SPI FOREL Grants

For field seasons from 2027 onwards, all applications for FOREL grants should be sent directly to the FOREL Heritage Association. The application deadline is 1 September 2026.

About the FOREL Research Platform and SPI FOREL Grants

Managed by the Forel Heritage Association, FOREL is a 28-metre-long sailing boat with an aluminium hull dedicated to oceanographic research in polar and sub-polar regions, specifically in coastal areas inaccessible to larger research vessels.

• Access technical details here

The Forel Heritage Association is aiming at supporting polar and sub-polar coastal research and remediation with a strong emphasis on land–ocean–atmosphere continuum supported by converging technologies. This includes promotion of the development of technological platforms and tools. Promoting collaboration and exchanges with local communities as well as training young polar researchers are given high priority. The geographical focus and calendar of the FOREL is defined annually by the Forel Heritage Association and communicated ahead of each FOREL Grant call for proposals.

The SPI FOREL Grants support Swiss-based scientists who wish to use the FOREL Research Platform in such environments by allowing them to launch short-term new ideas (for example pilot projects), fund additional fieldwork or launch new collaborations with financial support for logistics. Collaboration with new teams or across disciplines are particularly encouraged, as well as participation in larger/international activities. The grants can be used to complement the funding of initiatives supported by larger funding schemes (e.g. SNSF, EU, etc.).

Please note that the SPI Forel grants will run until the completion of the 2026 field season. For subsequent field seasons, applicants are invited to apply directly via the FOREL Heritage Association.

2026 geographical focus

• Leg 1 – 15 June to 15 July: Scientific work on board FOREL will be embedded into the CASCADES expedition’s scientific plan and focus on complementary regions to those covered by the CCGS Amundsen with the goal to broaden the geographic coverage and scientific scope of the of the expedition.
• Leg 2 – 15 July to 1 September: FOREL will carry out an independent campaign and focus its scientific work around the more rarely visited areas of South-East Greenland.

  

Submission

To access the full call for proposals and related information, please refer to the FOREL Heritage Association webpage.

Additional information and contact details

For any questions regarding the vessel and expedition details, please write to