Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between Blue-Cloud 2026 and FAIR-EASE Projects
The Institute of Information Science and Technologies (CNR-ISTI), representing the Blue-Cloud 2026 project, and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), representing the FAIR-EASE project, have formalised their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement underscores the shared goals and synergy of the two Horizon Europe projects in advancing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data solutions for research.
About the projects
The Blue-Cloud 2026 project, coordinated by Trust-IT Services, aims to develop a federated European ecosystem that provides FAIR and open data, alongside analytical services, to support research in oceans, seas, coastal, and inland waters. Its objectives include building a robust technical infrastructure, creating virtual laboratories for marine societal challenges, and contributing to the Digital Twin of the Ocean initiative, EDITO.
The FAIR-EASE project, coordinated by CNRS, focuses on enabling access to FAIR geoscientific data through customised services and virtual research environments. By integrating data observation and modelling systems, FAIR-EASE seeks to address interdisciplinary scientific challenges in Earth and environmental sciences.
Objectives of the MoU
This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two projects. Key areas of collaboration include:
● Establishing a working group on data access to share best practices and approaches for accessing and analysing data.
● Exploring the setup and use of a shared data lake to enhance data storage and processing efficiency.
● Facilitating the integration and testing of FAIR-EASE components within Blue-Cloud’s Virtual Research Environment.
● Organising joint webinars and knowledge-sharing sessions to enhance community engagement and capacity building.
● Establishing a working group on impact pathways to ensure the sustainability and exploitability of project results.
Looking Ahead
While the two projects joined their forces since the very start of Blue-Cloud 2026 and have been closely collaborating ever since, this MoU formalises this partnership, providing a structured framework to enhance their joint efforts in advancing FAIR data practices. It lays the foundation for a more coordinated approach to achieving shared goals, such as improving data accessibility, promoting technical interoperability, and supporting innovation for Earth and marine sciences.
