First Part

Due to the special character of the infrastructures needed for marine research, significant investments are required in this area. To maximize the impact of these investments, an international collaboration is needed to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and ensure pooling of (scarce) resources.

There is a need to identify any barriers to this international collaboration that may exist regarding investments for new research infrastructures. In addition, international cooperation in using existing research infrastructures should be further explored. The nature of access (from leading access, driving a specific campaign of measurements, to accessing to results/data) leads to specific issues at the international level that should be duly considered.

The discussions in this session focus on the following questions:

- How can the mappings of RIs reflect the approach to addressing grand challenges (science priorities and support of grand challenges)?

- What would be the appropriate international framework for cooperation (this is currently either missing or too complex/difficult to identify). What are the procedures for national, regional and global decisions?

- How can facilities be built beyond science and technology? 

- How do we coordinate and harmonise Marine research activities and operations?

- How do we improve access to research facilities and research data?

- What are ways to enhance the dialogue and knowledge exchange between infrastructure project leaders?

- How do we promote good knowledge sharing practices and contribute towards developing new strategies and modalities in future collaborations

- How do we share experiences and lessons on transatlantic co-operation in the development and use of research infrastructures?

Second Part: Arctic (Marine)

Research Infrastructures for marine research in the Arctic are facing specific challenges. Due to operational costs, logistical complexity and the remoteness of Arctic locations, science planning at the international level can be very difficult.

Research Infrastructures for the Arctic marine are often specialised and represent large investment costs. These have to be planned very careful and could often benefit from international cooperation. One way to ensure efficient use of research infrastructures and maximize their potential for knowledge generation is to coordinate activities, harmonise operational and regulatory frameworks and improve access to research facilities, research data, and scientific networks.