First moments of the EMODnet Physics, Chemistry and Ingestion cross-thematic session, which includes the EMODnet Chemistry Kick-off (©Charles Troupin, IFREMER)
The Consortium, responsible for the development of EMODnet Chemistry, has been confirmed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency until 2 October 2027. The main goals for the next two years and the activities to be undertaken in the first six months were presented during the kick-off meeting, which took place in Brussels during the EMODnet Jamboree and Open Conference 2025.To dive into EMODnet Chemistry data and data products and for more information, visit the EMODnet portal.
The same partnership will lead EMODnet Chemistry for the next two years, following the decision of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The EMODnet Chemistry steering committee outlined the way forward until 2 October 2027 to the project full group during the kick-off meeting on 24 November 2025. The event is part of the EMODnet Physics, Chemistry and Ingestion cross-thematic session, which took place in Brussels on the occasion of the EMODnet Jamboree and Open Conference. This took place from 24 to 26 November 2025 during Marine Knowledge Week, providing an opportunity to connect with the wider EMODnet community and explore future directions for marine data and services.
The core group of EMODnet Chemistry consists of 14 partners, supported by 26 subcontractors and a board of experts on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. For 16 years, EMODnet Chemistry has developed and maintained this network of experts from 31 countries bordering European seas. They are mainly scientists from national marine monitoring agencies and marine research institutes, but also include experts in information technology and marine data management. The consortium includes one international organisation, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which plays a major role in dialogue with the RSCs and EEA regarding the uptake of EMODnet Chemistry data products and its data gathering platform for MSFD purposes.
The management structure of the new phase will comprise: 1) the Project Coordinator, the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS); 2) the Technical Coordinator, the Marine Information Service (MARIS), supported by a Technical Working Group; 3) the Steering Committee, which brings together the partners; 4) the Project full Group, including all subcontractors; 5) the six Regional Leaders, who act as regional experts for data and products; and 6) the Task Leaders. The latter is a new feature, as the technical proposal now has a task-based structure reflecting the tasks defined in the tender specifications. The tasks can be summarised as follows:
- Maintain and improve a common method of data access
- Construct products containing information on the spatio-temporal distribution and quality of parameters
- Contribute to the maintenance and development of the EMODnet Central Portal
- Support the implementation of EU legislation and broader open data initiatives, ensuring coherence with the efforts of the Regional Sea Conventions and other relevant actors
- Monitor quality and performance, and address user feedback
The Chemistry Kick-off meeting has been pivotal in aligning administrative and coordination tasks, setting priorities for data management, planning training activities, and addressing the workflow from near-real-time data to delayed-mode data. The most important goals for the next two years and the best ways to collaborate with other EMODnet compartments to achieve them were also discussed extensively. We are keen to advance EMODnet Chemistry services in line with its extensive user community and for their benefit.
Alessandra Giorgetti, head of the National Oceanographic Data Centre at OGS
All EMODnet Chemistry data and data products as well as tools & guidelines, reports and the latest news and events will continue to be available via the EMODnet Central Portal.