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.
ATMO-ACCESS project is proud to share the Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) titled “Atmospheric Research Infrastructures: Sharing the future of our atmosphere” will start on January 20th, 2025.
This two-week course focuses on how atmospheric Research Infrastructures (RIs) support high-level research and inform political decisions for the benefit of society:
In the first week, you will learn about atmospheric constituents, their sources and impacts, and their complex interactions. You will understand the importance of sharing data and building robust networks between research communities.
During the second week, you will explore different ways to monitor the atmosphere through 3 RIs: ACTRIS, the Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure; IAGOS, the In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System; and ICOS, the Integrated Carbon Observation System.
The course is free and open to everyone with basic knowledge in general chemistry and an undergraduate level in science. It will be held in English with subtitles available in English, French, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, and German.
On 15 January 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30 CET, join us online for the launch of the 2nd OSCARS Open Call for Open Science projects and services.
This Open Call is the last of the two calls (total worth ~16 million EUR) foreseen in the frame of OSCARS to support research communities from any scientific domain to take up open science and foster the involvement of scientists in EOSC.
Participants will learn more about the scope and content of the call, and will have the chance to raise any question about its scope, content, conditions, and the application process.
Researchers from all scientific disciplines are welcome to apply to the 2nd OSCARS Open Call before January 15th, 2025, with proposals for the development of Open Science projects or services, that together will drive the uptake of FAIR-data-intensive research throughout the European Research Area (ERA).
Projects are funded with a lump sum between 100,000 and 250,000 EUR, and can be proposed in the fields of any of the Science Clusters and beyond, by any researcher or group of researchers.
By the end of OSCARS, it is expected that a series of valuable scientific results and new services will be available, leading to an increased uptake of Open Science by researchers and to promote cross-border and cross-domain cooperation in the long run.
WHY ATTEND?
To learn about OSCARS and the funding opportunity given by the 2nd OSCARS Open Call for Open Science projects and services.
To ask any question about the call, and get useful answers to increase the chances of submitting a successful proposal.
OSCARS is a four-year EU-funded project that strives to foster the uptake of Open Science in Europe by consolidating the achievements of world-class European research infrastructures in the ESFRI roadmap and beyond into lasting interdisciplinary FAIR data services and working practices.
ICOS ERIC is searching for a new Director General (DG). The DG is appointed by the ICOS ERIC General Assembly for a five-year term, renewable twice. The position will become available mid-to late 2025. The ICOS General Assembly, with support from the ICOS Head Office, has established a selection committee to recruit the new DG.
The DG oversees and coordinates the ICOS RI activities and is the legal representative of ICOS ERIC. She/he is responsible for the scientific and strategic operation and the further development of ICOS ensuring socio-economic impact, technology development, innovation and international cooperation. The DG ensures the implementation of the GA decisions. The DG reports to the GA and convenes the ICOS Research Infrastructure Committee (RICOM), which represents the scientific and technical competence in ICOS and advises the DG in all matters. The work includes among others: drawing up proposals for the GA, establishing and modifying annual work plans, and ensuring consistency, coherence and stability of the research infrastructure services.
Key Responsibilities
The DG is the leader of ICOS RI and the legal representative of ICOS ERIC.
The DG is expected to have a vision to maintain ICOS at the forefront of the global observing systems and ensure the long-term sustainability of ICOS.
The DG carries out the day-to-day management of ICOS ERIC and is responsible for managing the staff and activities of the Head Office and the Director of the Carbon Portal.
The DG ensures the ICOS ERIC activities are in line with the budget and internal rules.
Qualifications
The successful candidate for the role of ICOS DG should possess a diverse set of skills, encompassing the following areas:
Technical and Scientific Expertise
Established scientist with preferably a broad and integrative view on greenhouse gases and carbon cycle science, covering the atmosphere, ecosystem and ocean domains.
Solid understanding of greenhouse gas data, processes, products and services for users in science, industry, politics and society.
Proven experience in collaborating effectively with scientists and governmental entities, emphasising the ability to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and practical applications.
Familiarity, or ability to quickly understand the European Research Infrastructure landscape and to consider this landscape in the strategic orientation of ICOS.
Management and Leadership
Ability to set out a long-term vision for ICOS and the means for its achievement.
Experience in leading large and complex projects in international settings.
Experience in managing organisation, budget, and personnel at senior level.
Ability to motivate co-workers and achieve high team commitment.
Ability to delegate tasks and areas of responsibility to co-workers.
Capability to build and maintain consensus and to work with others and achieve sustainable outcomes.
Experience in operating at a multi-nation level and dealing with international institutions and funding agencies, particularly the European Commission.
Communication and Diplomacy
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in leading negotiations, highlighting the capability to reach agreements and establish beneficial partnerships.
Awareness and adaptability to effectively engage with individuals from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Other Requirements
The working language of ICOS ERIC is English. The DG should be a fluent English speaker, reader, and writer. Knowledge of at least one other European Union language is beneficial.
Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC WGI) is filling the position of Head of Science Team in the Technical Support Unit (TSU).
The position is located in the Paris area, at Gif-sur-Yvette (France).
The TSU works at the unique IPCC interface between science and policy in the provision of the climate knowledge and information that is relevant for policy needs and decision making. The team is responsible for facilitating and implementing the assessment process undertaken by the author teams and overseen by the WGI Bureau.
They are seeking someone who is highly motivated to join a team that spans different areas of expertise including climate sciences (observations, climate processes, global and regional climate modeling), visual design and communication, digital information development and management, and international project management. The team is hosted by Université Paris-Saclay and located in the facilities of Ecole normale supérieure Paris-Saclay in the Paris area.
They are looking for someone who is enthusiastic in supporting a high impact and rigorous WGI assessment and promote the value of information on the physical basis of climate change and its accessibility and usability by different communities around the world.
The deadline for this role has been extended, and applications will remain open until the position is filled.Read more and apply here.
The Cyprus Institute campus in Nicosia (Cyprus) and Empa campus near Zurich (Switzerland)
The ATMO-ACCESS project supports innovative training and education activities related to atmospheric research infrastructures. It is crucial for the future success of European atmospheric facilities to ensure that new generations of researchers acquire knowledge and skills to take advantage of all the essential tools for their research. These two hybrid Training Schools will run in parallel and focus on the operation and scientific exploitation of sensor systems used in urban and remote areas for ground-based applications (Autumn School at EMPA, Switzerland) and on drones (Autumn School at the Cyprus Institute, Cyprus).
This intensive course is suitable for both M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in atmospheric and Earth system sciences who are working with sensor data from atmospheric variables, related to climate change and air pollution.
The application deadline is July 26th, 2024. The list of accepted applicants will be published on the ATMO-ACCESS website latest by mid September 2024.
ATMO-ACCESS – an EU H2020 initiative encompassing IAGOS, ACTRIS, and ICOS – and RI-URBANS – an EU H2020 project aimed at enhancing monitoring capabilities for urban air pollution evaluation, prediction and abatement of urban air pollution- are inviting expressions of interest. They seek to train public authorities in implementing protocols for measuring novel air quality parameters in accordance with the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive.
The call targets public authorities involved in air quality assessments, reporting on air pollution levels, or addressing the health and climate impacts of air pollutants. This call offers a unique opportunity to gain insights and engage with air quality experts from the European research community. Attendance of the webinar is free of charge.
The training will be organised as 2 online sessions to be held in October 2024. Please register your interest at this online form by 19 July
Your application will be screened and selected by ATMO-ACCESS Strategic Access Board.
Click here for the programme and additional information.
The Horizon Europe funded project “ENVRINNOV- ENVironment Research infrastructures Innovation Roadmap”, coordinated by CARE-C, The Cyprus Institute, is working towards the development of an Innovation Roadmap for the ENVRI community. This will include proposed mechanisms for collaboration between all innovation-performing stakeholders in the ENVRI ecosystem (RIs, RPOs, and Industry) for the development of new technologies and services. To ensure that these mechanisms are fit for the needs of ENVRIs, they will be tested during the project by five RPOs from different subdomains (Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere) through four small-scale pilot cases.
All four pilot cases have now been initiated by the Consortium. Details are included below, while progress and results from the pilots will be shared as the ENVRINNOV project moves forward.
Pilot #1: “Technology Infrastructure”: providing access to ENVRI research facilities, unique state-of-the-art instrumentation, and know-how to the private sector. Led by CEA and the Cyprus Institute.
This pilot case consists of a mobile CH4 emission measurement system that will ultimately deliver on a need expressed by the waste management and natural gas industries. The purpose is to demonstrate the ability to provide technology infrastructure to the private sector. To that end, the following actions have been taken:
Step 1: Development of a new technology (drone-sensor system to detect and quantify methane leaks) at TRL5 by a National Facility (CyI-USRL) from ACTRIS. Actions: Analysis of industry needs has been fed by previous research involving CEA and CYI (Liu et al., AMT 2024), and led to an appreciation of operational constraints (ATEX, safety) and performance requirements (CH4 leak rate, precision, certifications). The initial design of a technology solution has been done with ABB LGR instrument and 3D sonic anemometer onboard octopter UAV. The flux estimation method exploiting concentration measurement is under development. Step 2: Calibration/test at TRL6 by a Central Facility (CEA-ATC) from ICOS. Actions: Conception of a technology infrastructure response. This has involved connecting the USRL UAV infrastructure of CYI (ACTRIS) and the greenhouse gas metrology laboratory at CEA (ICOS ATC), establishing staff exchanges (visit of JD Paris from CEA to CYI in January 2024, visits of CYI staff Roubina Papaconstandinou and Pierre Yves Quehe to CEA in March 2024). Step 3: Validation in operational environment at TRL7. Actions: Firsts attempt to sample CH4 emissions from a proxy source close to the UAV flight range (a cattle farm near Orounda, Cyprus).
Pilot #2: “Tech-Boost” pipeline: creating optimal conditions for instrument manufacturers to foster the full “development-to-deployment” chain of technologies fit for the needs of ENVRIs.
Led by KIT
Since 2010, one of the most accurate and fast instruments for the in-situ detection of ozone (O3) is operated on passenger aircraft (IAGOS), research aircraft (German HALO, US HIAPER and others) and for eddy-flux measurements at ground. It has been developed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and applies two techniques: a super-accurate and low-noise 2-channel O3 photometer and a fast 10 Hz solid-state chemiluminescence detector (Zahn et al., AMT, 2012). Both detectors are quantum-noise limited, the precision at 10 Hz is 0.5 – 1.0% at typical O3 mixing rations of 50 – 100 ppb. See example of a flight at 12 km altitude around Cape horn, with atmospheric gravity waves and O3 changes by a factor of 2 in less than 0.3 seconds.
In a close partnership with a medium-sized company (VBE electronics, 70 employees), the development of a new control electronics is initiated which is state-of-the-art, much smaller and provides much more features. Together with a further hardware optimisation and miniaturization, the new ozone instrument shall be distinctly smaller and lightweight, more versatile and ruggedized regarding the operation on different platforms, ready-to-use (plug & play) after a warm-up of less than one minute and shall provide quality pre-assessed data (based on a detailed instrument health status).
Step 1 of the envisaged Tech-Boost pipeline (sketched in section 1.2.3.2 of the proposal) has largely been detailed and set up, with the following actions and to guarantee an efficient development process and cooperation: (i) initial physical meeting at VBE electronics to discuss all development steps and the content of the system description of the new electronics, in which we could nicely combine the (fairly synergistic) expertise and experiences of the involved stakeholders, (ii) after discussing the details of shared documents and information, we decided to (only) sign a collaboration agreement for this first development phase (instead of a more official NDA), (iii) created a workplan with a series of development steps (especially regarding test procedures first at the company and at a later more mature status at the reference laboratory at the KIT), (iv) iterated the description of the new communication protocol and (v) started to define the hardware components. In the cooperation agreement, it has been contractually agreed that all documents (including cable plans, routing and layout, and software source code) are provided to the KIT, inter alia, to allow the airworthiness certification for the operation on airborne platforms (e.g. IAGOS) and to simplify future hardware and software updates, e.g. when certain electronic components are discontinued, or new instrument features are requested.
