Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi)

MaLaMi Round 3 - Funding call now closed.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a bid in to Round 3 of the Maritime and Last-Mile Net-Zero (MaLaMi) Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA).

Those bids are now being assessed, and we expect to provide notification if bids have been successful for the award of funding by mid November.

MaLaMi Round 4 - coming soon!

We are pleased to announce that Round 4 of MaLaMi will be launching on Monday 7 December.

Further details will be released over the coming weeks, including the Round 4 funding theme, so please check back here for updates.

This initiative, funded by the EPSRC, is designed to accelerate the translation of engineering and physical sciences research into real-world impact across the Liverpool City Region’s maritime and last-mile logistics sectors.

MaLaMi brings together Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool and Queen’s University Belfast, alongside AMIC (Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre), working in partnership with Liverpool City Region (LCR) Combined Authority, Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton and Knowsley Councils, LCR Freeport, Mersey Maritime and organisations operating across the region. The programme aims to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem by supporting collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that drive decarbonisation, digitalisation and sustainable growth.

Round 4 Theme: To Be Confirmed

Building on the success of the previous three funding rounds with a "Maritime and Last-Mile Net-Zero" focus, Round 4 will continue to support innovative solutions that address the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to net-zero across maritime, ports, logistics and related supply chains.

While the specific theme is yet to be confirmed, applicants can expect Round 4 to follow the broader and more flexible approach introduced in Round 3, encouraging a diverse range of ideas, technologies and collaborations that deliver meaningful environmental, operational and economic impact.

Further details on the Round 4 theme priorities will be published ahead of the funding call opening in December.

Funding opportunities for academics

MaLaMi offers a range of opportunities for researchers to work with industry and civic partners to accelerate the impact of their research:

Project funding

Three levels of support are available:

  • Level 1: up to £6,000 (does not require an industry partner)
  • Level 2: up to £20,000 (requires 20% external partner match)
  • Level 3: up to £40,000 (requires 30 to 50% external partner match)

Projects should focus on proof-of-concept, technology validation, or developing pathways to real-world implementation. Priority will be given to proposals with confirmed match funding from partners for projects submitted for Level 2 or Level 3 funding.

Secondments

Academic staff, research staff and technical specialists may apply for secondment opportunities to strengthen collaboration and build new skills.

  • Inward secondments (up to £4,500) to bring external expertise into the university.
  • Outward secondments (up to £3,000) to embed researchers within partner organisations.

Secondments are aimed at strengthening partnerships, developing new skills, and supporting the career development of early-career researchers.

Please note:
The application process for secondments is being updated for Round 4.

Previously, secondment applications could only be submitted alongside the main MaLaMi funding calls, which are held every six months. Moving forward, secondment opportunities will be open year-round, allowing applications to be submitted at any time, with an expected response time of approximately two to four weeks.

In addition, applicants who are successful in securing funding through MaLaMi Round 4 (and future funding rounds) will also be eligible to apply for secondments to support the delivery of their funded projects.

Further details will be shared over the coming weeks, including the introduction of a separate bid submission form aimed specifically at secondment applications.

Who can apply

Round 4 Funding is open to researchers from all relevant disciplines across the UK. However, as this is a Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA), proposed projects must demonstrate that their benefits can be realised within the LCR, in line with EPSRC PBIAA requirements. Interdisciplinary approaches and cross-departmental collaborations are particularly welcomed.

Successful proposals will:

  • demonstrate clear potential for impact within maritime and last-mile net-zero contexts
  • align with MaLaMi’s focus on decarbonisation, digitalisation and logistics innovation
  • foster sustainable relationships with industry or civic partners
  • support the development of a vibrant, place-based innovation cluster

Showcasing previous MaLaMi projects

In the coming weeks, this website will be updated to include details of the projects that were successfully funded through MaLaMi Round 1 and Round 2 calls.

These examples will provide a flavour of the innovative and impactful bids received:

  • Round 1 projects, funded last year, explored early-stage ideas and pilot concepts.
  • Round 2 projects, funded earlier this year, focused on the Green Shipping Corridor between Belfast and Salford.

These case studies will highlight the creativity, collaboration and real-world impact achieved through the programme and help inspire applicants for Round 4. 

Contact information

For an informal discussion about potential projects or partnerships, please contact the MaLaMi team at the relevant email address.