EGERIC Report and Recommendations

EGERIC
Presentation and discussion with the ERIC Forum community

Online, 17 January 2021. EGERIC (the Commission expert group to assess the implementation of the ERIC Regulation and identify best practices and potential recommendations) will present its Report and Recommendations to the ERIC Forum community on 17 January 2022.
The online session will aim to discuss and collect the ERIC Forum community’s feedback on the report, in preparation for the ERIC Forum Meeting on 26–27 January 2022, where the key conclusions will be presented.

More information about the event’s registration will be available soon.

About the mission of the EGERIC:

The expert group’s mission was to provide a report on the implementation of the ERIC Regulation, including independent advice and recommendations on specific issues highlighted by the Council. The group addressed the specific technical issues highlighted by the Council, which affect the implementation of the ERIC Regulation, notably concerning “an acceptable solution for the VAT exemption for in-kind contributions, to stimulate investments in ERICs and other ESFRI Roadmap Infrastructures, to increase transnational and open access to European Research Infrastructures and to enhance their financial sustainability”.

Training event: I-ADOPT Framework for FAIR variables and metadata description

I-ADOPT

Online, 17 & 31 March 2022.

What is inside your RI’s data? And how easy is it for your end users to find out? 

To make good scientific use of data, it is necessary to be absolutely clear on what has been measured or calculated. Just labelling table columns with “SWC_1_1” or “P_sal” is in many cases not precise enough, even for people familiar with your subdomain. 

The RDA I-ADOPT framework responds to this requirement offering a way to compile clear and unambiguous definitions of variables in a standardised way. It helps you to describe concepts at different levels, ranging from overarching classes (“soil composition”) down to the very detailed (“soil water content, measured in a mineral soil matrix below root depth”).  You can create and register your own definitions, or reuse those of others, and once in place use them to tag your RI’s datasets. 

The formalised descriptions empower the FAIR principles in many ways, for example by facilitating searches across data portals (F+A) and enabling machine-driven interpretation and use of data and metadata (I+R). 

ENVRI-FAIR WP6 is organising two training events that will help you to learn more about the I-ADOPT framework and the benefit this can generate for your RI.

The training series has the potential to be extended with more in-depth sessions to be organised at a later stage.

When?

The training events will take place on the following dates:

  • Thursday 17 March 14-17:30 CET
  • Thursday 31 March 14-17:30 CEST

Why?

The training introduces the concept of I-Adopt, offers opportunities to experiment with real live examples from daily practice and to discuss issues related to these experiments and receive advice on your approach. After the training, participants will be able to discuss the main elements of the I-Adopt framework, evaluate its usefulness in their RI and, if interested, participate actively in the I-ADOPT discussions under github or in the I-ADOPT Task Group under the auspices of the RDA VSSIG (Vocabulary Services Interest Group); the follow-up group to gain further knowledge and contribute to the maturing of the concept. 

Who?

This training could benefit all data managers in RIs that work on vocabularies/semantics or want to have a more in-depth knowledge of this topic. It is also suitable for researchers working with observation data to better define their data analysis needs towards RIs, for instance.

How?

The training is structured around three components:

  1. Introductory session – explanation of the concept and demonstration through examples. During the session, participants will practice to try out the concept and discuss first outcomes. A mix of plenary lectures, breakout sessions with exercises, and plenary feedback for a duration of 3 hours;
  2. In between the first and the second session, participants will be allowed ample time to experiment themselves with the I-ADOPT framework to test it on their own variables. Guidelines and Google sheets will be provided to guide these experiments;
  3. Discussion session – a second 3-hour virtual event to discuss issues related to the variable modelling, solve problems and give advice in the first 2 hours. The last hour will be used to discuss I-ADOPT in a bigger context. How should this be embedded in daily practice of research and Research Infrastructures, how can it build bridges between disciplines, what services are needed to facilitate the I-ADOPT approach, how does it relate to other areas like sensor measurements, provenance, how it can enrich the catalogues of description patterns. 

