A new European portfolio analysis recognises IRISCC among the cross-cutting initiatives helping to connect research infrastructures, data and modelling capabilities across multiple climate-risk domains.
The report, Research Infrastructures for Climate Resilience: Mapping the European portfolio across climate risks and adaptation pathways, examines 38 projects representing more than €300 million in EU funding. It explores how Europe’s investment in research infrastructures contributes to climate resilience priorities and identifies opportunities for future EU Framework Programmes.
The analysis finds that Europe has developed a mature and highly interconnected research infrastructure landscape, broadly aligned with the priorities of the European Climate Risk Assessment. Environmental research infrastructures - supported by increasingly advanced digital services and modelling platforms - provide a strong scientific foundation for climate resilience policy and risk management.
Connecting capabilities across climate-risk domains
The report identifies IRISCC among seven cross-cutting projects that help integrate capabilities across different climate risks and sectors. It highlights the importance of this enabling layer in supporting a shift from sector-specific risk management towards more integrated approaches to climate-risk governance.
This closely reflects IRISCC’s mission. The project brings together complementary research infrastructures, services and expertise to help researchers investigate complex and interconnected climate risks. Through Transnational and Virtual Access, users can access facilities, data, models, tools and expertise from across Europe.
The report also points to the need to strengthen research infrastructure capabilities addressing human-centred climate risks, particularly health and food security. These are among the areas supported by the multidisciplinary IRISCC service portfolio, especially the services from EIRENE RI, OPTED and GESIS research infrastructures.
From scientific capability to practical climate action
The report recommends further investment in integrated research infrastructure ecosystems, wider access to facilities and services, and stronger pathways for turning scientific knowledge into decision-ready climate intelligence.
These priorities are central to IRISCC’s work. By connecting environmental observations, experimental facilities, data resources and modelling capabilities, IRISCC supports research that can contribute to more effective climate adaptation, preparedness and risk management.
The report provides valuable independent recognition of the role that connected and accessible research infrastructures can play in building a more climate-resilient Europe.
