Estimated time of reading: ~ 6 minutes

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) has officially launched its new calls for proposals, aligning with its strategic research and innovation goals through a global and interconnected response. The 2025 Work Programme is a significant step forward in addressing both persistent and emerging regional challenges, particularly those worsened by climate change and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A New Focus: Resilience, Restoration, and Innovation

The PRIMA Work Programme 2025 is designed to fill critical gaps identified in previous funding cycles while tackling evolving environmental and socio-economic issues. This year’s programme places a strong emphasis on strengthening environmental resilience, with a focus on ecosystem restoration and the adoption of nature-based solutions, especially in agriculture and water resource management.

The three core thematic areas are:

1. Water Resources Management

The calls aim to develop digital tools—including Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies—to enable adaptive water management. These innovations will also support evidence-based policymaking and enhance the efficiency of water use in increasingly arid regions.

2. Agricultural Systems

Support is directed toward precision agriculture tailored to the needs of small-scale producers. The programme also promotes soil health, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive farming practices, addressing both productivity and sustainability.

3. Agri-food Value Chain

Efforts are being made to raise consumer awareness around sustainable food choices, boost the role of plant-based proteins, and improve traceability solutions to ensure transparency and food security throughout the supply chain.

Structure of the 2025 Calls

The Work Programme 2025 is structured into two main sections, offering different funding modalities:

Section 1 – EU-Funded Calls

This section includes three thematic calls, one for each of the priority areas: water management, agriculture systems, and agri-food value chains. The EU will fund around 12 projects, each receiving approximately €2.7 million in support.
Deadline: 15 July 2025

Section 2 – Calls Funded by Participating States

A multi-topic call covering all thematic areas will be supported by national funds from PRIMA’s participating countries. Around 20 projects are expected to be funded, with each project receiving about €1.5 million.
Deadline: 8 July 2025

A Call to Action for the Mediterranean

With its 2025 programme, PRIMA reaffirms its commitment to fostering scientific collaboration, regional innovation, and community-based solutions across the Mediterranean. Researchers, public institutions, SMEs, NGOs, and other stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate and propose projects that can bring transformative change to the region’s food systems and ecosystems.

By connecting research excellence with practical impact, PRIMA continues to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Mediterranean future.

For further information and application guidelines, visit the official PRIMA website: https://prima-med.org

Written by: Margherita Genua