The main trainer is Barbara Magagna (Umweltbundesambt, eLTER), supported by Gwen Moncoiffé (British Oceanographic Data Centre) and Lucia Vaira (LifeWatch ERIC).

On the I-ADOPT Initiative…

The aim of the I-ADOPT initiative is to produce an Interoperability Framework, co-developed by a wide community of terminology experts, for representing observable properties. This effort will have a strong focus on observable properties in environmental research because it leverages existing efforts to accurately encode what was measured, observed, derived, or computed in relation to the earth systems[1].

The framework has been developed by an RDA working group, dedicated to this topic. 

The aim is to create FAIRer observable property terminologies, the global effectiveness of tools operating upon them will be improved and their impact increased. This will thus strengthen existing collaborations and build new connections between terminology developers and providers, disciplinary experts from across the various domains of Earth and Environmental Science, and representatives of scientific data user groups[2].

How to register

Please register your online attendance using this form.

[1] RDA I-Adopt WG case statement

[2] RDA I-Adopt WG description

Green transition for competitive and sustainable research infrastructures

Green Transition

Virtual, 1 December 2021. Join the Green transition for competitive and sustainable research infrastructures event held virtually on the 1 December 2021, 11:30 -13.00 CET / 12:30 – 14:00 EET.  

Climate change and environmental degradation are affecting all of us, and therefore increased focus is being placed on public policies and investments fostering sustainable growth and building on technological developments especially in the area of green ICT and energy efficiency.

Research infrastructures play a key role in this context, as drivers through scientific discoveries and scientific advances that address societal challenges, such as climate change, and as pioneers of the green transition through the innovative technologies, green ICT and other sustainable solutions they adopt for their own operations. 

With this event we aim to raise awareness, and encourage an exchange on the challenges and the success stories of green transition especially for research infrastructures. 

Through a series of talks and panel debate, speakers and participants will reflect on and canvass the issues, opportunities and best practices facilitating green transition, how to adopt a more coordinated approach across research infrastructures landscape and what should be key priorities in terms of investments and scientific agendas for RIs in order to be competitive and sustainable on the longer term.

Speakers: 

Jean-Eric Paquet – Director-General, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)

Jana Kolar – Executive Director, CERIC – ERIC and newly elected ESFRI chair 

with Opening remarks by Kimmo Koski, CEO,  CSC – IT Center for Science  

Joining for the panel discussion:
Christos Arvanitidis – Lifewatch ERIC CEO
Lilli Freda – EPOS ERIC Executive director / INGV
Markku Kulmala – INAR Executive Committee Chair / University of Helsinki
Sverre Quale – ECCSEL ERIC Director

Registration for the event is open at https://cscfi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n3aFs6ahR5uePsy1B62v7Q

ESOF 2022

ESOF 2022

Leiden, The Netherlands, 13–16 July 2022. The city of Leiden will be hosting the 10th edition of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) and the European City of Science. The Leiden University, the Municipality of Leiden, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, and the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) collaborate to organise the conference and the events all over the year in Leiden.

The main objective of ESOF2022 is to strengthen the trust in the various ways society is influenced by science and, on the other hand, how science is influenced by choices, dilemmas and responsibilities that arise in society. 

ESOF 2022 will be about the creation of a sense of urgency in scientists, policy makers, media, and the general public to deliberate more actively on science. ESOF2022 in Leiden will reinforce the societal dimension of European research-recognizing that citizen engagement is intrinsic to the support of science and to appreciate the benefits of science for the economy and quality of life.

ESOF2022 conference with the theme “Crossing the borders, engaged science, resilient society” is embedded in a 365-day programme of Leiden European City of Science where we will celebrate arts, science, and technology, targeted to reach out to the general public and truly connect science with society.

Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference

Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference

Utrecht, The Netherlands, 18–20 May 2022. The Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference (IBSBC) showcases the latest in integrative structural biology from leading scientists across the world.

