The European Climate Research Alliance (ECRA): Collaboration from bottom-up

摘要

Abstract. The European Climate Research Alliance (ECRA) is an associationof leading European research institutions in the field of climate research( http://www.ecra-climate.eu/ , last access: 6?December?2018). ECRA is a bottom-up initiative and helps to facilitatethe development of climate change research, combining the capacities ofnational research institutions, and inducing closer ties between existingnational research initiatives, projects and infrastructures. ECRA works as anopen platform to bring together climate researchers, providing excellentscientific expertise for policy makers and of societal relevance. The ECRABoard consists of representatives of ECRA partners and decides on governance,scientific priorities, and organisational matters. Currently organized into four Collaborative Programmes, climate scientistsshare their knowledge, experience and expertise to identify the mostimportant research requirements for the future, thus developing a foresightapproach. The CPs cover the topics: (1)?Arctic variability and change,(2)?Sea level changes and coastal impacts, (3)?Changes in the hydrological cycleand (4)?High impact events. The CP activities are planned in workshops andparticipation is open to all interested scientists from the relevantresearch fields. In particular, young researchers are actively encouraged tojoin the network. Each CP develops its joint research priorities for shapingEuropean research into the future. Because scientific themes areinterconnected, the four Collaborative Programmes interact with each other,e.g. through the organization of common workshops or joint applications. Inaddition, the Collaborative Programme leads attend the Board meetings. The different formats of ECRA meetings range from scientific workshops tobriefing events and side events at conferences to involve different groupsof interests. This facilitates the interaction of scientists, variousstakeholder groups and politicians. A biennial open ECRA General Assemblythat is organised in Brussels represents an umbrella event and acts as aplatform for discussion and contact with stakeholders. This event is anexcellent opportunity to jointly discuss research priorities of highsocietal relevance.