Deliverable D4.3 UNITA report on Open Data and shared research infrastructures and services

Context and Objectives

Task 4.3 of the UNITA initiative aims to consolidate and implement a comprehensive plan for sharing infrastructures and related services among partner universities, ensuring broad access for a wide range of users. The research infrastructures considered include laboratory facilities, computational resources, and other scientific services. An Open Data policy will be adopted, in alignment with the 2016 European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures and its associated principles and guidelines.

Methodology

A roadmap has been developed with four main activities to establish a tested modus operandi for infrastructure sharing within the UNITA alliance. These activities include a) redesigning and developing the database of shared infrastructures built during the RE-UNITA project (101035810 — Re-UNITA — H2020-IBA-SwafS-Support-2-2020) to adapt it for the UNITA 2 project, b) revising and improving the internal regula-tions and methodologies for sharing infrastructures, c) piloting and testing the functionalities of the rede-signed system, and d) elaborating the final version of the modus operandi.

Results and Outcomes

The shared infrastructure database has been expanded and upgraded to accommo-date the UNITA 2 consortium. Notable updates include the addition of new universities, each with a unique login, and the introduction of a "hub" tab allowing up to focus on the six research thematic hubs of our alliance. A management delegation model has been established where each partner designates a responsible person for maintaining their respective sections of the database. The first phase requires all equipment to be listed by January 2025, with continuous updates throughout the project. The infrastructure sharing agree-ment has been adapted for the UNITA alliance, and it was signed by the rectors of the partner universities during the governance board meeting held at UNIBS Brescia on October 29, 2024. Although HES-SO opted not to sign at this stage, it will be included later, facilitated by an endorsement.

Impact and Applications

The shared infrastructure database is now accessible to all researchers within the UNITA alliance, enabling the exchange of equipment, measurements, and analyses and more than 250 equip-ment, services are proposed. The application form for the first call for projects is under development, which will further support researchers in utilizing the shared resources in the database. Strong links with the re-search thematic HUBs are being cultivated to enhance collaboration and access.

Conclusions and Next Steps

Discussions are underway to determine which infrastructures universities and institutes are willing to share. Special attention is being given to prioritizing unique, high-value instruments that benefit the UNITA 2 scientific community, rather than duplicating commonly available instruments. The first infrastructure-sharing call is scheduled for March 2025, with ongoing work focused on refining the appli-cation process and setting clear criteria for participation.