Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DANUBIUS IP (DANUBIUS Implementation Phase Project - DANUBIUS-IP)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-10-01 al 2025-12-31
DANUBIUS-RI is a pan-European Research Infrastructure (RI) that supports the Research and Innovation needed to achieve healthy River-Sea Systems. The RI is designed to enable state-of-the-art, holistic, research and innovation from river source to sea and deliver the integrated knowledge to sustainable manage River-Sea Systems, supporting the understanding of their evolution and functioning. It offers services integrating capabilities from: remote and in-situ observation platforms, experimental facilities, laboratories, modelling tools and resources for Knowledge Exchange along the river source to sea continuum.
DANUBIUS-RI comprises components (Hub, Data Centre, Nodes, Supersites) distributed across Europe. DANUBIUS-ERIC is the legal entity providing the governance framework to coordinate, manage and communicate the activities of the RI.
The overall goal of HE DANUBIUS-IP was to ensure the successful initiation of DANUBIUS-ERIC and enable it to proceed to the Operational Phase. The Specific Objectives (SO) of DANUBIUS-IP were met through its Work Packages:
SO1. Ensure the successful initiation of DANUBIUS-ERIC
SO2. Develop and enhance the DANUBIUS-RI ICT potential.
SO3. Demonstrate the DANUBIUS-RI value proposition
SO4. Offer successful access to selected DANUBIUS-RI facilities and services
SO5. Enlarge the DANUBIUS-RI community
SO6. Enhance the visibility of DANUBIUS-RI to increase its social and economic impact.
DANUBIUS-RI comprises components (Hub, Data Centre, Nodes, Supersites) distributed across Europe. DANUBIUS-ERIC is the legal entity providing the governance framework to coordinate, manage and communicate the activities of the RI.
The overall goal of HE DANUBIUS-IP was to ensure the successful initiation of DANUBIUS-ERIC and enable it to proceed to the Operational Phase. The Specific Objectives (SO) of DANUBIUS-IP were met through its Work Packages:
SO1. Ensure the successful initiation of DANUBIUS-ERIC
SO2. Develop and enhance the DANUBIUS-RI ICT potential.
SO3. Demonstrate the DANUBIUS-RI value proposition
SO4. Offer successful access to selected DANUBIUS-RI facilities and services
SO5. Enlarge the DANUBIUS-RI community
SO6. Enhance the visibility of DANUBIUS-RI to increase its social and economic impact.
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.
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.
Activities from the 2nd RP were dedicated to the successful launch of DANUBIUS-ERIC. The Science and Innovation Agenda was updated in accordance with the current Horizon Europe Framework Programme. The components’ services (operational, under development or upgrading) were listed and a roadmap to fill the gaps (scientific questions not properly covered by services) was developed. Efforts were made for Open and FAIR Data services that are interoperable with other RIs (as well as internally, between components), with the Data Portal and connectivity with the EOSC initiative tested for the first time. The DANUBIUS Community has its own Zenodo space.
The testing of the DANUBIUS-RI services was made through 2 test calls.
The IP project supported the Board of Government Representatives as the main governing body of the preparatory and implementation phases of DANUBIUS-RI and managed the successful launch of the first ERIC General Assembly (when financial, legal and procedural documents prepared in the IP were approved). Permanent activities in the ERIC countries is proven by the investments in national components and communities for DANUBIUS-RI (CZ, IT, NL, RO, UK).
Connections with other RIs have been continuous, as well as the interaction with major European (Water4All) and international (MegaDelta Programme) initiatives.
The testing of the DANUBIUS-RI services was made through 2 test calls.
The IP project supported the Board of Government Representatives as the main governing body of the preparatory and implementation phases of DANUBIUS-RI and managed the successful launch of the first ERIC General Assembly (when financial, legal and procedural documents prepared in the IP were approved). Permanent activities in the ERIC countries is proven by the investments in national components and communities for DANUBIUS-RI (CZ, IT, NL, RO, UK).
Connections with other RIs have been continuous, as well as the interaction with major European (Water4All) and international (MegaDelta Programme) initiatives.