SEAS-ERA

SEAS-ERA

SEAS-ERA is a network of 21 partners, including 19 national R&D funding organizations from 18 countries and the Marine Council of the European Science Foundation. The overall objective of SEAS-ERA is to establish a platform of R&D funding organizations for the coordination and integration of national/regional marine research programmes with a view to developing a comprehensive operational European framework for marine research in relation to both European basins (Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Seas) and pan-European challenges. It began in May 2010 with a duration of four years under the European Union's 7th Framework Program. The main sub-objectives of SEAS-ERA are:

• improve cooperation and coordination of national/regional R&D funding programs to establish a European Marine and Maritime Research Agenda;
• mobilize competitive and non-competitive funds for research in a more coordinated way, through joint Calls and joint programs, respectively;
• propose a plan for sustainable and improved use of existing marine research infrastructures, developing a common vision;
• reduce imbalances between regions by building human capacity, helping to establish a pan-European strategy for the mobility and training of human resources;
• increasing public awareness of marine and maritime political and scientific issues in Europe, as well as emphasizing the role of science in marine and maritime policy.