The 5th Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference will be held at Utrecht in the Netherlands, from 19–20 May 2022. The theme of the 2022 conference is: Changes in Structural Biology: Challenges in Studying Dynamics.

The conference will explore new cutting-edge developments in structural biology, including the emerging methods and technologies that are helping scientists to decipher complex biomolecular dynamics.

Abstract Submission

All conference registrants are eligible to present a poster on integrative structural biology at IBSBC2022.

Additionally, the Scientific Organising Committee will invite a small number of the submitted abstracts for an oral presentation.

To guarantee your poster presentation, simply submit an abstract during registration.

Abstract specification: maximum one A4 page, including the title, author(s) and author affiliation(s), and up to one image.

Poster specification: A0 size, portrait orientation.

The deadline for abstract submission is 1 March 2022.

Submit your abstract here. 

Registration

Registration for the Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference 2022 is open.

€100 for participants from Instruct Member Countries and Organisations

€450 for participants from non-Instruct Member Countries or Organisations 

The registration fee covers conference attendance, refreshments including lunch and gala dinner.

The deadline for registration is 1 April 2022.

Register here. 

Impact and Action: A Virtual Science-Policy Symposium

GBIF Symposium

Online, 9 December 2021. Impact and Action is a virtual science-policy symposium co-hosted by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the US National Science Foundation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), examining how we strengthen and consolidate scientific impact in the next two decades and beyond. The interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change have increased both the requirements and the pressing need for data to inform research and policy decisions, making GBIF’s mission more urgent than ever.

Agenda

During a two-hour programme on Thursday, 9 December 2021, experts will examine the role and needs of the biodiversity data ecosystem in supporting progress across key issues, innovations, and policy priorities. Themes will include conservation, food security, health, the evolution of emerging sciences and technologies, and the science-policy interface, with a Q&A panel to conclude.

The symposium offers a unique opportunity for scientists, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to understand the previous successes and coming challenges as GBIF prepares its next strategic framework. As a precursor to a series of stakeholder consultations in the coming year, the symposium and the outcomes of its discussions will inform policies and research approaches aimed at expanding and sharing knowledge and benefits associated with biodiversity data.

Register here.

International Congress for Conservation Biology

ICCB 2021

Online, 13–17 December 2021. SCB’s 30th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2021) ‘The Future is Now: Sustaining biodiversity for today and tomorrow’ will take place virtually this 13–17 December. Pre-congress sessions (i.e. training courses, workshops, roundtables) will be held between 6–10 December. 

ICCB is the premier global meeting for conservation scientists and professionals, including researchers, students, agency personnel, environmental educators, practitioners, and other conservation stakeholders. Attendees gather for lively discussions and scientific presentations on the nexus between biodiversity conservation and genetics, ecology, biogeography, anthropology, history, psychology, economics, conservation marketing, religion, and more.

Register here.

ECSA 59

ECSA 59

San Sebastian, Spain, 5–8 September 2022. ECSA 59 will bring together a global multi-disciplinary community of researchers, educators and practitioners to address issues of outstanding importance in the science (both natural and social) and management of estuaries and coastal seas in this rapidly changing world.

Estuaries and coastal seas are facing pressures coming from human activities, which result in habitats and biodiversity loss, introduction of invasive species, input of different types of pollutants (i.e., organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, noise, light, etc.), overexploitation of resources and impairment of marine health status. This compromises the capacity of delivering ecosystem services and human benefits. On top of these effects, global change is dramatically modifying the structure and functioning of marine systems. To reverse this situation, implementation of management measures, rooted in the best scientific knowledge possible, are needed. 

Identifying such measures requires long-term monitoring based on the ecosystem-based approach. This should be done through international collaboration (e.g. within the UN Decade of the Oceans, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, etc.), with the participation of multidisciplinary teams, using novel monitoring, analysis and assessment tools, including multiple origin data sources, and going towards open science. This can help to manage the activities that we are doing at estuaries and coastal seas, and consequently, contribute to achieving sustainable seas and marine resources. 

