CEI INTERFACE

The project INTERFACE - Towards a regIoNal ParTnER Facility for solid eArth science in the Central and south-eastern European area, funded under the CEI Cooperation Activity 2022 framework, fits with the GOAL 2 “Building Just Society” of the CEI Plan of Action 2021-2023, aiming at reducing inequalities and at easing progress and prosperity for all. OGS contributed to the objective 2.6 “Furthering Science Diplomacy” by organizing a multilateral meeting to strengthen an effective cooperation in the field of Solid Earth Science research among the CEI Member States belonging to the Adriatic-Balkans-Dinarides region.

The international meeting “Towards a Transnational Research Network on Solid Earth Science”, held in Trieste (Italy) on 23 November 2023, was organized by OGS as a continuation of a previous conference conducted on 28 October 2020 in collaboration with CEI. The 2020 event initiated a dialogue with CEI member countries on Solid Earth Science research. It was part of the project “RISE - enlaRgIng epoS mEmbership” which had been approved by the Committee of CEI National Coordinators (CNC) in December 2019. Building on the outcomes of the RISE 2020 initiative, the INTERFACE 2023 meeting sought to strengthen scientific collaboration among CEI member countries. The event facilitated open discussions aimed at developing a shared vision for establishing a Regional Partner Facility for Earth Sciences. This initiative seeks to elevate the CEI countries excellence through association and collaboration with pan-European Research Infrastructures (RIs), such as EPOS.

The 2023 meeting aimed to initiate effective transnational cooperation in the field of Solid Earth Science under the leadership of OGS and CEI, in alignment with the principles outlined in the Trieste Declaration on Science. This collaboration focused on progressing towards a Regional Partner Facility (RPF) agreement. An RPF holds the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the European research agenda. It can significantly contribute to the success of the European Research Area (ERA) in a global context while also driving national development through a “smart specialization” approach.

• The establishment of an RPF would have a profound impact on CEI partners in the Adriatic-Balkans-Dinarides region, facilitating greater participation in European scientific initiatives and projects, such as EPOS. Furthermore, the RPF could serve as a foundation for providing scientific support to cross-border civil protection actions, strengthening regional resilience and collaboration

The INTERFACE event was designed to achieve three primary objectives:

• Identify Key Institutions: To pinpoint the institutions that should be included in a transnational network, structured as a Regional Partner Facility (RPF), aimed at addressing the limited participation of certain CEI countries in existing international projects and research infrastructures.
• Draft Core Concepts: To outline the key principles and concepts to be incorporated into the initial draft of the agreement for establishing the RPF.
• Develop a Timetable: To create a preliminary timeline for drafting the RPF agreement, ensuring a structured and efficient development process.

The RPF is expected to foster long-term international collaboration among partners, strengthening relationships and serving as a catalyst for innovative ideas and the development of new international project proposals.

Additional information can be accessed through the following links:

• https://www.cei.int/news/9765/breakthroughs-in-addressing-natural-disasters-solid-outcomes-from-trieste-conference
• https://www.facebook.com/100033229035601/posts/pfbid0kWZXYQMeCxBxFecQTdEKwjMRXHiDZaFz9YufQR4rvg7ig97RtM5C4LTmczfpDjDnl/?d=n&m
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386330405_Conference_introduction_objectives_and_policy_scope_examples_of_successful_international_cooperation_projectsinfrastructures