A central overview of marine research infrastructures

EurOcean provides access to a wide range of information on marine science and technology in Europe. As part of this mission, the EurOcean Research Infrastructure Database offers a central overview of marine research infrastructures across Europe, supporting researchers, infrastructure operators and policymakers in navigating an increasingly complex research landscape.

Available at https://rid.eurocean.org, the database brings together information on marine research infrastructures, including research vessels, underwater vehicles, large exchangeable instruments and other specialised facilities. It is designed as a practical and accessible tool for identifying existing capacities, exploring potential synergies and supporting the planning of research activities at national and European level.

Building on EurOcean’s information services

The Research Infrastructure Database builds on EurOcean’s long-standing experience in developing and maintaining specialist information systems on marine research infrastructures and marine science and technology capacities. By making this information visible and searchable in a single platform, the database supports awareness, accessibility, and informed use of marine research resources across the European marine research community. 

A living database shaped by the community

The EurOcean Research Infrastructure Database is conceived as a living resource. Its relevance and accuracy depend on the active involvement of the community it serves. EurOcean therefore invites researchers, infrastructure managers and project coordinators to contribute to the database by adding new infrastructures, updating existing entries or flagging facilities that are not yet represented.

Contributions are particularly welcome for emerging or recently upgraded infrastructures, as well as for facilities that may be less visible at European level but play an important role in regional or thematic research activities.

Supporting collaboration and future research

As marine research increasingly relies on shared infrastructures and cross border cooperation, access to up to date and reliable information becomes ever more important. The EurOcean Research Infrastructure Database supports this need by offering an open and evolving overview of Europe’s marine research capacity.

Users are invited to explore the database and to contribute to its further development, helping to strengthen connectivity and cooperation across Europe’s marine science and technology ecosystem.