Strategic eLTER Steering Committees Meeting Held in Rome

At the end of February, the Botanical Garden in the historical city of Rome hosted the annual meeting of the eLTER PLUS, PPP, and EnRich Steering Committees.  Experts from 11 countries gathered together to shape the next chapter in eLTER’s evolution—from a successful project phase towards becoming a fully operational European Research Infrastructure Consortium (eLTER ERIC). 

Representatives from partnering academic institutions—including UH (Finland), UFZ and Senckenberg (Germany), CNRS (France), Xofficio (Sweden), EAA and BOKU (Austria), CNR (Italy), TUC (Greece), Technion (Israel), UB (Romania), MUNI (Czechia), and Pensoft (Bulgaria)—joined forces with the eLTER Head Office and Coordinators in a dynamic, forward-looking dialogue.

The agenda was both ambitious and inspiring. Core discussions focused on how to build a robust bridge between the current project structures and the eLTER ERIC. Participants tackled complex strategic questions: What challenges could emerge during this transition? What scenarios must we prepare for? How can we position eLTER as a key player in European environmental research and policy?

A SWOT analysis provided a foundation for collective reflection, while working sessions addressed everything from legal frameworks and financial models to cyberinfrastructure and data workflow piloting. Technological topics included eLTER’s ICT and core data needs, service piloting, and further development of the eLTER Cyberinfrastructure. Participants also discussed the role of modelling and big data in supporting policy-relevant, continent-wide environmental insights.

Collaboration was another central theme—both current partnerships with other research infrastructures and growing links with the private sector. These relationships were examined with an eye toward innovation, real-world application, and long-term sustainability.

The meeting also marked a turning point for many key players, as responsibilities begin shifting from individual project roles to positions within the emerging eLTER ERIC structure. Planning for future eLTER Topic Centers and defining a strong communication strategy toward ERIC operations were high on the agenda. Participants explored how to clearly demonstrate the added value of eLTER membership, particularly by identifying incentives for national support.

A special focus was placed on storytelling—finding powerful, high-impact success stories that reflect the real-world benefits of eLTER’s work. These narratives will help communicate eLTER’s achievements to wider audiences, including policymakers, funders, and the public. Discussions also emphasized the importance of accessible policy briefs and showcasing inspiring outcomes that resonate beyond the research community.

As the meeting came to a close, there was a sense of accomplishment. The discussions were not only strategic but also reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a research infrastructure that matters—scientifically, socially, and politically.

With eyes now set on the next major milestone, the eLTER community is looking forward to the first-ever eLTER Science Conference, taking place from 23-27 June 2025 in Tampere, Finland.