Second implementation project for the ERIC Forum

Project Information

ERIC Forum 2

Grant agreement ID: 101124559

DOI

10.3030/101124559

EC signature date 28 July 2023

Start date 1 September 2023

End date 31 August 2027

Funded under

• Research infrastructures

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 2 999 463,88

Coordinated by

BIOBANKS AND BIOMOLECULAR RESOURCES RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE CONSORTIUM (BBMRI-ERIC)
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ERIC Forum 2 (Second implementation project for the ERIC Forum)

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ERICs (European Research Infrastructure Consortia), under the umbrella of the ERIC Forum, represent one of the leading science policy voices in Europe and play a key role in structuring the research infrastructure landscape.
Following the successful set-up and implementation of the ERIC Forum (2019-2022), further efforts are needed to consolidate its achievements and expand the coordination and monitoring of the ERICs. This project aims to structure the cooperation between ERICs, support the implementation of the ERIC Regulation and ERICs services, and consolidate the integration of the ERICs in the European Research Area by deepening the ERIC Forum’s contribution to research policies.
To reach its objectives, the project relies on a multi-disciplinary consortium involving all identified ERICs, both multi- and single-sited, and representing the five science clusters of the ERICs.
The project is structured in four thematic pillars: 1) Monitoring and Reporting, 2) Reinforcing European research infrastructure policy and international cooperation; 3) Implementing the ERIC Regulation, strengthening capacities and identifying possible shared resources; 4) Coordinating the project, ERIC Forum Executive Board secretariat and communication.
The activities carried out within the project will ensure the implementation of specific results on three key target groups: the ERICs and ERICs-to-be, in order to increase their knowledge and propose solutions for key aspects of the ERIC Regulation implementation; the policy-makers and stakeholders by setting-up and managing the new ERIC Forum monitoring and reporting platform, thus ensuring an easy access to updated and consolidated data and information about the ERICs, as well a further strengthened role in the European science policy; and finally the users, as the project will investigate the sustainability and open access of its services, as well as address the challenges related to the commercial aspects of service provision.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

By the end of the first reporting period, the project delivered fully: All 9 milestones and 15 deliverables (see Table 1 and 2) were delivered within the planned timelines or, in some cases, earlier. The project also organised four events which brought the consortium, as well as ERICs not formally part of the consortium and ERICs-to-be together: kick-off online meeting in September 2023, annual in person meeting in February 2024, bi-annual on-line meeting in September 2024 and another in-person meeting in January 2025 (latter due only in reporting period 2). These meetings were always taken also as an opportunity for a wider discussion between ERICs, ERICs-to-be and policy makers, which is very valued by the overall ERIC community.
In addition to the regular project activities, many colleagues leading the Work Packages, were included in expert or policy dialogue with the European Commission, for example on the topic of the Charter for Access, revision of the guidelines on the implementation of the ERIC Regulation, or the topic on import duties, which are of concern to some ERICs.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ERIC Forum 2 aims to streamline data collection within ERICs through an online monitoring platform, benefiting external stakeholders and showcasing ERIC activities. It supports ERIC integration into the ERA, aligning research infrastructures with higher education priorities and enhancing their EU partnerships.

The project focuses on service development and sustainability, especially from a financial perspective, addressing challenges in commercial service deployment. It reviews access models for transnational and virtual access (TA/VA) and identifies ways to improve service access and overcome barriers.

ERIC Forum 2 promotes global collaboration by mapping requirements for international partnerships and sharing best practices to expand ERICs’ global research network. It also builds ERICs' capacity through workshops, webinars, and resources for continuous learning, fostering gender equality, diversity, and industry collaboration.

The project works on developing a common contract framework for ERIC staff to improve employee attraction and retention. It addresses the challenges of ERIC regulation implementation and provides recommendations for enhancing the ERIC Guidelines, with updates expected in 2025.

ERIC Forum 2 ensures broad communication with stakeholders through newsletters, social media, and events, fostering collaboration and ensuring high-quality outcomes for the ERIC community.

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