EMBRC’s STORY

Building the Concept

EMBRC’s STORY

Building the Concept

Norway EMBRC Marine Station

EMBRC has a rich history dating back to the 1870s when marine stations were created in Europe to enable scientists to study marine life wherever they were based. Scientists would hop from one station to another; collecting samples and undertaking experiments at each one.

But this network of marine stations isn’t consigned to history. Many still exist today: providing a hub for a vibrant community of marine researchers dedicated to getting to the bottom of our ocean’s many mysteries. By helping researchers bridge the gap between individual marine stations around the European coastline, EMBRC facilitates stronger collaboration and co-operation …

EMBRC has a rich history dating back to the 1870s when marine stations were created in Europe to enable scientists to study marine life wherever they were based. Scientists would hop from one station to another; collecting samples and undertaking experiments at each one.

But this network of marine stations isn’t consigned to history. Many still exist today: providing a hub for a vibrant community of marine researchers dedicated to getting to the bottom of our ocean’s many mysteries. By helping researchers bridge the gap between individual marine stations around the European coastline, EMBRC facilitates stronger collaboration and co-operation between scientists.

EMBRC’s concept originated in 2000 with the aim of reducing knowledge fragmentation, fostering stronger relationships between institutions and reaching scientific excellence by establishing a collaborative network of marine experts around Europe.

Sharing resources, cutting-edge approaches and facilities enable European marine scientists to study unique coastal ecosystems and marine organisms across a range of locations, advancing marine science collectively.

ADVANCING MARINE SCIENCE
From the first marine stations to a European-wide research infrastructure, EMBRC embodies the power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to advancing marine science for the benefit of all.
CHRONOLOGY

Our Journey

19th century: Creation of marine stations

The foundation of Europe’s marine research community began with the establishment of marine stations for biological research.

EMBRC on the ESFRI Roadmap

EMBRC became part of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) roadmap. The ESFRI acts as an incubator for pan-European research infrastructures for better scientific development and stronger international outreach.

Network of marine biological stations developed through ASSEMBLE project

The EU project was the next step towards developing EMBRC. ASSEMBLE aimed to gather key marine biological stations to create a collaborative network in which European researchers can advance their studies using the most advanced approaches in marine biology.

The EU Commission funds EMBRC

The EU Commission funded the preparatory phase during which the plans for the infrastructure, including financing, staffing and scientific strategies were developed.

  • Memorandum of Understanding signed by 5 countries in Europe: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed by France, Portugal, Greece, Italy and Israel to establish EMBRC beyond the project.
  • ERIC negotiations: EMBRC began negotiations to establish the organisation as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC).
EMBRC first signatories countries

The United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium and Norway joined as the first EMBRC signatories. The implementation phase began, and the states involved work together to build EMBRC’s infrastructure

EMBRC Headquarters are established in Paris and its first Executive Director is appointed

EMBRC headquarters are established in Sorbonne University, Paris, France. Illaria Nardello is appointed as EMBRC’s first Executive Director and manages the organisation.

EMBRC officially implemented

EMBRC outlined its constitution (the statutes of EMBRC ) and a description of the mission, activities and facilities which are essential for the operation of its infrastructure. In 2017, EMBRC’s business plan  in formally adopted.

EMBRC’s ERIC status granted & designated as an ESFRI Landmark

The EU Commission granted EMBRC ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) legal status.

EMBRC is designated an ESFRI Landmark – a “pan-European hub of scientific excellence” that pushes the boundaries of science and innovation – and becomes fully operational as such.

EMBRC’s second Executive Director

EMBRC appointed Nicolas Pade as its second Executive Director.

  • Creation of EMO BON: EMBRC launched the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) to enhance the European contribution to global observation efforts and provide digital access to marine biodiversity. This initiative was endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

 

  • the UK leaves the EU: The United Kingdom left the EU following the Brexit referendum.
EMBRC’s expansion continues

Sweden joined EMBRC as a signatory.

EMBRC welcomes its 10th country

EMBRC welcomed Finland as it becomes the 10th country to join its network of marine stations and research organisations

Throughout the rest of the UNESCO Ocean Decade, EMBRC will continue to drive technological development and expand its research efforts to support marine biological research and the sustainable use of resources.

Through its extensive knowledge and critical mass of resources, EMBRC’s mission to advance marine science will be further developed by continuing to promote knowledge-sharing and reinforce best practice within the research community and worldwide. Through its commitment to Open Science and collaboration among researchers, EMBRC will expand multidisciplinary approaches that contribute to European policy priorities and enable evidence-based decision making.

EMBRC Finland, Scientist measuring a seaweed
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