eLTER EnRich - Bridging phases towards the Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research Infrastructure

ongoing

eLTER EnRich aims at catalysing the eLTER ESFRI process towards a successful conclusion, balancing between (1) the changed framework conditions since 2020 and (2) the vision and role in the European system of Research Infrastructures (RIs) identified by ESFRI. This role is to enable frontier research for a sound understanding of ecosystem change or adaptation in response to multiple global change pressures/pulses, thus providing an essential tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Green Deal, and for the transition to a sustainable and resilient Europe. Given the current 'force majeure' factors, the RI cannot be implemented in the linear process originally planned, but in a phased approach that requires agile planning tools to support scenario assessment and prioritisation in close interaction with our stakeholders. To this end, EnRich is implementing a model-based systems engineering approach to better capture the complexity of the distributed RI and to support dynamic decision making towards a research infrastructure capacity that is well co-ordinated across ~20 formally involved countries. The eLTER System Architecture (SA) allows us to design a baseline 'Skeleton RI' with well selected initial key services as a starting point for incremental extensions during the operational phase. Cyberinfrastructure components of highest relevance for the eLTER service portfolio will be driven from the SA and implemented in close collaboration with related projects and RIs. Formalisation efforts will be intensified to achieve sustainable commitment from service hosts and future ERIC members, despite the current global uncertainties. This will ensure a seamless transition from eLTER projects to eLTER ERIC operations, build capacity in terms of expertise and human resources, and strengthen user involvement in the RI. EnRich will also ensure support for decision-making in the eLTER Interim Council beyond the duration of the eLTER Preparatory Phase Project.