Support for the development and strengthening of DANUBIUS-RO
FUNDING:
Program 5.9 – Research in Strategic Interest Areas, Subprogram 5.9.4 – River–Delta–Sea Systems – DANUBIUS, under the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2022–2027
PROJECT DURATION:
2025–2028
PROJECT DIRECTOR:
Assoc. prof. Nicolae Ajtai, PhD
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The DANUBIUS RO-2 project addresses Romania’s national commitments as the coordinating country of the European Research Infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI and supports the transition from the preparatory phase to the operational one. The project’s objectives focus on: (1) strengthening institutional, scientific, and digital capacity; (2) operationalizing the international DANUBIUS ERIC structure; (3) expanding national and international collaborations; (4) integrating new research facilities, including a new Supersite at Porțile de Fier; and (5) creating an interdisciplinary academic community.
The project aims to reinforce the institutional, managerial, and technical capacities required for the operation of this infrastructure by consolidating the logistical base, expanding the national network of partners, developing the physical and digital infrastructure, and attracting and training specialized human resources.
PARTNERS:
- National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences (INCDSB) (coordinator)
- National Institute for Research and Development for Marine Geology and Geoecology (GeoEcoMar)
- National Institute for Research and Development “Danube Delta” (INCDDD)
- “Sabba S. Ștefănescu” Institute of Geodynamics of the Romanian Academy (IGSSS-AR)
- Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB)
- University of Bucharest (UB)
- National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
- West University of Timișoara (UVT)
- Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB)
EXPECTED RESULTS:
- Operationalization of the Analytical Node and the Danube Delta Supersite, key components of the European research infrastructure;
- Ensuring the interoperability of data, methods, and analytical protocols, in accordance with the requirements established by the DANUBIUS-RI Strategic Research Agenda;
- Providing scientific expertise, analytical services, and experimental infrastructure for users within the DANUBIUS-RI network;
- Ensuring continuous contribution to the governance and development of the infrastructure through active participation in DANUBIUS-ERIC councils and working groups;
- At the national level, the project will support the development of advanced research, observation, and analytical infrastructure within the Analytical Node and the Danube Delta Supersite, contributing to the enhancement of Romania’s scientific and technological performance;
- At the European level, the project will strengthen Romania’s position as a regional leader in integrated river–sea system research, through the active participation of member institutions in DANUBIUS-RI and the development of replicable solutions for the sustainable management of water, biodiversity, and sediment resources;
- At the international level, the project will contribute to strengthening Romania’s role in global environmental and sustainable development initiatives, including integration into efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), participation in the Global Environment Monitoring System, and support for the UN Decade of Ocean Science.