Your path to cutting-edge research across Europe
Our step-by-step guide
The complete process of AQUASERV’s Transnational Access (TA) program is outlined in our step-by-step guide, from pre-application preparations to project wrap-up.
Learn about eligibility, explore available services, and receive tips on crafting a successful application.
Find out what to expect from the service provision and available support at your chosen facility.
Find out about essential follow-up tasks like submitting reports to complete your TA experience smoothly.
PRE-ACCESS
Please note that you can find all these steps in more detail in our TA handbook. This is a working document, and it is subject to regular updates. So please make sure you download the latest version.
Stage 1: Reviewing eligibility
First, make sure you’re eligible to apply! The AQUASERV Transnational Programme is open to PhD students, researchers, engineers, and other research professionals with a PhD, Master’s degree, engineer’s degree, or equivalent. Applicants must apply from a country different from the access providers and should be affiliated with a recognized academic institution, a not-for-profit organization, or a registered company.   
Eligibility details for applicants and organizations can be found in the TA handbook.
Stage 2: Consulting the service catalogue
Explore our service catalogue to find the resources best suited for your research needs, from biobanks and culture facilities to molecular biology labs and fieldwork vessels. AQUASERV’s extensive network comprises six European research infrastructures, spans over 16 countries and covers every major European sea.
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See the full service catalogue for a complete list of services and specialized facilities in the fields of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries, ecological restoration, and blue economy research.
Stage 3: Contacting an Access Manager (optional but highly recommended)
Before drafting your application, reaching out to an Access Manager at your chosen facility can greatly enhance your project’s quality and chances of acceptance. Access Managers can provide specific insights on services availably, techniques, required consumables, and potential travel support. Taking this step early can streamline your project planning and ensure smooth access to the services you need.
Work on your application offline
We’ve prepared a downloadable Application Form Template so you can draft your proposal offline, at your own pace.
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This document mirrors the key questions and sections you’ll find in the ARIA portal. Once ready, you can simply copy and paste your answers into the online system.
Stage 4: Submitting your access request
You have decided and you are ready to submit! Applications for Transnational Access are submitted online through the ARIA application system. Follow these steps to apply: 
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Register with ARIA:
During registration, select "AQUASERV" in the "Project selection" step. 
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Access the Application System, via this link:
Log in to ARIA and begin writing your proposal. 
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For a more detailed step-by-step guide, follow our instructions in the TA handbook. If you have any problems, please contact Stella Alexandroff, AQUASERV Access Officer, at stella.alexandroff@embrc.eu.
Stage 5: Waiting for your evaluation and review
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis every four months, and the review itself may take up to four months. Each proposal will undergo:
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Eligibility and feasibility check:
Confirmation of compliance with programme criteria and technical feasibility.
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Scientific review:
Two external reviewers will assess the application based on scientific excellence, novelty, overall feasibility, alignment with programme priorities, need for access, and compliance with the AQUASERV Ethics Policy.
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Final decision:
AQUASERV leadership and external scientific and technical advisors will rank and select proposals based on the reviews and scores. The Access Officer will inform you of the funding decision via the ARIA platform or by email.
For more on the selection process, consult our TA Handbook.
Stage 6: Signing your hosting agreement
Was your project accepted? Congratulations!
Next, you’ll sign a Hosting Agreement with your Access Provider, a legally binding document, which outlines your project’s details, rules, obligations and data-sharing requirements. At this stage, you may also adjust your project design, if needed, to better align with your objectives.
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By signing, you agree to follow Responsible Open Science practices, including depositing data in a public archive and publishing results openly whenever possible.
DURING-ACCESS
Stage 7: Service Provision
During the access period, AQUASERV will provide the research services you selected. Depending on your needs, this can include on-site lab access, equipment use, hands-on support, and training. Remote users will receive any agreed-upon samples or data directly. Throughout your access period, facility staff will be available to ensure you have what you need for a productive research experience.
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During your stay, you'll be encouraged to give a seminar on your project and other social media communications.
POST-ACCESS
Stage 8: Confirm your access
By the end of your access period, you and your Access Manager will confirm the completion of the services in a Confirmation of Access form. This document must be signed and submitted within 30 days to finalise the access provided and record it for reporting purposes.
Stage 9: Comply to the follow-up reports
After your AQUASERV access, you'll receive an email notification from ARIA to submit an Activity Report detailing project results and potential applications and answer a few questions about your experience, highlighting the quality of the services or any shortcomings you encountered during your stay. These reports help us to improve the TA programme and support future researchers. The Activity Report is due within 45 days of the end of your project.
Stage 10: Acknowledging AQUASERV
As a final step, please acknowledge AQUASERV’s support in any publications or outcomes resulting from work carried out with AQUASERV support should be acknowledged as follows: “Funded by the European Commission under grant agreement No 101131121, AQUASERV project”.
You are done!
With that, your AQUASERV journey is complete! For any issues or further assistance, please contact the AQUASERV access office at aquaserv@ualg.pt.
