Research
Infrastructures
Research Infrastructures
Research infrastructures are facilities that provide resources and services for research communities to conduct research and foster innovation. They are essential enablers of research and innovation in Europe, supporting multidisciplinary and data-intensive science and giving researchers access to cutting-edge facilities, data and expertise.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2025–2027), research infrastructures are addressed through a structural policy combining long-term strategic development with targeted short-term actions. A key priority is the development of a long-term EU strategy for research infrastructures, alongside a more strategic approach to EU support. In the shorter term, the focus is on strengthening resilience, including in the context of international cooperation and research security, as well as advancing the greening of research infrastructures.
This builds on the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, which focused on improving sustainability, accessibility and transnational access, and strengthening coordination across the European research infrastructure ecosystem.
ERA tools and resources
Revised European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures
Sets common principles for access, promoting open science, FAIR data, user-centric access and research security considerations.
ESFRI – European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures
Develops the ESFRI Roadmap (2026), identifying Europe’s strategic priorities for research infrastructures and supporting coordinated investments.
ESFRI Landscape Analysis (2024)
Provides a comprehensive overview of the European research infrastructure ecosystem, identifying strengths, gaps and future needs.
ESFRI Roadmap
An overview of where cutting-edge facilities and services exist in Europe.
Trans-national and virtual access to research infrastructures
List of ongoing projects funded that open research infrastructures to transnational/virtual researchers/users.
ERIC – European Research Infrastructure Consortia
A legal framework that enables countries to jointly establish and operate multinational research infrastructures.
ERIC Forum
Supports collaboration between ERICs and provides tools, guidance and best practices for managing research infrastructures.
European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)
A federated environment connecting research data and services across Europe, supporting open and collaborative science.
RItrain Learning Platform
Training resources for research infrastructures managers.
Source: ERA Policy Platform, INSPIRING ERA
Related EU projects and initiatives
- ERIC Forum 2 (2023-2027)
Strengthens cooperation between ERICs and supports their integration within the ERA. - EOSC Future (2021-2024)
Connects e-infrastructures, services and research communities to advance the European Open Science Cloud. - Infra4NextGen (2024-2028)
Uses research infrastructures to support policy priorities and societal challenges, including those linked to NextGenerationEU. - RI-PATHS (2018-2020)
Developed a comprehensive framework describing the socio-economic impact of research infrastructures and their related financial investments;
