This Alliance explores opportunities to strengthen the integration of satellite Earth observation and in-situ ocean measurements in support of the European OceanEye initiative and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Together, projects funded under HORIZON-NATURE-2027-04-01 and complementary ESA FutureEO activities will explore how integrated observations and modelling can address critical observation gaps and contribute to a sustained, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose global ocean observing system.
Particular opportunities arise from combining satellite and in-situ observations to optimise observing networks through Observing System Experiments (OSEs) and Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs). Existing and new European satellite missions, including Sentinel-3, CIMR, CRISTAL and CHIME, offer complementary capabilities for ocean and coastal monitoring, observing system design, and satellite product development and validation.
This coordinated approach aims to maximise public investment, avoid duplication, and deliver science greater than the sum of its parts. Collaboration may lead to:
- For Horizon Europe projects, access to satellite observations and methodologies to identify observation gaps, optimise in-situ observing networks and extend the spatial and temporal coverage of ocean measurements.
- For ESA funded projects, access to sustained in-situ observations and observing infrastructures to develop and validate satellite products, advance data assimilation and support the scientific exploitation of new satellite missions.
- For the global ocean community, more comprehensive, interoperable and cost-effective ocean observations to support climate and biodiversity assessments, ocean predictions and operational services, including the Copernicus Marine Service and European Digital Twin Ocean.
Following the selection of Horizon Europe projects and identification of complementary ESA funded activities, a first meeting to discuss and refine modalities of cooperation as well as propose joint deliverables (such as joint publications, integrated datasets, common monitoring protocols and policy briefs) is foreseen. Consecutive meetings during Horizon Europe Annual Meetings, workshops and conferences are encouraged.
Collaborative outputs will be jointly defined between projects and may include, but are not limited to:
- Aligning monitoring campaigns, datasets, scenarios and model assumptions;
- Facilitating access to and uptake of satellite products and related methodologies through data sharing agreements and open science practices;
- Defining joint monitoring protocols, working towards defining community standards or aligning geographic scope;
- Coordinating data-management and open science approaches;
- Developing shared outputs such as jointly defined datasets, open tools, joint publications, community standards, assessment contributions and policy briefs;
- Joint communication activities;
- Training and capacity building activities, exchange of staff and/or young researchers.
Collaboration is expected to evolve with the scientific needs of the participating projects. Further exchanges during Horizon Europe Annual Meetings, relevant scientific workshops and conferences will be encouraged, to provide opportunities to identify additional cooperation based on the evolving needs and added value for participating projects.