Fast track to the implementation of an ESFRI research infrastructure

Topic description

Specific Challenge:

The transition from construction to full operation of a new pan-European research infrastructure, can be slowed down by the difficulties to align the funding cycles of the different countries committed to contribute to its implementation. A significant EU contribution to support the preparation for full operation could trigger the alignment and accelerate the research infrastructure transition from the implementation to full operational phase and enhance its sustainability.

This topic aims to accelerate the implementation and initial operation (start-up phase) of the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project. This ESFRI project is the best example of the synergetic use of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), Horizon 2020 support and national funding for the construction and deployment of a research infrastructure. The Horizon 2020 support should complement investments coming from ESIF in order to expand the scope and impact of both funds in terms of scientific excellence and regional socio-economic development.

The support should foster the transformation of ELI from a construction project to a fully operational European user facility and the participation of all interested countries in the establishment of a legal entity in charge of the operation of ELI, which will most likely take the form of an European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). Proposals would have to demonstrate the involvement of the three ELI pillars and at least the other four ELI-DC (Delivery Consortium) members as well as the relations with other relevant laser initiatives in Europe, and should cover at least the following dimensions:

• Joint ramping-up of the operation of ELI, realistically compatible with the users’ demands and with the related operational resources.
• Further definition of service level agreements and business/funding plans supporting a joint sustainable cost model based on an operational staffing optimisation.
• Joint development of associated services that should be used by scientists and industries and of a user base together with associated expected revenues for ensuring sustainable operations after the 'start-up' phase.
• Development of joint activities and mutual exchanges with relevant laser initiatives.
• Enlargement of the ELI membership.
• Limited pilots of access provision for testing and improving user services to increase reliability and create trust.
• Outreach and technology transfer activities.

Proposals should explain any synergies and complementarities with previous or current EU grants.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of up to EUR 20 million would allow this challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

This activity will:

• contribute to providing Europe with a comprehensive landscape of sustainable Research Infrastructures helping to respond to challenges in science, industry and society;
• strengthen the ERA position and role in the global research environment;
• reinforce the partnership between the Commission, Member States, Associated Countries and relevant stakeholders in establishing pan-European research infrastructures and in successfully operating them;
• enable researchers to address societal challenges with a global dimension;
• foster capacity-building and Research Infrastructure human capital development in targeted/relevant regions.
• ensure that the socio-economic impact of investments in research infrastructures from the European Structural and Investment Funds is enhanced.