During the reporting period, the project focused on the technical and scientific consolidation of DANUBIUS-RI and its transition to full operational readiness. Core activities addressed governance implementation, development of interoperable digital infrastructure, validation of scientific services, the implementation of the interim Quality Assurance Panel to oversee the development and management of DANUBIUS-RI Commons.
A major achievement was the implementation of the DANUBIUS-ERIC governance framework. The transition from preparatory structures to the legally constituted ERIC was completed through the adoption of internal rules, establishment of the General Assembly and the appointment of executive roles. Harmonised Service Level Agreements formalised interactions between the central ERIC and distributed Components, while a consolidated funding model, cost framework and operational budget have been approved for the first full year of the ERIC (2026) establishing a stable financial basis for sustained scientific operations.
Significant progress was achieved in strengthening the ICT and data infrastructure. A coherent, FAIR-compliant data governance framework was implemented through consolidated Data Policy and Data Management Plan documents, aligned with EU standards and best practices. Interoperability with European digital ecosystems was reinforced through landscape analyses and technical engagement with initiatives such as EOSC and ENVRI-FAIR. A CKAN-based data repository demonstrator was deployed and tested across multiple datasets, confirming compliance with FAIR principles, metadata harvesting, and API functionality, and enabling secure scalable connectivity and access to multiple data centres for the components of the RI.
The scientific value of DANUBIUS-RI was demonstrated through the implementation of Research Priority Services addressing river–sea system challenges. The revised strategic roadmap aligned Nodes and Supersites with societal and scientific priorities, identifying capability gaps, and defining implementation pathways to fill the needs for service provision. Phased delivery plans translated these priorities into concrete, quality-assured services, supported by the establishment of DANUBIUS Commons and an interim Quality Assurance Panel to ensure consistency, interoperability and high scientific standards across the infrastructure.
Operational performance was validated through two Pilot Access Calls, which for the first time tested the service provision cycle under a unified management framework. A portfolio of services spanning field access, data provision, ecosystem experimentation, Earth Observation, analysis and modelling was delivered to selected users, following two test calls to early career researchers. The lessons learned in the process supported the operational procedures of DANUBIUS-ERIC.
The newly established ERIC has increased its role in the landscape of pan-European environmental research infrastructures and started the engagement with relevant European and international initiatives. Dedicated DANUBIUS-RI videos and social media news about the state of DANUBIUS-RI contributed to its increase of visibility. Audiences peaked when dealing with the test calls, creation of the ERIC and the meeting of its first General Assembly (operationalisation).
At the end of the IP project DANUBIUS-RI achieved a good level of technical maturity and scientific readiness. It operates under a stable ERIC governance and funding framework, delivering FAIR-compliant and interoperable digital services, along with coordinated, quality-assured scientific services across a distributed European infrastructure. These outcomes position DANUBIUS-ERIC to support advanced research on river–sea systems, foster cross-border scientific collaboration, and ensure long-term sustainability and impact within the European Research Area.
