The International Seabed Authority (ISA) are pleased to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 Call for Project Proposals under the ISA–China Joint Training and Research Centre (JTRC). This call forms part of the JTRC Scientific Research Work Plan for 2026–2027 and aims to strengthen international scientific collaboration in support of the ISA Marine Scientific Research Action Plan and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
The call invites joint research consortia composed of institutions from China and developing Member States of ISA—particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—to submit proposals under two research directions:
Direction 1: Scientific Biological Data Analysis and Management in Deep-Sea Habitats
This research project is currently being implemented by a consortium consisting of researchers from the Seabed Minerals Authority of the Cook Islands are advancing biodiversity assessments of the North-West Pacific in collaboration with the Second Institute of Oceanography of China.
Key activities envisioned under this direction include:
- Conduct a scientific review of biological data contained in ISA’s DeepData database, as well as a compilation of biological data publicly available from other global taxonomic databases and published peer-reviewed literature for selected priority region.
- Identify priorities for taxonomic identification and description of deep-sea species using scientific criteria underpinning spatial and non-spatial environmental management measures (e.g. biogeographic importance, ecological significance, vulnerability, connectivity, among others). Assess biodiversity metrics across the region and validate existing habitat suitability models using newly collected data.
- Develop species identification tools, such as a regional species checklist and/or catalogue as recently developed for the Clarion Clipperton Zone detailing the taxonomy, distribution, and ecological characteristics for the prioritized region such as the Indian Ocean and/or Northwest Pacific. Assess biodiversity metrics across the region and validate existing habitat suitability models using newly collected data.
The expected outcomes include:
- Technical study describing results of biological data analysis, including bio-geographic distribution and assessment of needs and priorities for taxonomic data standardization in the study region(s) and for identifying biological indicators of characteristic habitats across the region(s).
- Regional species checklists to aid in species identification and descriptions in selected regions in the Area and available for future taxonomic projects and collaborations.
Direction 2: Historical data scientific analysis, new data processing and machine learning techniques for DeepData
Recognizing the strategic importance of data as the foundation of scientific research, and informed by both ISA’s needs assessment and China’s strong expertise in this field, it is proposed that the 2026 research domain focus on big data. The volume of data released will remain consistent with the available funding to ensure feasibility and realistic work planning.
Proposed Research Activities
- Data cleaning and validation of historical DeepData datasets, in close collaboration with the ISA Data Team.
- Development of statistical models using artificial intelligence methods to analyse validated data sets and generate meaningful scientific insights.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced usability of DeepData, including historical datasets cleaned, validated, and ready for scientific analysis.
- Improved data availability, achieved through comprehensive data processing, validation, and advanced statistical modelling.
Selected projects will receive financial support of up to approximately RMB 260,000 (about USD 36,600). and will run for a maximum period of 20 months.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 4 September 2026.
Submission details can be found here:
Call for Proposals | Annex A | Annex B
Instructions for submission:
- All applications must be submitted in English.
- Please fill out the following MS Forms: Annex A and B.
- Proposal must be submitted by 4 September 2026.
- Save your proposal using the following format: “Last Name First Name_JTRC 2026 Proposal_DeepData”
- Please email the full proposal with the subject line of the email clearly indicating the submission is for JTRC Proposal on DeepData. Email proposal to: jtrc@isa.org.jm
- Only complete proposals presented through the formats provided will be considered.