Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi)

Funding call now open

We are pleased to announce that the Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi) Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) funding call is now open (4 December 2025 to 26 February 2026). This new 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 and AMIC (Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre), working in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, LCR Freeport, Mersey Maritime and organisations operating across the Liverpool–Belfast Green Shipping Corridor. The programme aims to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem by supporting collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that drive decarbonisation, digitalisation and sustainable growth.

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
  • Level 2: up to £20,000 (requires 20% external match)
  • Level 3: up to £40,000 (requires 30 to 50% external 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 cash match from partners.

Secondments

Academic staff, research staff and technical specialists may apply for:

  • 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.

Who can apply

Funding is open to researchers from all relevant disciplines, interdisciplinary approaches and cross-department collaborations are particularly welcomed.

Successful proposals will:

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

Find out more

Full guidance, eligibility information and application timelines available on the MaLaMi application form (Word, 804KB).

Contact information

For an informal discussion about potential projects or partnerships, please contact Andy King.

Support contact: malami-support@ljmu.ac.uk

Bid submissions: malami-bidsubmission@ljmu.ac.uk

Events: malami-events@ljmu.ac.uk