Early phase implementation of ESFRI Projects that entered the ESFRI Roadmap in 2021

This topic targets the research infrastructure projects that entered the ESFRI Roadmap in 2021[[ESFRI Projects eligible for support under this topic are: EBRAINS, SLICES, SoBigData++, MARINERG‑I, EIRENE RI, ET, EuPRAXIA, GGP, GUIDE, OPERAS, RESILIENCE.]], due to their scientific excellence and organisational maturity as well as to their strategic importance for the European Research Area and the structuring of the European research infrastructure ecosystem. Proposals must explicitly state which ESFRI Project they target.

Although these ESFRI Projects have received EU funding for their preparatory phase and initial commitment from Member States/Associated Countries, the early stages of the research infrastructure life cycle are particularly challenging. Past monitoring exercises on ESFRI infrastructures highlighted recurrent bottlenecks hampering their full implementation and start of operation phase. Building on such experiences, proposals are expected to identify and address the most critical issues that could prevent or delay the entering of these ESFRI Projects into the implementation phase.

Support can be provided for activities, such as enlargement of the membership; establishment of the governance structure and legal entity; securing the funding; finalisation of the distributed architecture; development of ICT and data management solutions (including data management according to the FAIR principles and possible open access to data); development of access policies and users’ strategies; consolidation of the international dimension; consolidation of the service offer; assessing possible expansion to new user communities/new needs; or addressing staff and procurement related issues. Proposals should focus on the activities addressing the identified bottlenecks.

Proposals should involve all stakeholders necessary to move the project forward and ensure financial commitments (including national/regional ministries/governments, research councils or funding agencies).

Proposals should explain any synergies and complementarities with previous or current EU grants.