Towards full implementation of the KM3NeT Research Infrastructure

ongoing

KM3NeT is a large Research Infrastructure comprising a network of deep-sea neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean Sea with user ports for earth and sea sciences instrumentation. The main science objectives, a description of the technology and a summary of the costs are presented in the KM3NeT Letter of Intent. Following the appearance of KM3NeT on the ESFRI roadmap 2016 and in line with the recommendations of the Assessment Expert Group this proposal addresses the Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) to prepare a legal entity for KM3NeT and establish open access to the RI, thereby providing a sustainable solution for the operation of the Research Infrastructure during ten (or more) years. During the EU-funded Design Study (2006 - 2010) and Preparatory Phase (2008-2012), a cost-effective technology was developed, deep-sea sites were selected and the Collaboration was formed. This proposal constitutes a second INFRADEV CSA dedicated to KM3NeT. The project will be carried out within the context of the current KM3NeT Collaboration which already has a provisional implementation of the management and governance of the Research Infrastructure in place. The resources requested will be complemented by the Collaboration.