Pilot #3: “Scientific Services”: mobilizing ENVRI scientists to develop and provide new services to better serve emerging needs of a wider user community.
Led by University of Helsinki, with two components: in Atmosphere and Biosphere.
#3.1: Atmosphere, number concentration in urban environment with a dense network of instruments
Work regarding urban mapping of aerosol number concentration with a dense network of sensors has been initiated and the pilot will take place in Helsinki. The local air quality monitoring network has been contacted and discussed the options of deployment of novel Condensation Particle Counters within their measurement locations. The authority is positive towards implementing a short pilot activity within their facility. It is also planned to deploy gap-filling measurements with mobile measurements around and between the fixed observation sites and we are preparing the instrumentation for these measurements.
#3.2: Biosphere targets the scientific community’s need for better estimates of environmental impacts of abiotic stressors to ecosystem productivity.
Work towards pilot case 3.2 during summer 2024 has begun. Utilizing a combination of emerging technologies, such as drones and prototype optical sensors, this pilot aims to further our understanding of the impacts of plant abiotic stress to ecosystem productivity. The study site will be located at the University of Helsinki Viikki campus (Helsinki, Finland), with the measurements taking place both in field and greenhouse conditions, combining the work of several research groups.
We will be measuring both annual and perennial species, using a combination of reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence – based optical techniques. Using both established and prototype sensors, the versatile instruments at our disposal allow us to measure both leaf and canopy level variables. The results from this study will hopefully demonstrate the ability of combined hyperspectral and low-cost fluorescence imaging sensor measurements to capture drought stress in a variety of species and pave the way for them as an established means to study plant abiotic stress.
Map of available supersites and sites providing indicative aerosol number concentrations in Helsinki (left) and an example time series of aerosol number concentrations with different instruments participating in the pilot activity (right).
Pilot #4: “Intra-RI Technological Development”: to set a process for the development of interoperable/harmonized technologies by RIs and their effective transfer within ENVRIs.
Led by UFZ
This pilot aims to enhance RPO/RI technological autonomy and promote coordinated experimental strategies within ENVRIs towards the adoption of common technologies fulfilling environmental monitoring needs. The pilot case selected here will address the further methodological development of Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) processing to enable its deployment across RIs of the Environment Domain for the monitoring of soil moisture, a key state variable of the environment and defined as one of the “Essential Climate Variables” defined by the WMO Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).
Vertical and horizontal scales of soil moisture measurement (modified after Schrön et al., 2021)
CRNS is an innovative technique for monitoring soil moisture based on the interaction between cosmic-ray neutrons and hydrogen atoms in the soil. This non-invasive method measures the intensity of neutrons at the earth’s surface, which correlates with the moisture content of the soil over a large area. In contrast to traditional point-based methods such as soil moisture probes or gravimetric measurements, cosmic neutron measurements offer several key advantages. Firstly, it provides a spatially integrated measurement of soil moisture that covers a larger area (several ha, several decimetre depth) without the need for multiple sensors. Secondly, it offers continuous monitoring capabilities, allowing data to be collected and analysed in real time. It is also requiring minimal maintenance once installed. Overall, cosmic neutron sensing offers a practical and efficient solution for soil moisture monitoring, which is particularly beneficial also for environmental applications.
Although CRNS technology is now successfully established worldwide, the successful processing of measurement data requires quite extensive knowledge of the theory of CRNS measurements to calibrate the devices and process the measurement data correctly. An easy-to-use guide to implementing the measurement technology and, above all, high quality research software allowing for an easy-to-use processing of the CRNS data, is an important step to reduce the hurdles to using this technology in a harmonized way across different environmental RIs.
