During 2024, two significant initiatives have been undertaken by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) and the European Commission (DG RTD) in an attempt to address the challenges of achieving broader and more effective access to Research Infrastructures. Dr. Ohad Graber-Soudry of X-officio had the privilege of contributing to both of these efforts as an appointed expert by DG RTD. Below is a summary of these two initiatives:
1. The Revision of the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures
The revised European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures provides a set of non-regulatory principles and guidelines to help research infrastructures define their access policies. It reflects the evolving role of RIs in today’s research landscape. The updated Charter builds on the previous version (published in 2016) and adding to it by:
Promoting open science and the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), ensuring that research data remains widely accessible, usable, and reproducible.
Acknowledging the increasing role of research infrastructures in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, the revised Charter addresses the needs of new users, particularly from industry and SMEs, enabling them to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and expertise.
Ensuring research infrastructures remain resilient, functional, and accessible during crises.
The revised Charter therefore serves as a guiding framework for RIs, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to strengthening access and impact.
2. The ESFRI Survey on Challenges to Research Infrastructure Access
Before the Charter’s update, a comprehensive survey was carried out by ESFRI to assess existing barriers to RI access. The findings underscore the persistent challenges in broadening and improving access, which is essential for tackling scientific and societal challenges and for underpinning the European Research Area (ERA).
Between May and June 2023, ESFRI conducted two parallel surveys:
A detailed survey targeting individual RIs and networks with joint access schemes.
A stakeholder survey aimed at RI users and other key actors.
As an expert appointed by DG RTD, Dr. Ohad Graber-Soudry was asked to analyze the surveys feedback, identify key challenges, provide recommendations, and suggest directions for potential Charter revisions..
The survey results highlight a diverse range of access types—physical, remote, and virtual—as well as various services offered, including access to equipment, data, and collections. The results suggest that several barriers to broader access remain, including:
Legal, institutional, and financial constraints.
Technical challenges in integrating and optimising access.
Multidisciplinary research, innovation, and the green and digital transitions requiring greater RI support.
The need for stronger EU support for transnational and virtual access.
The ESFRI Report on Access to Research Infrastructures and Charter on Access to RIs presents these findings in detail, along with preliminary recommendations for overcoming these challenges. The report’s conclusions played a crucial role in shaping the revised European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures.
X-officio provides expert legal, governance, and strategic advice on research infrastructures.
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