MINKE is a Horizon 2020 network project, funded from the INFRAIA call. It is a start-up community, and as such, in the first stage of establishing an infrastructure community/project on European scale.
The project builds on a JPI Oceans Joint Action "Marine Sensors Calibration Network", which was established in 2016 and concluded in 2021. JPI Oceans' engagement in this area is continued as one of the partners in MINKE.
The MINKE Project has launched two key calls as part of its efforts to support marine metrology and data quality improvement. The 1st Call was announced in 2021, offering Transnational Access (TNA) to cutting-edge marine infrastructures across Europe. Following the success of this, the 2nd Call opened in 2023, continuing to provide free access to research facilities aimed at enhancing collaboration and improving the accuracy of oceanographic data. These calls focus on fostering cross-border cooperation for better marine ecosystem management.
The main objectives of MINKE are to integrate key European marine metrology research infrastructures, to coordinate their use, and develop and propose an innovative framework of “quality of oceanographic data” for the different European actors in charge of monitoring and managing marine ecosystems.
JPI Oceans plays a pivotal role in MINKE by leveraging its expertise and established connections to enhance collaboration and knowledge transfer across European marine research infrastructures. Building on its previous Joint Action, European Marine Sensors Calibration Network, and through its Strategic Engagements, JPI Oceans continues to support the project by fostering synergies, namely by:
Integrating national responsibilities and workflows for EOV measurements into a structured mapping concept at the country level, resulting in National Charts of Ocean Observing and Monitoring for Germany and Greece, with further countries in development.
Developing a methodology for MSFD monitoring by aligning MINKE objectives with the transnational European Joint Action S4GES, enhancing the measurement of key ocean parameters for improved assessment of Good Environmental Status.
Working with marinas to engage them in ocean monitoring by equipping built infrastructures and boats with sensors to measure key ocean parameters.
Initiating a scoping process on ocean oxygen measurements, laying the groundwork for an initiative to advance the development and application of dissolved oxygen monitoring.
Connecting the JPI Oceans Underwater Noise in the Marine Environment projects with the MINKE efforts on ocean acoustics.
Designing a follow-up initiative to enhance ocean carbonate system parameter measurements by ensuring research vessels and observing infrastructures are equipped with appropriate sensors.
By carrying out these strategic actions, JPI Oceans strengthens MINKE’s capacity to drive innovation, improve metrological standards, and support evidence-based policy making in marine ecosystem management.
Integrating key European marine metrology research infrastructures gives researchers improved access to necessary research infrastructures. More integrated resources at European level enable cutting edge and multidisciplinary research and widen the user community. Improved services widen the sharing of information and technologies across fields, between academia and non-academic stakeholders, increasing the potential for innovation and partnerships with industry and contributions to evidence-based policy making.
Society needs to get the most out of its investment in research and innovation. Better integration and access to infrastructure and knowledge-based resources is key to an improved management of the continuous flow of data collected and produced. This makes for better science and increases the ability of research to contribute to major societal challenges.