Evaluation Reports

Last updated: 14/09/26

Evaluation of EPOS ERIC Activities 2019-2023

December 2023

Synthesis

from AI

The External Evaluation Panel (EEP) assessed EPOS ERIC’s first five years of operations (2019–2023), focusing on its transition from pre-operational to operational readiness. The evaluation highlights EPOS’s success in achieving scientific excellence through cross-disciplinary data integration, open science policies, and the launch of its operational portal, which enables innovative research across Solid Earth sciences. However, challenges remain in financial sustainability, with a 30% shortfall in nominal membership fees from member states, risking long-term viability despite strong governance and risk management.

The report emphasizes EPOS’s pan-European and global relevance, positioning it as a unique infrastructure in Solid Earth sciences within the ESFRI landscape. Recommendations include expanding value-added services, enhancing user engagement, and developing metrics to quantify socio-economic and technological impact. The panel commends EPOS’s governance, transparency, and commitment to diversity but urges members to fulfill financial commitments to ensure sustainability.

Key points

from AI
  • 01

    EPOS ERIC achieved operational readiness in 2019–2023, transitioning from pre-operational to pilot operational phases with a focus on data integration and open science.

  • 02

    The EPOS portal enables cross-disciplinary research but requires more populated databases and value-added services to maximize utility.

  • 03

    Financial sustainability is at risk due to a 30% shortfall in membership fees, threatening long-term operations despite strong governance.

  • 04

    EPOS is uniquely positioned as the only ESFRI landmark in Solid Earth sciences, with growing global collaborations but low awareness in some scientific communities.

  • 05

    Recommendations include expanding user engagement, developing key performance indicators (KPIs) for impact measurement, and fulfilling financial commitments.

Key words

Key prompts