Mandate of the Marine Infrastructure Managers Forum (MIF):
European infrastructures for marine research can be arranged into four categories:
research vessels and mobile structures, observing and monitoring systems, land-based infrastructure, data management centre and databases (models).
The MarinERA initiative provides a forum for partner state Marine Infrastructure Managers (MIF). MIF will facilitate the networking of managers responsible for national marine infrastructure management to convene within MarinERA. They will be supported to network and exchange information and management practice on specialist European marine research infrastructure, identify their priorities and requirements, and, where appropriate, to develop initiatives. Financial provision will be provided (by the project) for a maximum of two meetings per year, to be organised in agreement with the Secretariat and WP5.
The MIF will build on, interact with and benefit from, existing initiatives including OFWG, ESFRI, OFEG, ERVO, etc. For example, in the first instance, OFWG will provide input to MIF, while MIF may issue proposals to ESFRI in progressing towards the development of a strategy for Marine Infrastructure for Europe.
The MIF (which will meet at least once per annum) for the four year duration of the project, will provide information on partner State Infrastructure Programmes and provide input to the various work packages on marine programme implementation. Individual members may be called upon from time to time to provide information for specific tasks. From the MIF, collaborative initiatives may be established to optimise use and investment in infrastructure and equipment pools. The MIF may also consider the possibility of developing common calls for access to infrastructure. An e-discussion forum will be established via the MarinERA portal. The MIF will provide input to the MPM, and vice versa.
In summary, the MIF provides a network and forum whose overall objectives are to:
- define and prioritise potential initiatives for collaboration
- identify new modes of cooperation
- consider securing infrastructure requirements and logistics in support of the programmes identified, (in close association with the MPM)
The results of the MIF discussions will be presented to the Technical Committee and Steering Committee. Where possible, meetings of the MPM and MIF will be convened in tandem, to facilitate joint sessions, and in association with the Technical Committee. A representative of the MIF may be invited to the MarinERA Steering Committee meetings where appropriate and to the general MarinERA forum.
