ESFRI Roadmap 2021 Update Information Day
On 25th September 2019, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) held the ESFRI Roadmap 2021 Update Information Day in Brussels, Belgium. The event, arranged in the course of the European Commission’s Research and Innovation Days, inaugurated the process of next ESFRI Roadmap update, to be completed in 2021. On this occasion, high-level ESFRI stakeholders provided the audience with a thorough presentation of requirements, procedures and methodology for the selection of proposals for new European research infrastructure projects to enter the ESFRI Roadmap in 2021. Applicants are encouraged to submit their new ESFRI Project proposals by 5th May 2020.
The ESFRI issues the ESFRI Roadmap, listing world-class research infrastructures of utmost importance for strengthening the research capacities and capabilities of European countries, as of 2006. New ESFRI Projects may be proposed in any scientific field, ranging from physical sciences and engineering, energy and environmental sciences, to biological and medical sciences, social sciences and humanities, and e-infrastructure domain. New project proposals may enter the landscape of ESFRI research facilities only once they successfully pass through the rigorous assessment organised by the ESFRI and satisfactorily meet the evaluation criteria as regards their scientific excellence and implementation planning.
New ESFRI Project proposals may be submitted by the EU Member States, Associated Countries and/or EIROforum Members. Applicants are requested to fulfil respective eligibility criteria and provide proof of (1) political support (i.e. expression of political support by the lead country and at least two other Member States or Associated Countries), (2) financial commitment (i.e. expression of commitment to finance the preparation and implementation phase by the lead country), and (3) inter-institutional and multilateral agreement (i.e. e.g. a Memorandum of Understanding signed by core project partners). EIROforum Members shall provide the aforementioned proofs by a Council resolution.
Jan Hrušák, ESFRI Chair
Besides the assessment of new European research infrastructure project proposals, which will apply to enter the ESFRI Roadmap in 2021, the ESFRI will also monitor the implementation of ESFRI Projects that entered the ESFRI Roadmap in 2010 (i.e. AnaEE, EU-SOLARIS, ISBE, MIRRI, MYRRHA, WindScanner) and 2016 (i.e. ACTRIS, DANUBIUS-RI, EMPHASIS, E-RIHS, EST, KM3NeT 2.0). ESFRI Projects that entered the ESFRI Roadmap in 2010 will no longer be listed as ESFRI Projects in the ESFRI Roadmap 2021 since ESFRI Projects are expected to reach their implementation within 10-year deadline. If they successfully reach their implementation phase, they become ESFRI Landmarks. If not, they may always re-apply for the ESFRI Project status like all newcomers.
Proposers of new European research infrastructure projects shall submit their applications by 5th May 2020. ESFRI Projects, which entered the ESFRI Roadmap in 2010 and 2016, will be approached by ESFRI stakeholders on individual basis, with customised questionnaires. Detailed information on the ESFRI Roadmap 2021 update process, including key eligibility requirements, evaluation methodology, and roadmapping procedures, is available on the ESFRI website. Final decision of the ESFRI Forum on new ESFRI Projects and ESFRI Landmarks to enter the ESFRI Roadmap 2021 update shall be taken in summer 2021.
European Commission – Madou Building, Brussels, Belgium