Call for proposal 2027 - Lancaster Sound (TALLURUTIUP IMANGA) - Northwest Passage
About the FOREL Research Platform
FOREL is a Swiss multidisciplinary oceanographic research sailboat (29 m in length, 2 m draft, aluminum hull), designed to minimize environmental impact through low-emission navigation and sustainable operational practices. She is equipped with three laboratories (wet, dry, and clean) as well as standard oceanographic instruments. Managed by the Forel Heritage Association, she is dedicated to research in polar and subpolar regions, particularly in coastal areas that are inaccessible to larger research vessels. As the number of berths is limited to six for scientists, teams are encouraged to coordinate and, whenever possible, pool their efforts.
See boat technical details
The Forel Heritage Association aims to support polar and subpolar coastal research, with a focus on the land–ocean–atmosphere continuum, while promoting the development and implementation of new technological approaches. Collaboration and engagement with local communities - particularly through outreach and the communication of scientific projects conducted onboard - as well as the training of early-career polar researchers, are also key priorities.
In this context, we anticipate that at least one berth will be allocated to a Nunavut participant, either integrated within an existing research team or contributing through a dedicated project. The participant may be a representative of either an Inuit organization or the Government of Canada. This approach reflects the partnership’s broader commitment to meaningful Indigenous participation, capacity building, and the co-development of research activities in the Qikiqtaaluk Region, while ensuring that each program aboard the vessel maximizes scientific and community value.
Specific information to note for the summer expedition in Lancaster Sound region – Forel 2027
General context
The newly established Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (Lancaster Sound), located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago between Baffin Island and Devon Island at the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, is co-managed by the Government of Canada and Inuit organizations of Nunavut. It is a key area for marine mammals and seabirds, characterized by a highly productive food web supported by strong primary production, notably associated with sea ice and nutrient-rich upwelling of deep waters.
The Forel research sailing vessel could support this conservation area by contributing to environmental monitoring and advancing scientific knowledge in line with community needs, subject to approval by the management committee and local communities.
It will also be possible to incorporate specific research projects addressing local concerns (e.g., contaminants, underwater noise, biodiversity, etc.). However, space onboard will be limited, and proposed projects must be approved by the park’s governing bodies, namely the Government of Canada and Inuit organizations.
The present call concerns the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (Lancaster Sound, Nunavut), while a previous call focuses on the Mackenzie River Delta region.
Schedule and organization
The 2027 summer expedition will be structured into five phases (legs):- Leg 1 – Transit Lorient (France) – Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe, France): April to May
- Leg 2 – Transit Pointe-à-Pitre – Tuktoyaktuk (NWT, Canada): June to July
- Leg 3 – Tuktoyaktuk (PAP-27): mid-August to early September
- Leg 4 – Northwest Passage (Tuktoyaktuk – Pond Inlet, NU): September
- Leg 5 – Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga): mid-September to late September
Surface water sampling (primary production, elements, and particles) may be conducted during transit legs; this should be specified in the proposals.
Funding sources
Researchers affiliated with Swiss institutions may apply for funding through the Forel Heritage Association, for a maximum amount of CHF 50,000. Funding for ship time should be prioritized. Whenever possible, costs related to consumables and other logistical expenses should be covered through additional funding sources secured by the researcher.
- Swiss researchers may also check their eligibility with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Researchers affiliated with Canadian institutions or northern organizations may check their eligibility with the following organizations:
For the TCA (Transforming Climate Action) program, researchers must already be affiliated with one of the four member institutions (Dalhousie, Laval, MUN, UQAR) and be funded by one of TCA's Large Research Program in order to submit an application.
MEOPAR’s Expedition Fund supports ocean research and observation activities led by Canadian researchers affiliated with eligible academic, governmental, Indigenous, or non-profit organizations.
Per diem costs
CHF 1,000 per person per day. This rate includes onboard accommodation, meals, and the use of the vessel’s scientific equipment, including deployment operations.
Social and educational dimensions
Beyond the scientific aspects, the expedition will foster closer engagement with local and regional communities through:- Educational partnerships
- Knowledge mobilization activities for the benefit of communities and the general public
Target audience
Eligibility as Principal Investigator (PI) is limited to established researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD candidates, with the exception for Nunavut applicants as described below. The call for proposals is open to all researchers employed by an academic or governmental institution, or by a northern organization.
Nunavut participants are encouraged to apply, either as part of an existing research team or through the development of a dedicated project as PI. Participation pathways may be adapted to reflect the collaborative, capacity-building, and community-engaged nature of the initiative, while taking into account the limited berth capacity aboard the vessel.
Researchers from all disciplines, including those considered “atypical” for polar sciences (e.g., engineering, materials science, medicine, social sciences and humanities, etc.), are encouraged to apply if they have a project to be conducted in a polar or subpolar context.
Environmental impact
To promote innovative and sustainable research methods, applicants are requested to adopt a thoughtful approach by assessing the merits of their project in relation to its environmental impact. The proposal should reflect efforts to incorporate innovative data and sample collection methods, optimized coordination and planning, strengthened collaboration with partners, and maximized sampling opportunities.
Submission
A complete application file includes as a single PDF:
- Application form (contact details, key information, project description, provisional budget)
-
Supporting documents to be included:
- CV of the applicant and main partners, including a list of publications (mandatory – free format, maximum 4 pages per person)
The application deadline is October 15, 2026, at 12:00 (CET).
Interested applicants are invited to submit their complete application file by e-mail.
Evaluation
Eligible proposals submitted on time will be evaluated by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Forel Heritage Association and with representatives of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.
Projects will be assessed according to the following criteria:- Alignment with priorities to communities in the Qikiqtaaluk Region
- Scientific/research merit of the proposed project
- Originality of the project
- Feasibility (scientific and logistical)
- Experience and expertise of the PI and partners for the proposed project
- Knowledge mobilization with local communities
- Contribution to the training of early-career polar researchers
Evaluation results will be communicated to applicants no later than November 15, 2026. Selected candidates will be contacted by the Forel Heritage Association to discuss the development of a mission plan.
Finalization of the mission plan
The final mission plan will be developed with the leaders of the selected projects, in collaboration with the Forel Heritage Association and the ship’s captains. Only after this phase will the dates, boarding arrangements, and per diem amounts be specified and communicated to the PIs.
Consequently, the amounts requested by PIs from funding agencies for ship time may be adjusted—either increased or decreased—based on the final mission plan defined following discussions with the researchers.
For any questions regarding the vessel or expedition details, please contact us.
Map of the Summer Expedition – FOREL 2027
