ATMO-ACCESS is the organized response of distributed atmospheric research facilities that is aiming to develop a pilot for a new model of Integrating Activities. The project is intended to deliver a series of recommendations for establishing a comprehensive and sustainable framework for access to distributed atmospheric Research Infrastructures (RIs), ensuring integrated access to and optimized use of the services they provide.
ATMO-ACCESS is mobilizing extensive resources within the atmospheric RI communities to work toward harmonizing access procedures, in alignment with relevant policies, financial regulations, and access conditions. It is also developing and testing innovative modalities of access to facilities and complementary, advanced services — including digital services — as part of cross-RI collaborative efforts.
The project is opening physical and remote access to 43 operational European atmospheric research facilities, including ground-based observation stations, simulation chambers, mobile facilities, and central laboratories — all fundamental components of distributed RIs. Innovative cross-RI cloud services, designed to support data management, integration of new data products, and the use of virtual training tools, are being offered through virtual access to RI data centres.
All activities within ATMO-ACCESS aim to build upon lessons learned from previous access programs, in order to streamline efforts and avoid duplication. The project is also engaging continuously with users and national and international stakeholders to propose optimal conditions for a coherent and effective access framework — one that is sufficiently tested and supported by relevant communities to contribute to the long-term sustainability of access across the European RI landscape.
The project has been running since 2021 and is scheduled to end in 2025.