Through its programme for open access to research infrastructures (RIs), JRC gives leading researchers from across Europe and beyond access to its world-class facilities and laboratories, enabling state-of-the-art experimental research, collaboration and capacity building within a European dimension.
The JRC’s unique facilities across Europe
The JRC maintains a wide range of laboratories and research infrastructures across five EU countries and six sites, most of which are unique at European and international levels.
Out of these, 36 are open-access to external users, offering scientists, academics, and industry professionals a chance to work with cutting-edge equipment they might not have in their own country. This open-access model doesn’t just fuel innovation—it fosters knowledge sharing and contributes to bridging the gap between research and industry.
Training and capacity building under the JRC
The JRC provides free training and capacity building to researchers and technicians from institutions in Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe in their RIs through open calls for proposals. Successful proposals allow users to visit JRC research infrastructures for short periods to be trained by JRC staff on the operation, use and capabilities.
laboratories and research infrastructures across five EU countries and six sites, most of which are unique at European and international levels.The JRC maintains a wide range of
Accessing JRC research infrastructures
Applications to access JRC research infrastructures fall under two modes:
Relevance-driven. These applications are primarily open to academic institutions and SMEs in response to open calls for proposals published by the JRC. Proposals are peer-reviewed by a User Selection Committee composed of experts from European academia and research institutions. They are valued on their strategic value for Europe, scientific implementation, collaboration and access to new users. Successful applicants benefit from reduced fees and commit to sharing their findings publicly after 18 months.
Market-driven. These proposals are mostly generated by the industrial sector, do not need to respond to a specific open call and can be submitted at any time. Applicants cover the full cost of access. Public data sharing of their projects is not required.
Exceptions to costs and fees. The JRC may waive access costs to their research infrastructures under certain conditions and to institutions located in countries eligible for actions under the Horizon Europe aim of “Widening participation and spreading excellence”.
Access to nuclear research infrastructures is free of charge to users from institutions located in Members States and countries associated with the Euratom Research Programme.
In addition, the JRC may be able to support travel and subsistence costs of users visiting JRC research infrastructures, subject to the availability of funds, personnel and other resources.
Every open call is carefully designed to support European policymakers in addressing critical challenges.
infrastructures is free of charge to users from institutions located in Members States and countries associated with the Euratom Research Programme.
Benefits of the JRC Open Access to RIs programme.
- Open calls allow users not traditionally engaged with the JRC to enjoy access to its facilities.
- Research infrastructures attract talent and stimulate innovation and development.
- The programme boosts competitiveness, through pre- and co-normative research, and contributes to bridging the gap between research and industry.
- Access to JRC research infrastructures contributes to the dissemination of knowledge, improves methods and skills, and provides education and training.
- Granting access within a structured framework maximises the return on taxpayer-funded investment that the JRC has made on its research infrastructures.
- Making Research Infrastructures (RIs) accessible to external users helps address the scarcity of such resources in Europe.
