DTO-BioFlow second open call for marine biodiversity data

DTO-BioFlow aims to address existing challenges in the collection, harmonisation, accessibility, and analysis of marine biodiversity data. The project focuses on integrating these data and analytical tools into Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO) architectures and ensuring the applicability of a functional DTO biodiversity component to address policy-relevant needs and uses. 

Their second call for marine biodiversity (monitoring) data is open until the end of February 2025. They are inviting international networks, citizen science initiatives, research institutes, universities, and NGOs to contribute marine biodiversity data to the European Digital Twin of the Ocean.  

Objectives: 

The open call is looking for marine biodiversity data holders who can contribute to the DTO-BioFlow project, by establishing ingestion pipelines to the EU DTO and thereby increasing the flow of relevant biodiversity data. Successful applicants can receive financial support to do so and receive data training. Selected beneficiaries commit to the following activities: 

• Workshop Participation: Attend a workshop (3 to 5 June 2025, Paris) on data reformatting and quality control for EMODnet Biology. In-person attendance is required for one representative; online options are available for additional attendees. 
• Online Training: Complete EMODnet Biology's online training course (mandatory for one representative per beneficiary). 
• Data Contribution: Develop and implement data flow pipelines to EMODnet Biology, including through intermediate systems like ICES or ETN. 
• Automation & Continuity: Automate and sustain data submission to ensure ongoing contributions to the DTO. 
• Data Standards: Format, standardise, and quality control data using international standards (e.g., Darwin Core, OBIS-ENV-DATA) and tools like the EMODnet Biology QC Check tool. 
• Metadata & Open Access to data: Publish metadata and data through EMODnet Biology, ensuring open access (preferably under a CC-BY license). 
• Reporting: Submit progress reports every four months and a final report after 12 months. 

Eligible applicants: 

This call is open to data holders such as international networks, citizen science networks, research institutes, universities, and NGOs, capable of ensuring sustained and long-term integration of previously inaccessible data into the EU DTO. Beneficiaries or affiliated partners of the DTO-BioFlow project are not eligible for funding under this call. 

Applicants need to have the rights and permissions to work with the data, and bring these into the public domain under an open license. The applicants need to declare that all samples/materials underlying the data were collected in compliance with national & international legislation, and be able to show the necessary documents when requested. 

For additional details on application eligibility, see the page for the open call.  

Budget: 

Maximum amount of financial support for each application is EUR 60 000. Half of the funding (50%) will be granted at the start of the project, the other half (50%) will be granted at the end of the project, which corresponds to a successful realization of the proposed activities. 

Duration: 

Results of the call will be announced on 31 March 2025. Selected projects will be implemented for a period of 12 months, with a planned start of 01 May 2025 and end on 30 April 2026. Details on the timeline is presented in the page for the open call 

DTO-BioFlow 

DTO-BioFlow second open call for marine biodiversity (monitoring) data 

Application template 

Application Platform 

For questions about the open call, contact: opencall@dto-bioflow.eu