Proposed Conference Topics

The abstract submission system will open on 10 January 2022. 

Abstract submission deadline: 1 April 2022

Changing physical settings and processes

  • Coastal morphodynamics affected by engineering structures and sea-level rise
  • From measuring to modelling hydro- and sediment dynamics
  • Impact of extreme events on coastal systems
  • Monitoring with coastal ocean observing systems

Biogeochemical processes and fluxes at the land – sea interface

  • Biogeochemical processes and fluxes at the land – sea interface
  • From catchment to coast: effects of land use change and hydrological regulations
  • Carbon and nitrogen cycling in benthic and pelagic ecosystems
  • Impact of ocean acidification on coastal systems
  • Blue carbon: assessing the role and carbon storage potential of coastal wetlands, seaweeds and seagrasses

Shifting ecosystem structures and functions

  • The effects of restoration on biodiversity and ecosystem services 
  • Role of functional and response diversity to changes for ecosystem resilience
  • Linkages between estuaries, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs
  • Stress responses and resilience: from molecular to ecosystem level

The human dimension: impact, management, governance

  • Resource use patterns and management and implications for the environment
  • Participatory management approaches in coastal zone management
  • Decision support tools and approaches for sustainable marine and coastal spatial planning
  • Assessing marine ecosystem services
  • Governing the commons: institutions for the Marine Governance 
  • Science communication, citizen science and ocean literacy

EOSC Future Open Days

EOSC Future Open Days

Online, 23–25 November 2021. The EOSC Future project is hosting its first series of open days on 23-25 November. During this virtual event, participants will have the opportunity to ask about the inner workings of the project, recent developments and priorities going forward.

The EOSC Future Open Days will bring together various stakeholders active in the EOSC community to discuss topics that are high on the agenda for EOSC Future, not to mention EOSC in general. These topics include:

  • the EOSC Portal
  • how EOSC Future supports scientific communities
  • EOSC Future engagement opportunities
  • the Digital Innovation Hub Business Pilots
  • the EOSC Observatory
  • the EOSC Future Working Groups
  • the EOSC Future Knowledge Hub. 

The event agenda is built around thematic sessions, so participants can choose the sessions that are most relevant to them. The goal of these sessions is not only to be informative but also to guage the interest and potential contribution of the EOSC community. Interactive Q&A sessions will elaborate on these thematic topics and session discussions.

Agenda

Tuesday, 23 November

09.00-10.00 CET: The EOSC Portal – for researchers

This session will answer the following questions: How does the EOSC Portal work from a user perspective? What novelties can be expected within EOSC Future?

10.30-11.30 CET: Building an EOSC to support leading-edge research

This session will answer the question: How will science benefit from EOSC?

12.00-13.00 CET: Help create an EOSC that works

This session will discuss engagement opportunities within EOSC Future. During the session, the new EOSC branding competition will also be launched.

Wednesday, 24 November

09.00-10.00 CET: The EOSC Portal – for providers

This session will respond to a series of questions: How does the EOSC Portal work from a service provider perspective? What novelties can be expected within EOSC Future?

10.30-11.30 CET: EOSC Future DIH Business Pilots

This session will answer the questions: What is the EOSC Future Digital Innovation Hub and what are the plans for the business pilots?

12.00-13.00 CET: The EOSC Observatory

This session will answer the question: How will EOSC Future support the EOSC Partnership in monitoring EOSC readiness?

Thursday, 25 November

09.00-10.00 CET: EOSC Future Working Groups

This session will answer a series of prompts: What are the EOSC Future Working Groups doing? In which thematic areas? How is this work different from that of the EOSC Association Task Forces (and how will they collaborate)?

10.30-11.30 CET: The EOSC Future Knowledge Hub

This session will answer the following questions: What is the EOSC Future Knowledge Hub? What are the training plans for EOSC Future?

Registration