DELICE (Developing the Emerging Research Potential of Romanian Lidar Centre) was a project implemented in the context of the European Union’s enlargement and the integration of new Member States into the European Research Area. It addressed Priority 6 of FP7 – Environment (including climate change), with a focus on climate change, pollution and risks, environmental technologies, and Earth observation and assessment tools. The project aimed to reduce disparities in research capacity between older and newer EU Member States by strengthening Romania’s infrastructure and expertise in environmental observation technologies.
The main objective of DELICE was to increase the research capacity of INOE by expanding and modernizing its remote sensing activities, particularly in the field of laser-based atmospheric monitoring. A central component of the project was the development of a Romanian Lidar Centre within INOE, designed to consolidate national expertise and resources in lidar technologies. The centre aimed to integrate more effectively into major international networks such as EARLINET and AERONET, while also increasing regional contributions to GEOSS.
DELICE focused on upgrading research infrastructure to state-of-the-art standards, improving measurement precision, and enabling the provision of reliable environmental data at European and global levels. In parallel, the project emphasized human resource development through the attraction of young researchers, collaboration with the scientific diaspora, staff training, and increased exposure to international research environments. It also aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with European and international research groups in atmospheric physics, chemistry, and modelling, and to enhance the visibility of Romanian research through scientific events and dissemination activities.
By combining improved infrastructure, strengthened human potential, and expanded international collaboration, DELICE contributed to boosting INOE’s integration into European research networks and increasing its participation in FP7 initiatives in the field of laser remote sensing and environmental monitoring.
The project ran between 2009 and 2012.