The implementation pilot will develop a community, ready-to-use and open-source processing and visualization technology. In a first step (March 2024) the workplan has been drafted. Furthermore, overlaps and redundancies of methodologies and tools for soil moisture monitoring in European ENVRIs have been evaluated.
The next steps are:
Step 2: Identifying ENVRI users and specifying user needs and technical requirements: needs for training programs, technical support to ENVRI researchers, ENVRI’s needs for user friendly data processing and visualization tools for CRNS
Step 3: ENVRI community-driven development of a prototype for a ready-to-use software for real-time data processing and visualisation of CRNS data
Step 4: The final step will be to test the CRNS technology for soil moisture monitoring and the performance of the processing-visualisation tool across different RIs.
Acknowledgements
This news item was developed in alignment with ENVRINNOV Milestone MS2.1: Pilot cases initiated (M3). The ENVRINNOV project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2023 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 101131426.
“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however of those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them”
Data collection, analysis and application are key enablers for ocean data innovation. Data integration/interoperability is needed. A workshop organised as an off-site event of the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference, 9 April 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, will deep dive into cases of success in data sharing practices from European research infrastructures, and how to maximise this potential at global level for contributing to the SDGs and the Digital Twins of the Ocean programmes.
The workshop will be opened by the European Commission’s Directorate-General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and will showcase best practices of marine data federation from the Blue-Cloud2026 and the iMAGINE European projects, with specific insights on applications for marine biology and the fishery domain. With input by EMODnet, Copernicus Marine and leading marine research infrastructures, Blue-Cloud (https://blue-cloud.org) is contributing to the open science transformation by an easier discovery and access of blue data, open to all to implement open science and AI. The iMagine initiative (https://www.imagine-ai.eu/) provides a portfolio of image datasets, high-performance image analysis tools empowered with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Best Practice documents for scientific image analysis.
The OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) and the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS) of IOC/UNESCO will also join the workshop to dive into the education and training needs to ensure data management practices and standards are put in place at a global level.
Last but not least, representatives from the EuropeanDigital Twins of the Ocean (EU DTO) Programme and its global counterpart, the DITTO programme, will complement with insights from the global efforts to build awareness around the ensuring cross-regional data sharing towards the development of digital twins of the ocean.
ATMO-ACCESS provides access to 61 of the leading European atmospheric research facilities within the current call. Note that the new ATMOBox service developed at ICOS ATC will be available as part of this call.
A full list of facilities can be found at https://www.atmo-access.eu/facilities/. Facilities can be accessed in person, remotely or in a hybrid format, combining physical and remote access. Remote access can enable the users to perform a research project without the need to visit the facility on-site, with the support of the local service providers. Access to any of the ATMO-ACCESS facilities is provided for users with no charges for the use of the infrastructure, instrumentation, or expert support. What is more, users may benefit from a contribution to support some of their accommodation and travel costs.
Applications for access within this call are submitted via the PASS Platform (https://passactris.smapply.io/prog/atmo-access_7th_call_for_transnational_access/ ). You will be asked to provide a short proposal outlining the content of your research project, the problem it addresses and how access to the ATMO-ACCESS infrastructure will enable progress that would otherwise have not been possible. You will also be asked about any co-funding you can provide for travel costs, in addition to ATMO-ACCESS’s partial contribution.
Access for a new and unconventional use of the facilities, which favors an effective combination of the research interest, knowledge, and resources of the user and the facility staff is strongly encouraged. Applications will be reviewed first by an Independent Experts Panel and the final decision will be made by the project’s Strategic Board. Please note that the ATMO-ACCESS TNA programme is a competitive process with an average 60-70% success rate.
Final selection (joint Coordination/STVB/SAMU meeting): Week 20-24 May 2024
Final list of accepted TNAs: 28 May 2024
Access Period: June 2024- January 2025
N.B.Users from potential ACTRIS National Facilities seeking support from Central Facilities are not eligible, as Central Facilities services are covered by the ACTRIS ERIC funding scheme.
