call for Proposals to the overall area of CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND LOCAL RESILIENCE and to support under the umbrella of this area research proposals for the following three topics towards sustainable green and blue economies.
• Topic 1: Waste water treatment and reuse (industrial & municipal)
• Topic 2: Underwater and above-water biomass farms working with renewable energy
• Topic 3: Assessment and remediation of contaminated inorganic and organic soils
Topic 1: Waste water treatment and reuse (industrial & municipal):
Climate Change can lead to changed precipitation patterns. This can have an impact on waster water compositions and amounts. Droughts may require careful use and recirculation of water. Under the 2024 Call, research proposals will be selected for funding that address the impact of climate change e.g. through the development of costeffective technologies on water and wastewater reuse and recycling for industries and communities. Projects may address potable and non-potable uses, emerging pollutants, and/or possible nutrient recovery following circular economy pathways.
Topic 2: Underwater and above-water biomass farms working with renewable energy
With increasing population, greenhouse gas emissions related to biomass production and the requirement for new and more biomass production, underwater and above-waster biomass farms working with renewable energy are getting attention as part of the development towards a climate neutral society. This topic supports sustainable utilization of marine and coastal ecosystems in both the European and Southeast Asian regions. Policy documents such as the European Green Deal and the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework strategy encourage the establishment of marine biomass farms based on renewable energy sources. The 2024 JFS Call plans to support research proposals addressing aspects like developing submarine and offshore biomass farms (fishing, micro and macro algae harvesting) that will be powered by ecosystem-sensitive net zero emission energy production using both renewable energy sources such as wind, current, wave and sun and/or various hydrogen sources in water (H2O, H2S, NH3, etc.).
Topic 3: Assessment and remediation of contaminated inorganic and organic soils
The research on assessment and remediation of contaminated soils is vital for both ASEAN and EU. It enhances agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation, aligning with sustainability goals. Collaboration can drive policy implementation, technological advancement, and economic development, supporting global environmental and socio-economic objectives. Research proposals submitted under the 2024 JFS Call may include expertise related to e.g. Bioremediation, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Policy and Management, Geochemistry, Inorganic Absorbents, Soil Engineering & Science, Sustainable Development.
Type of funded projects:
• Southeast Asia - Europe Joint Call Project consortia must comprise of at least 3 partners from 3 different countries fulfilling the basic 2+1 rule: either 2 partners from 2 different Southeast Asian countries and 1 European partner OR 2 partners from 2 different European countries and 1 Southeast Asian partner. At least 1 partner from each region must be eligible for JFS funding.
• The Project Coordinator must be selected from among the partners eligible for funding. The third partner can be funded by a funding organisation from a country participating in the JFS or bring his/her own funding.
• The proposals have to address the link and impact of the proposal to the overall area of “CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND LOCAL RESILIENCE” to enhance bi-regional cooperation and develop new partnerships as well as strengthen the existing ones.
• The JFS wants to support integrated research approaches and specifically encourages the submission of proposals by interdisciplinary consortia including expertise from humanities and social sciences.
• Proponents are requested to read carefully the National Regulations from the funding organisation that you are requesting funding from, as well as the National Regulations from the partners, since the National Regulations may include additional requirements, e.g.: certain Technology Readiness Levels, submission proposal to the funders’ website besides to JFS’, budget allocation criteria, etc.
Information on participating countries/ funding organisations and their National Regulations, how to apply and deadlines will be published in the SEA-EU JFS website as well as announced in our social media channels: FaceBook & X (Twitter) on 2 September 2024. In addition, the Secretariat will organise a Brokerage Event and a Lab Exploration Tour, in accordance helping proponents to find the matching research partners from Southeast Asia and/or Europe. Details on all JFS events will be published on our website and social media channels as well. In order to make sure not to miss any news and events about SEA-EU JFS we strongly recommend you to subscribe to our Newsletter.
