IMPACT
The targeted AQUARIUS call design process will ensure that the selected projects deliver outputs that contribute to EU policy goals and will enhance and further integrate research and innovation capacities in support of the development phase of the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’, the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, and international climate initiatives. It will also be an essential component in achieving the European Digital Twin of the Ocean and the UN Decade for Ocean Sciences (2021-2030).
At minimum 10 excellent projects will have been realised through the AQUARIUS RI services, of which at least 70% must have achieved super-integration of research infrastructures. The Access Calls will have been specifically designed, through consultation with expert stakeholders, to address clean oceans and waters. The dedicated outreach programme and campaigning will attract researchers who will have a high awareness of the new opportunities available through the easily accessible RI services. A diverse range of applications will have been received, of high quality due to the pre-application training and support services offered by the project.
Economic and Technological Impact
Economic and technological contributions to Impact will be evidenced by potential new products or services that could be brough to the market based on exploitation of the results from the funded Access Projects. In terms of the AQUARIUS target user communities these will include researchers in non-academic sectors. Therefore, companies working in and for the blue economy sectors, for instance in marine living and non-living resources, marine renewable energy, aquaculture, fisheries, maritime activities, coastal tourism, and others may benefit from the outputs of funded Access projects. This will also help to contribute to the targets of the Sustainable Blue Economy.
Societal Impact
Societal contributions from the AQUARIUS will include healthier, better protected and more sustainable oceans and water in Europe. Better marine and freshwater policies should emerge, supported by the research infrastructure services and the direct outputs of the funded Access projects. Increased awareness of research infrastructure services amongst citizens will have been realised through the interesting and engaging AQUARIUS activities and communication efforts. As the target users are also citizen science groups, a major pillar of the Green Deal initiative, this will have helped to recognise citizen scientists as important collectors and providers of scientific data. Engaged citizens are more likely to adopt and promote measures, for instance to decrease pollution and contribute to restoring our environment.