Objective
This project will deliver MicroSCOPR, the world’s first animal-attached continuous optical plankton and microplastic recording tag, creating a transformative new capability for marine ecological and environmental monitoring. The overarching objective is to obtain high resolution, in situ holographic (3D) imaging of zooplankton, microplastics, and other particles encountered by free-living planktivorous megafauna – data that are currently unobtainable with existing ship or vehicle based instruments, but which are key to understanding the effects of climate-driven plankton changes and other human threats on the health and survival of endangered ocean giants. To achieve this we will design, assemble and test a compact, untethered underwater pulsed digital holographic camera (holocam) tag – with integrated movement and environmental sensors – capable of instantaneous capture of detailed images of individual particles within each hologram that are recorded continuously along the natural movement paths of plankton-feeding sharks, rays, and whales. This will generate highly accurate data on abundance, density, and species composition of zooplankton and other particles throughout the shallow and deep ocean habitats selected by these species. The project benefits from existing long-term working relationships between the three delivery partners. Specific objectives will address power system specification and optimisation of power budgets, holocam and sensor integration, mechanical design and animal attachment fittings, development of efficient data-logging firmware, and prototype construction, prior to laboratory and pressure testing, and flume tank and at-sea trials to validate imaging performance in controlled and ocean environments. IPR pathways will also be explored to assess legal and commercial options for future development. Together, these objectives will deliver a high impact, scalable technology with wide scientific, conservation, and environmental policy relevance.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
PL1 2PB Plymouth
United Kingdom
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.