Revised Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures to foster open science, innovation, and research security

The European Commission published a revised Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures. The Charter sets out non-regulatory principles and guidelines, which Research Infrastructures can use as a reference when defining their access policies. This is a key outcome of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda action on Research Infrastructures (2022-2024). 

Following the original European charter of access for research infrastructures that was published in 2015, the revised Charter reflects the rapidly evolving Research Infrastructure landscape across the EU, putting users at the centre.

Promoting open science and FAIR principles

The revised Charter champions open science, and advocates for the transparent sharing of knowledge, results and tools. It also emphasises compliance with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, ensuring that research data and results are widely accessible, usable, and reproducible.

Enhancing research security and strategic autonomy

Aligned with the EU’s Global approach to research and innovation, the revised Charter addresses economic and research security and open strategic autonomy. This ensures that research infrastructures can tackle emerging opportunities and challenges, while at the same time upholding the highest standards of security and integrity.

Adapting to new users

Recognising the growing role of Research Infrastructures in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the revised Charter considers the needs of new users, particularly from industry and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) so that they can access cutting-edge facilities and expertise.

Mitigating the impact of crises

The Charter highlights the importance of resilience in research infrastructures, particularly in the face of crises, such as pandemics. It outlines the need for strategies to mitigate the negative impacts on access to Research Infrastructures, staff, and users.

A significant step forward

The revised Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures reinforces the EU’s commitment to open science, research security, and innovation. It offers a framework for research infrastructures to thrive, drive discovery, and support the European Research Area and the EU’s strategic objectives.

More information

Revised Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures

Learn more about the ERA Policy Agenda

Access to European Research Infrastructures