The FMSH Oceans Call for Projects 2026 offers research funding of €15,000 to €30,000 to support international academic teams studying human interactions with maritime environments. Organized by the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH), the initiative promotes interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences focused on ocean-related challenges.
Selected teams will receive funding over three years to strengthen international collaboration, advance knowledge about maritime spaces, and contribute to sustainable solutions for ocean ecosystems.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: France (project coordinator must be based in France)
- Opportunity Type: Research Grant / Academic Project Funding
- Funding Type: Research Grant (€15,000 – €30,000)
- Eligible Countries: International researchers (with a French institutional coordinator)
- Deadline: 15 April 2026 (17:00 Paris Time)
About the Opportunity
The FMSH Oceans Call for Projects 2026 is part of the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme’s broader “Oceans – Social Worlds, Living Worlds” programme, which supports innovative research examining the relationship between human societies and maritime environments.
As global climate challenges increasingly affect ocean ecosystems, the programme encourages scholars in the humanities and social sciences to explore the social, political, economic, and cultural dynamics shaping maritime spaces. Through this initiative, FMSH aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage dialogue between academic research and society.
Projects may focus on areas such as:
- Governance and regulation of maritime areas
- Ocean cultures and maritime societies
- Circulation of people, goods, and knowledge across maritime spaces
- Conflicts, vulnerabilities, and resilience in ocean environments
For the 2026 call, special attention will be given to research addressing maritime violence, including piracy, trafficking, environmental pollution, and the degradation of marine ecosystems.
This opportunity is officially offered by the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH), and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the FMSH Oceans Call for Projects 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The main project coordinator must be employed by a French research institution or higher education establishment
- The coordinating institution must host the project for the full duration
- Research teams may include doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior researchers
- Team members can come from France or other countries
- The research must fall within humanities and social sciences disciplines
- The project should demonstrate a strong international dimension
- Interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with life, earth, or environmental sciences, is encouraged
- Partnerships with civil society organizations, NGOs, public institutions, or private sector actors are welcomed
Applications lacking a clear international or interdisciplinary dimension may not be considered during the final selection process.
Benefits
The FMSH Oceans Call for Projects 2026 provides both financial support and institutional assistance to help research teams successfully carry out their projects.
Key benefits include:
Research Funding
- Selected projects will receive €15,000 to €30,000 over three years to support project activities.
Support for Academic Collaboration
Funding can cover expenses such as:
- International travel between partner institutions
- Workshops and scientific meetings
- Conferences and round tables
- Collaborative research activities
Media and Communication Support
- The FMSH Media & Sciences team may assist with producing videos, podcasts, interviews, and visual research materials to promote project outcomes.
Publication Opportunities
- Selected researchers may receive guidance from Éditions de la MSH for publishing research findings and disseminating project results.
Researcher Residency Opportunities
- Foreign researchers involved in selected projects may be hosted at Maison Suger, FMSH’s research residence in Paris.
Who Should Apply
The FMSH Oceans Call for Projects 2026 is particularly suitable for:
- Academic researchers working in humanities or social sciences
- Scholars studying ocean governance, maritime cultures, environmental policies, or maritime conflicts
- Research teams aiming to build international interdisciplinary networks
- Institutions seeking to strengthen science–society collaboration on ocean sustainability
- Researchers interested in connecting academic research with civil society organizations or policy makers
Application Process
Researchers should follow these steps to submit their application:
- Create an Account
Visit the official project submission platform and register as a project manager. - Access the Project Workspace
Log in and open the “Project Workspace” section. - Select the Call
Choose “Support for Scientific Projects” and select “Oceans-2026 Call.” - Complete the Application Form
Provide detailed information about the research team, project objectives, interdisciplinary approach, and expected deliverables. - Upload Required Documents
Submit the project description, bibliography, and a provisional budget with a timeline. - Submit the Application
Upload a single PDF titled “Oceans Call – Social Worlds, Living Worlds – 2026.”
All applications must be submitted before 15 April 2026 at 17:00 (Paris time).
How to Apply
Because the FMSH Oceans Call for Projects 2026 requires a project coordinator based at a French research institution, international researchers are encouraged to establish partnerships with French academic institutions early in the application process.
Building a strong interdisciplinary team and preparing a clear research proposal will significantly strengthen your chances of success.
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