is an interdisciplinary research network that will address if and how offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) can be used as an unconventional source of potable water in coastal regions. It is organised in several for Assessment (WG1), Innovation technologies (WG2), Utilisation (WG3), Challenges (WG4), and Training and Dissemination (WG5). To achieve certain tasks, it funds several Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) which are exchange visits in a Host Institution located in a different country than the country of affiliation of a Researcher or Innovator. STSMs aim to strengthen collaboration among researchers and Institutions or improve knowledge and skills of individuals. It specifically contributes to the scientific objectives of OFF-SOURCE, whilst at the same time allows the Grantees to learn new techniques, gain access to specific data, instruments and/or methods not available in their own institutions/organisations.
A call is currently open until 15 May 2023 to fund a total of 13 STSMs with each a grant of up to €2500. The tasks to be carried out for these STSMs are within WG1 and WG2’s objectives, such as compile known OFG bodies databases, generate 3D geological models, run hydrogeological simulations, analyse instruments and approaches for OFG mapping and characterisation, compile guidelines for instruments’ operation, and identify avenues for future method development.
The skills required include GIS and database organisation, geological, hydrogeological, geophysical and borehole data interpretation and modelling, practical experience in using geophysical, geochemical or well-logging tools and methods applicable for OFG, knowledge in joint interpretation and joint inversion of seismic and electromagnetic data.
More information about this grant can be obtained , and application can be accessed through the system.
OFF-SOURCE also supports PhD students and Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) from target countries to present their work about Offshore Freshened Groundwater (OFG) at international science and technology conferences. Researchers from an institution in one of the following countries (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine) and younger than 40 years old can find more information about this grant , and application available through the e-COST system.
This grant will support overall travel, registration, and accommodation. Until November 2023, there are two grants available of up to €1250 each.
