Joint European Research Infrastructure Network for coastal observatory – novel European expertise for coastal observatories - JERICO-NEXT.

Abstract

The JERICO NEXT Consortium offers Transnational Access (TNA) to a number of unique European Coastal Observatories and Calibration Facilities for international research and technology development. The facilities open to users are ferryboxes, fixed platforms, including cabled observatories, gliders, fishing vessels and associated calibration laboratories and marine research stations. Free-of-charge access to the facilities specified in the TNA context is granted following the evaluation and selection of proposals submitted by user groups for their utilization in response to three dedicated Calls during the lifetime of the JERICO NEXT project. The assessment and selection of submitted proposals is conducted by an independent panel of experts (Selection Panel, SP), and is based on scientific excellence, innovation and eventual impacts on the state-of- the-art. Access to a specific infrastructure (or a specific installation that is part of an infrastructure) by a user group is intended as a concession granted to use the infrastructure to collect specific data following the implementation of a specific automated measuring system. Unless otherwise stated (e.g. for the use of gliders), the measuring system is provided by the user group. The access conceded includes logistical, technical and scientific support by the access provider, and any special training required by a user group to use the assigned infrastructure. At the present date, two Calls have been completed, 21 user projects were positively evaluated by the Selection Panel and selected for execution.