Released: Science Clusters' Position Statement

The

European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures

See: https://www.esfri.eu

Science Clusters, operating as a cluster of clusters in projects such as OSCARS and EVERSE, have released the Science Clusters Position Statement on operational commitment to

European Open Science Cloud

See: https://www.clarin.eu/eosc

and Open Research, which articulates the Science Clusters’ vision for the future towards the successful implementation of the EOSC, as the result of five years of collaborative efforts, including interactions with the European Commission, EOSC Association, ESFRI-EOSC task force, and e-Infrastructure Reflection Group (e-IRG). CLARIN is proud to be participating in OSCARS as part of the SSHOC cluster.

The document restates that the Science Clusters prioritise advancing researchers’ access to data, tools, and resources for data-driven science, and contribute to the sustainability of ESFRI and pan-European RIs through the development of a cross-border open innovation environment for FAIR data management and analytical services, respectful of CARE (Collective Benefits, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics) principles and attentive to digital security.

The position paper:

• Acknowledges the progress accomplished, updates the common work plan from 2021, expresses the Science Clusters' determination to establish thematic community-based ‘EOSC Science Cluster Nodes’, contingent upon resources and explains the potential implications on the interconnection with the EOSC EU Node and national nodes.
• Emphasises the adaptability of the Science Clusters to a unified vision capable of accepting different needs within EOSC and outlines their operational role within the EOSC Federation.
• Demonstrates the requirement for urgent support of a targeted Science Cluster destination action within Horizon Europe and future framework programmes in order to enable the operational role of the Science Clusters.

Read the position paper here

Prior to its open dissemination, the document was presented and discussed with representatives of key stakeholders, including the EC, ESFRI and EOSC boards, and the EOSC Association in occasion of the ESFRI-EOSC Task Force consultation workshop held on 1 March, 2024.