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Challenge 1c: New forms of infrastructures
P. Wittenburg, Technical Director of the Max-Planck-Institute for Psycholinguistics
Research Infrastructure initiatives in the Social Sciences and Humanities
The Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), in particular the humanities, are suffering from a fragmentation of their resources and tools. Several reasons can be mentioned such as language and culture specificity, differences in theories, structural encoding differences and the huge problem of terminological differences. While we have already seen excellent examples of smart algorithms operating on limited and specialisedn resources, it is extremely costly to combine these smart algorithms and to let them operate on a large set of integrated resources that would allow us to tackle the great challenges. Therefore, new types of research infrastructures are needed which can be seen as new platforms allowing us to more easily and economically
solve the integration and interoperability problems. They should include various layers starting with establishing virtual repository federations based on distributed authentication and authorization principles and ending with overcoming the semantic interoperability problems by making use of a rich and distributed landscape of ontologies. Six projects were short-listed on the ESFRI Roadmap, all devoted to overcoming a number of the mentioned barriers at the pan-European scale. Their importance for advancing research in these fields and for tackling new classes of problems will be outlined. European efforts will be placed in a wider international context.
D. Marbouty, Director of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
Modelisation and Simulation Centres: The example of ECMWF
In the early seventies, the computer resources required for developing numerical weather prediction were hardly affordable to any Met Services in Europe, let alone resources to extend the forecast to several days. As a result, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) was created. Since then, it has become the world leader in its field. We will analyse the evolution of numerical weather forecasting, emphasizing some key elements: (i) the interaction between research and operations, (ii) the complementarities between this European facility and the national facilities, (iii) the crucial role of assimilation, and (iv) the link to climate simulation. In conclusion we will consider the future challenges and the proposed/necessary evolution of this infrastructure.
C. Bréchot, Director General of the French Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)
GMP facilities associated with distributed research infrastructures for biomedical and clinical research: a component of a European toolbox for the implementation of “Innovative Medicine Initiative” (IMI)
To address the future Health and Biomedical research challenges of the 21st century, the European Union, through the 7th Framework Programme, develops two innovative strategic approaches, namely the ESFRI Roadmap for new European research infrastructures, and a European Technology Platform dedicated to the development of new and innovative medicines (IMI). In this context, a new model of biomedical research infrastructures organised as an interconnected network is requested. It will associate distributed clinical research infrastructures (ECRIN), distributed biological resources centres, and translational research centres (EATRIS). This set of complementary infrastructures, coupled to a limited number of GMP manufacturing facilities, will respond to the main issues addressed by IMI as well by the non-commercial clinical trials. This vision of a European toolbox will enhance the attractiveness of the EU for industry and academic R&D and will benefit European citizens.
J. Duszynski, Director of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology
Satellite research infrastructures
In general, the goal of large scale research infrastructures is to facilitate unique research using the most advanced instruments. However, in Life Sciences, Social Science and Humanities, mobilisation of human resources is more critical for success than the uniqueness and technical capabilities of instruments. In particular, broad participation of talented young researchers in using modern infrastructures will allow them to address ambitious, high-impact problems. Such mobilisation can be achieved through the development of distributed infrastructures with carefully designed access and management structures and internal hierarchies. New “satellite” centres should be created in regions with high scientific potential but less advanced infrastructure.
