The kick-off meeting of the EU-PolarNet project, funded by the H2020  European Union programme, took place this week in Bremerhaven (Germany).
EU-PolarNet is the world's largest consortium in polar research expertise and infrastructures. The project aims to develop a long-term research strategy for both polar regions, integrating cutting-edge science and top quality polar infrastructures. It will pave the way for a more holistic integrated scientific approach, a higher degree of polar research coordination and closer cooperation with all relevant bodies. Its outcomes are expected to have significant global impact by shaping European polar research for the coming decades.
The consortium counts 22 partners of which Anton Van De Putte (biodiversity.aq) and Serge Scory (Belgian Marine Data Centre) represent RBINS. They are in charge of producing a "White Paper" on European polar data accessibility -including proposals for capacity building and on methodology to interconnect the existing and upcoming polar research data systems and infrastructures- hence ensuring polar data is made more widely available and in a timely manner.
The consortium will also benefit from its close cooperation with the European Polar Board (EPB), currently chaired by Ms. Maaike Van Cauwenberghe (Belspo).