WORKPLAN
The AQUARIUS approach and methodology is organised around seven focused Work Packages (WP) designed to contribute to each of the projects seven objectives. Their implementation will oversee strategy and governance, access, call design, technical training, data management, and impact through dissemination, communication and exploitation activities.
Work Package 1 - Coordination and Project Management
Lead: MI, Contributors: CNR, MARIS, OGS, AWI, SSBE, and the support of all participants where needed
This work package coordinates and manages the AQUARIUS project to ensure effective implementation and governance. It provides strategic oversight of all AQUARIUS activities, ensuring the scientific excellence and scope of the project activities related to transnational access will deliver to the project’s objectives and those of the Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’. It will build on the success and key takeaways from preceding EU-funded research infrastructure projects.
Work Package 2 - Transnational Access
Lead: MI, Contributors: partners
The establishment of a single-point access portal to 57 research infrastructures will be managed by WP2, offering access opportunities to research vessels, mobile ocean observation infrastructures, fixed marine observation platforms, experimental facilities (including land-based, freshwater and marine), airborne infrastructure, data centres and virtual labs from across Europe.
Work Package 3 - Research Infrastructure Call Design, Management, Evaluation and Access Platform
Lead: AWI, Contributors: SYKE, MI, FMI, CNR, EMSO-ERIC, GEOECOMAR, UPC, INTERACT, RBINS
Designing, developing, implementing and managing the Calls for Transnational Access to the AQUARIUS Research Infrastructure will be the focus of this work package. It will customise and establish the AQUARIUS online call management platform, conduct the scientific and logistical evaluation of the project proposals received, and follow up on the successful projects from initiation to completion and report approval.
Work Package 4 – Research Infrastructure Access Facilitation & Management and Governance
Lead: MI, Contributors: MI, with FMI, CSIC, HCMR, IMR, GRNI, SSBE, HEREON, UL, SYKE, CNR, CZECHGlobal, NIVA, RBINS, VLIZ, EMBRC-ERIC, PLOCAN, SOCIB, VITO, EMSO-ERIC, IFREMER, TUBITAK, GEOECOMAR, OGS, UPC, FMRI, NWO-I, SLU, AWI
The primary aim for WP 4 is the facilitation and implementation of multi-platform, multi-infrastructure, integrated Transnational Access projects. To achieve this, WP4 will compile and make available a catalogue of all available research infrastructures ahead of the ‘Calls for Applications’. The compilation of research infrastructures profiles will be user-friendly, enabling researchers to easily access information about the available infrastructures, their regional coverage, and their respective modalities of access.
Work Package 5 – Research Infrastructure Technical Training
Lead: OGS, Contributors: MI, AWI, INPA, SSBE, CNR, SLU, PLOCAN, HCMR, with CSIC, IFREMER, RBINS, IMR,VLIZ, EMSO-ERIC, MARIS, EMBRC-ERIC, SMHI, INCDM, NORCE, SLU, VLIZ, INGV, EMBLI, IH, ULIEGE, IRD
This work package will oversee the development of the AQUARIUS Technical Training Hub and Materials Repository. It will ensure that tailored training activities and material, along with scientific and technical support, are provided for users of the AQUARIUS research infrastructures, and prepare the next generation of scientists to exploit leading-edge infrastructure services. In addition to guiding interested researchers in navigating the submission portal and procedures, WP5 will facilitate participation in dedicated data management training and stewardship, including an introduction to open science practices via a Virtual Research Environment (VRE).
Work Package 6 - Data Management and Open Science Practices
Lead: MARIS, Contributors: IFREMER, OGS, VLIZ, SMHI, MOi, SSBE, CNR, VLIZ, INGV, EMBL, IH, AWI, ULIEGE, IRD, CSIC, EMBRC-ERIC, EMSO-ERIC, NORCE, HCMR, INCDM, MI, SMHI, RIBNS, IMR
This work package will optimise open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Usable) access to new data, data products, and scientific knowledge to ensure that users of the research infrastructures will develop the necessary skills and competences in best-practice data management, according to open, global standards. A dedicated Data Management approach will be implemented, to ensure that all gathered and generated metadata and data will become part of the leading European data (management) infrastructures, for quality assurance, long-term stewardship, and wide access and use.
Work Package 7 - Impact: Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication
Lead: SSBE, Contributors: MI, AWI, OGS, MARIS, CNR
Work package 7 will maximise visibility and impact of the AQUARIUS project by ensuring effective Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (DEC) of the project’s activities and its results via effective stakeholder engagement and participation. Targeted dissemination of project outputs (including from the projects awarded access to the infrastructures) and specific exploitation plans will ensure that AQUARIUS delivers to the objectives of the Mission ‘Restore our Oceans and Waters’. The legacy of AQUARIUS will be consolidated into a future strategic vision for European marine research infrastructures.