The overall objective of the DANUBIUS-RO project is to build, equip and operationalize the Romanian components of the DANUBIUS-RI pan-European distributed research infrastructure dedicated to river-sea systems for knowledge transfer to stakeholders. DANUBIUS-RI and its Romanian components, which will be built, equipped and operationalized through the DANUBIUS-RO project, address the entire international research community and will bring multiple benefits to Romanian research and to the socio-economic environment of our country. Thus, a national hub will be created for innovation and transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies in the priority area of research on the effects of global change on large river systems, with a focus on transition zones. The DANUBIUS-RO project will transfer research results to the economic environment by partnering with 10 SMEs to develop viable innovative economic solutions.

History and necessity of the project.  Why are the Danube and the Danube Delta important for research?

The supporting projects through which, during 2018 and 2023, the documentation to obtain the Completion Note (certifying the completion of the Jaspers – Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions evaluation and compliance with the European Investment Bank’s European funding requirements and recommendations for next steps) has been prepared are the following:

– Strategy and Actions to prepare the National Participation in the DANUBIUS-RI Project, acronym “DANS”, funded under the National Research Plan PN III – coordinated by INCDSB https://dans-suport.ro/;

– DANUBIUS – RI Preparation Support Project, acronym “DANS2”: funded under the Competitive Operational Program 2020-2023 – coordinated by INCDSB https://www.dans2.ro/;

This funding demonstrates the Romanian Government’s support to DANUBIUS-RI to fulfill its commitments.

The purpose of DANUBIUS-RO infrastructure – environmental protection, natural resources management, international collaborations

DANUBIUS-RO emphasizes the importance of science in society by linking advanced research with public education and the application of scientific results in industry. Through the initiatives dedicated to education and technology transfer, DANUBIUS-RO promotes a collaborative approach in which the public and industrial stakeholders become active partners in the protection and management of river-sea ecosystems. The concept of “citizen science” is central to this infrastructure, encouraging citizens to participate in data collection and analysis, giving them a direct and practical understanding of the environmental research. This involvement raises awareness and responsibility for ecosystems, and the practical application of scientific findings into industrial and social solutions demonstrates the significant impact of science on the sustainability and well-being of communities.

The DANUBIUS-RO project is supported under Priority 1 of the Smart Growth, Digitization and Financial Instruments Programme, Action 1.2. The project implementation period is 2024-2029.