Recommendations for the revision of the European Charter of Access to Research Infrastructures
Creators: name: Pulli, Ilari
name: Dörr, Dorothea
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025

description: Task 5.2 of the ERIC Forum 2 project undertook a review of transnational and virtual access (TNA/VA) within European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), aiming to assess the current state of access modalities, funding mechanisms, and challenges, while identifying opportunities for improvement. ERICs are vital for advancing science, research and development across Europe. Ensuring that researchers from academia and the private sector have seamless access to these infrastructures is crucial for promoting innovation and scientific excellence. This deliverable highlights key findings from a survey, to which 25 ERICs provided responses. Additionally, a representative of the Task 5.2 working group contributed to the revision of the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures (RIs), which was published as an updated version in November 2024. This deliverable provides a status update and supports objectives to enhance efficient TNA/VA access to ERIC services in alignment with the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures.

ERICs currently offer a range of access modalities, with 68% providing virtual access, followed by physical (60%) and remote access (56%), and hybrid models combining these. Most ERICs offer virtual access free of charge and openly accessible, though special requests may be needed for sensitive data. EU funding, particularly through the EU Framework Programmes, plays a crucial role in supporting transnational and virtual access, complemented by contributions from member countries.

Through the survey, key challenges associated with access modalities and provision were identified. The challenges that exist include funding constraints and inconsistent funding cycles. Complex application and user selection processes within access funding projects create administrative burdens and delays. Additionally, limited awareness of available access options and capacity limitations for both remote and physical modalities hinder broader usage.

To address these issues, securing sustainable funding models for transnational and virtual access is key, enabling long-term programs that avoid resource-intensive funding gaps and overly frequent competitive cycles. Administrative processes should be improved to ensure efficient and effective funding management, while simplifying application and reporting requirements to reduce burdens on stakeholders. Importantly, further investing in capacity to deliver the services is key. Additional investments are suggested on training and capacity-building initiatives for access management and findability of services, enhancing virtual access capabilities such as data interoperability and support systems. Expanding visibility and user engagement will further boost access to the ERICs. In terms of funded access – including through EU Framework Programmes -, focused and flexible funding, with simplifying application and administrative processes will help channel the majority of funding toward access delivery. Integrating access funding to ERIC services across all Pillars of the EU Framework Programmes is critical as well. Finally, continuously bringing access funding to a sustainable level will ensure sustainable access, facilitating resilient and competitive RI services for science and innovation in line with the ambitions set out in the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures.