Work Performed and Main Achievements (March 2024 – August 2025)
During the reporting period, POLARIN has established the foundations for its access and service provision:
- Framework for Access: The procedure for Transnational Access (D1.2) was developed, covering eligibility criteria, evaluation steps, negotiation, implementation, and reporting. This ensures transparency, fairness, and scientific excellence in user selection.
- Scientific Priorities & Evaluation: The Scientific Liaison Panel (SLP) was implemented (D1.1) and the evaluation process defined (D1.3). The first call for proposals (Oct–Nov 2024) attracted 96 submissions, of which 86 were eligible. After external reviews and consensus meetings, 37 projects involving 134 researchers (50% female, 38% early career, 24% non-European) were selected for access to 28 infrastructures.
- The POLARIN TAP platform was launched, building on INTERACCESS, enabling proposal submission, evaluation, and reporting.
- POLARIN Data Hub: Launched 1st September 2025
- POLARIN GIS: Launched 1st of September 2025
- Data Management: A Data Management Plan (D4.1) was delivered, outlining FAIR principles, open data policies, and ethical guidelines.
- Training: first training webinar on planning research expeditions took place in April 2025.
- A high-visibility website and social media channels were launched (D8.1) alongside the brand identity (D8.2) promotional materials (D8.3) and the Communication, Dissemination and Engagement Plan (D8.4).
- Management: Governance structures (General Assembly, Steering Board, Advisory Board) have been implemented. The first and second GAs were held (in-person and virtual). A Quality Assurance Plan (D9.3) was adopted.
- Partnerships: The consortium was updated with new partners (Umeå University, TÜBITAK MAM, Masaryk University) and an associated partner (JAMSTEC), while Lund University withdrew
