The Horizon project AMRIT is on track to make waves in European marine research, as it accelerates its efforts to consolidate European Research Infrastructures and strengthen Ocean Observing activities. With a commitment of over €5 million from the European Union, AMRIT unites 26 leading European institutions to enhance the development of the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) and improve the monitoring of oceanic operations. Focused on fostering synergies, enhancing efficiency, and promoting knowledge-sharing, the AMRIT initiative aims to create integrated services and tools for monitoring ocean observing system operators and supporting governance structures.
The AMRIT project promises to be a game-changer for ocean research, providing essential tools to support operators and facilitate monitoring activities. These tools will range, for example, from parameterising buoyancy and creating JSON files for glider deployments to delivering standardized CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) cast files. Additionally, a mobile application is being developed to assist operators working in the field. The tools will feature reusable components—such as development bricks, widgets, and modules—that can be adapted to various national contexts and will be continuously improved, even after the AMRIT project concludes. At the core of AMRIT’s innovation will be the EOOS TSC ecosystem, which will be centered around a cutting-edge dashboard displaying real-time operational data. This digital ecosystem will streamline metadata flow, automate information exchange, and elevate the operational capacity of EOOS, ultimately advancing Europe’s ability to monitor and safeguard its oceans.
The project made a significant step forward this last November, marking the beginning of its IT developments, which are set to unfold over the next 42 months. In Liverpool, a dynamic team of developers and product owners gathered to lay the foundation for the project’s technological advancements. The project team is adopting the SCRUM Agile methodology, which will drive collaborative development in “sprints” over the coming months. These focused work periods allow for continuous integration and improvement, with developers collaborating across different specialties. The first two-week sprint centered on building a community-sharing platform, refining tool specifications, and cultivating a strong team culture.
The significance of these IT advancements, especially in the context of global ocean observation, could be profound. Mathieu Belbéoch (WMO), the leader of AMRIT’s technical work packages, is confident that the project is on the right path, citing the enthusiasm and talent of the next generation of IT developers. Belbéoch emphasizes that the collaboration between developers and ocean observing experts is the key to ensuring that the final products meet the operational needs of users.
As the project progresses, AMRIT is welcoming participation from those who are eager to contribute to its development. The collaborative spirit of the initiative promises to foster lasting partnerships and create a sustainable legacy in the world of ocean research and observation.
In the coming months, expect to hear much more about this ground-breaking project as it begins to take shape and significantly impacts the future of European marine research.
If you have any questions, please email amrit@marine.ie, and we will be happy to answer them.