General Objective of the Project
The overarching goal of the project is to enhance the research and innovation capacity and to support the adoption of advanced technologies within Romanian institutions participating in the ACTRIS ERIC research infrastructure.
Specific Objectives of the Project
Modernization and Efficient Use of Research Infrastructure and Ensuring Data Flows in Line with ACTRIS Requirements
This objective supports the material and human infrastructure necessary for the pre-operational and operational phases of ACTRIS. It also aims to ensure the efficient use of RDI infrastructure to facilitate open access and long-term sustainability, with a multiplying effect on the dissemination of knowledge and RDI outcomes.
Certification of National Facilities
The project aims to obtain certification for at least six components of the ACTRIS-RO National Facilities, as follows:
a) the RADO-Bucharest fixed observation platform operated by INOE, for three components: aerosol remote sensing, in-situ aerosol measurements, and cloud remote sensing;
b) the RADO-Cluj fixed observation platform operated by UBB, for two components: aerosol and cloud remote sensing;
c) the RADO-Galați fixed observation platform operated by UDJG, for one component: cloud remote sensing.
Fulfilling the Operational Commitments of National and Central Facilities
The responsibilities of the National and Central Facilities are outlined in the ACTRIS Technical and Scientific Description and detailed in the Collaboration Agreements signed between ACTRIS ERIC and each facility. The fulfillment of these obligations is reviewed annually by the ACTRIS Research Infrastructure Committee, which submits annual activity reports for approval by the ACTRIS ERIC General Assembly. These reports include details on costs, financial resources, involved personnel, certification status, main activities (access provision, implementation, operation of ongoing projects, planned developments), education and training efforts, collaboration with other networks and infrastructures, and scientific outputs. Progress toward the general objective is measured through the successful approval of these annual reports for both the ACTRIS-RO National Facilities and the Aerosol Remote Sensing Centre (CARS), validating Romania’s contributions to the operation of the infrastructure.
Increasing the Scientific Visibility of ACTRIS-RO Teams
A key objective and motivation for participating in ACTRIS is to increase the quality and quantity of scientific contributions from the Romanian institutions involved. Scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange with over 100 research institutions within ACTRIS create strong opportunities for integration into the European Research Area — both in terms of access to services and data, as well as participation in new research projects and impactful scientific outputs. The project particularly targets collaborations with ACTRIS laboratories operated by prestigious institutions such as the Finnish Meteorological Institute (Finland), Institute for Tropospheric Research (Germany), University of Lille (France), University of Granada (Spain), University of Warsaw (Poland), National Observatory of Athens (Greece), National Research Council of Italy (Italy), and the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland).