Unlocking the Advantages of Participation in ICOS
ICOS Membership: A Gateway to Scientific Advancement
In our active pursuit of scientific excellence, we extend our efforts to include European countries not yet part of the Research Infrastructure, aiming to expand ICOS membership and network coverage. A larger network enhances the relevance of the data collected, especially for global users involved in intricate climate modeling.
ICOS currently boasts member countries such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Key Benefits of ICOS Membership
1. Strengthening Scientific Communities:
ICOS actively contributes to preparing scientific communities to address pressing climate change challenges. Events like the biannual ICOS Science Conference foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Initiatives like the drought task force demonstrate ICOS's commitment to swift response and open discussion within the science community, yielding impactful analyses.
2. Advancing Data Standardization and Curation:
ICOS sets high observational standards through developed standardization protocols for each station. This ensures data quality by centrally providing reference gases during the labeling process.
The labeling procedure enhances station reliability, facilitates near-real-time data flow via the Carbon Portal, and ensures meticulous curation and dissemination of data.
3. Guidance, Training, and Knowledge Exchange:
ICOS Central Facilities and the Carbon Portal offer comprehensive training for station personnel, promoting the effective use of ICOS-certified instruments.
Training serves as a platform for idea exchange, knowledge sharing, and involvement in cutting-edge innovations and technologies related to the ICOS Research Infrastructure.
4. Unlocking Funding Opportunities:
ICOS supports partners in applying for multi-disciplinary consortium projects, offering crucial information on financial, administrative, scientific, and technical aspects.
Notably, ICOS partners have achieved success in securing funding through EU Horizon 2020 projects, reflecting the impact of ICOS on collaborative research endeavors.
5. Enhancing International Scientific Networking:
ICOS actively participates in European and global networks coordinating greenhouse gas observational activities and data collection.
Acknowledgment in international forums and establishing connections with global data-integration efforts, such as FLUXNET and SOCAT, solidify ICOS's role in advocating climate change policy at the international level.
6. Driving Technology and Innovation:
ICOS's influence in unifying European climate science has spurred technological advancements and innovation.
The network's significant impact on technology is evident through heightened industry standards, driving the development of new measurement methods, hardware innovations, and improved product quality.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Force in Climate Science
ICOS's commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing standards, and driving innovation positions it as a cornerstone in the landscape of climate science. As a united force, ICOS and its members propel scientific advancements and contribute significantly to global efforts in understanding and combating climate change.