Distributed European Research infrastructures join forces on sustainable access strategies
Published: 25, September, 2025
Research Infrastructures (RI) drive innovation and the advancement of knowledge across all scientific fields by offering researchers state-of-the-art tools and resources that exceed individual or institutional capabilities. Ensuring sustainable access to these RIs is crucial to driving scientific progress and collaboration.
The joint ATMO-ACCESS - NEP and ORP White Paper is the result of an extensive consultation and collaboration process among the three Pilot projects funded under H2020 INFRAIA-03-2020 - Pilot for a new model of Integrating Activities, all launched in 2021 and scheduled to conclude in 2025. With budgets of around €15 million each, ATMO-ACCESS and ORP are large-scale projects coordinated by CNRS, highlighting its leading role in shaping European research infrastructures. The White Paper presents recommendations on the most appropriate models, mechanisms, and best practices for establishing optimal conditions to implement access programs for distributed RIs.
On September 10, 2025, in Brussels, the White Paper was presented by the three pilot projects to representatives from the European Commission (DG Research & Innovation), the Research Executive Agency, ACTRIS ERIC, IAGOS, and Research Performing Organisations representatives. The presentation was followed by intensive exchanges and discussions on the rich experiences, challenges encountered, and emerging recommendations from the three pilots, providing input for considerations on future INFRA calls in the next Horizon Europe Framework Programme.