September 9th, 2026 | Online
MarLEN partners came together for the project’s Half-Yearly Meeting to review progress across the Work Packages and coordinate the activities ahead.
A major milestone is the start of the first projects funded through the MarLEN joint calls. Following the first call, which received 12 proposals, three projects were selected for funding and started between July and September 2026. The experience gained through this first call is also contributing to improvements in subsequent calls, while preparations for future calls continue. In total, four MarLEN calls are planned over the course of the project.
Progress is also being made in monitoring the projects supported through MarLEN. Under WP4, partners have defined a common set of monitoring indicators and procedures addressing the transnational dimension of the funded projects. The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework has already been completed and provides a structured approach for tracking, assessing and supporting collaborative projects funded under the MarLEN joint calls.
The next stage will further develop the common reporting and monitoring procedures. A monitoring approach covering 12 categories, including five core categories, has been developed and circulated among partners for feedback before finalisation. Throughout the lifetime of the funded projects, MarLEN will monitor their progress and provide advice where needed on project implementation and contractual requirements.
Meanwhile, work continues on mapping maritime research funding programmes across different countries. Rather than creating another database of individual projects, WP2 is analysing national research programmes and funding landscapes. The work started with a questionnaire distributed among partners and will be complemented by interviews, while programmes from additional countries are also being considered. A draft is already available, with the deliverable expected to be further developed during the coming months.
The meeting also reviewed progress in communication, dissemination and networking activities. WP5 was completed at the end of June 2026, with the communication strategy and dissemination plan completed, alongside the establishment of MarLEN’s visual identity, website and LinkedIn presence. The MarLEN Synergies Network was also established. It currently brings together seven European projects and initiatives and is expected to continue expanding while fostering new collaborations. In addition, four mutual learning, networking and brokerage events have been organised, with two further events scheduled to take place in the coming months. These activities will continue under WP8, supporting the visibility of MarLEN activities and results as the project progresses.
With the first funded projects now underway and further activities progressing across the Work Packages, MarLEN continues to strengthen transnational cooperation in maritime research and innovation and prepare the ground for the next stages of the project.
Further details on the upcoming call, including event agendas and registration links, will be shared by the consortium soon. Registration for the second call is already open here. Follow MarLEN on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest news and opportunities.
