Athens has long been a place where ideas shape the future and it was in this historic setting that the AQUARIUS consortium met for its second General Assembly, hosted by The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR).
While the meeting kicked-off on 3 March, for some partners, the work had already begun. Prior to the General Assembly, members of the AQUARIUS Scientific Evaluation Panel convened to evaluate proposals submitted to the second AQUARIUS Transnational Access Call. Their discussions are a critical step in ensuring that the projects selected receive support based on scientific excellence and potential impact.
Day One
The first morning began very early for some participants, with a climb up Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens. For many, the view provided a moment of perspective before the start of a busy programme.
The General Assembly officially opened with a warm welcome from Aris Karageorgis, Director at the HCMR Institute of Oceanography and an overview of their important work.
The strategic outlook for AQUARIUS was presented by coordinator, Aodhán Fitzgerald, from Ireland’s Marine Institute (MI). Highlighting one of the main achievements over the last year being the implementation of the first AQUARIUS funded projects from Call 1, he also noted that the second call had attracted strong interest, with 42 applications requesting access to 35 of the 66 available infrastructures.
These numbers signal both the growing recognition for the services offered via AQUARIUS and the importance of transnational access opportunities in facilitating research.
Project coordination updates were presented by AQUARIUS Project Manager, Bernadette Ní Chonghaile (MI), who welcomed the excellent collaboration over the last year and outlined progress on reporting milestones and project deliverables, all of which can be accessed via the AQUARIUS website and Zenodo.
Research in Action: Projects Already Underway
A key update came from Project Officer, Frank Armstrong (MI), who presented progress on implementing Transnational Access to the AQUARIUS catalogue of marine and freshwater research infrastructures. His presentation highlighted how the project is moving from planning to implementation, with the first projects already making use of AQUARIUS-supported infrastructures, including the following:
BASEVOC (Baltic Air–Sea Exchange and Shipping Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds) accessed the Utö Marine and Atmospheric Research Station in the Baltic Sea, conducting successful measurements between April and October 2025.
Another project, STREAM DANUBE (Scientific Training and Research for Ecosystem Assessment in the Danube River Plume), carried out survey work aboard the RV Mare Nigrum in September 2025 to study benthic and pelagic processes in the Danube river plume.
Meanwhile, the ASTRA project used the RV TÜBİTAK Marmara to develop new approaches for detecting phycotoxins directly in the water column, enabling earlier detection of contamination that can affect shellfish and marine ecosystems.
Together, these projects demonstrate how access to cutting-edge research infrastructures can unlock new scientific insights across Europe’s marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Streamlining Access Through Digital Platforms
A key part of AQUARIUS’ mission is to simplify how researchers apply for infrastructure access. Anneli Strobel (AWI) presented updates to the AQUARIUS call management system and digital platform. Based on feedback from applicants in the first call, the platform has been improved to better support users.
Eligibility criteria were adjusted, making participation in the second AQUARIUS Call possible for a broader range of researchers. New platform features have also been introduced, including AI-supported tools to assist applicants in preparing their proposals, helping streamline the application process.
Robust evaluation systems and transparent selection processes remain central to AQUARIUS’ goal of providing transnational access to research infrastructures across the EU.
Training the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists
Capacity building is another core pillar of the project. Andrea Caburlotto (OGS) presented the AQUARIUS training opportunities, designed to support the next generation of marine scientists.
Several upcoming and recent training opportunities were highlighted:
- Björn Lindell (SLU) introduced the upcoming Floating University aboard RV Svea, focused on scientific survey methods for monitoring fish and benthic fauna. The programme has already attracted over 100 applications.
- Nikolaos Zarokanellos (SOCIB) presented highlights from the SOCIB Glider Training, where the selected participant gained hands-on experience with autonomous ocean observation technologies.
- Lorenza Evangelista (CNR) announced another Floating University aboard the RV Gaia Blu, scheduled for October 2026.
The Role of FAIR Data
The data generated through AQUARIUS-supported projects will contribute to the wider European marine data ecosystem.
Dick Schaap (MARIS) presented progress on ensuring that research results become FAIR data: findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.
Data produced through AQUARIUS projects will flow into EMODnet, the EUs in-situ marine data service and EDITO, the European Digital Twin Ocean, allowing the information collected to support future science, a sustainable blue economy, policy development and ocean governance.
One particularly notable development is the launch of the AQUARIUS dataflow dashboard, now available on the project website. This tool will allow users to track project progress and monitor the generation and sharing of scientific data.
Day Two: Data and Communication
The second day of the General Assembly began with a meeting of the Executive Board, where partners discussed key operational matters supporting the continued success of AQUARIUS.
The programme continued with further discussions on data management and long term accessibility of research results. Dick Schaap (MARIS) presented the strategies that funded projects are implementing to ensure their data are FAIR.
The general assembly concluded with a presentation from Maria Angel (Seascape Belgium) introducing new communications materials developed to support partners in promoting AQUARIUS activities.
Among these resources is the AQUARIUS Call 1 Factsheet, which highlights the research infrastructures accessed through the first call, their geographic distribution across Europe and the scientific areas addressed by each project. These materials will support partners in communicating the impact of AQUARIUS and increasing visibility of future calls and training opportunities.
Exploring the Acropolis
Arranged by hosts, HCMR, and after a full day of meetings, participants stepped into the historical center of Athens with a visit to the Acropolis, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
Walking through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, visitors entered the sacred hill where ancient Athenians built temples dedicated to their gods.
At the centre stands the Parthenon, the temple devoted to Athena, patron goddess of Athens. Nearby, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatid statues and the Temple of Athena Nike overlook the city below.
Beyond their architectural significance, these monuments also represent the intellectual foundations of Western society. Just below the Acropolis lies the Pnyx, where citizens once gathered to debate and vote, marking the birthplace of democracy.
In a city where ideas about knowledge, science and democracy first emerged, those who attended the Acropolis visit were left with a reminder that progress is built through collaboration, curiosity and the sharing of knowledge.
Looking Ahead
As the General Assembly concluded with a look ahead, partners left Athens with a renewed sense of momentum.
With successful projects already underway, a strong pipeline of new proposals and growing interest from the scientific community, AQUARIUS is integrating research infrastructures, connecting scientists and enabling transnational access for healthy and sustainable marine and freshwater ecosystems.
