The latest meeting of EMODnet-Geology project implementers was held in Trondheim, Norway, from November 4 to 8, 2024. Such events are organised periodically every 6 months. The November meeting was hosted by the Geological Survey of Norway (Norges geologiske undersøkelse - NGU).

The Polish Geological Institute - National Research Institute was represented by Urszula Pączek, Ph.D., and Grzegorz Uścinowicz, Ph.D., from the Marine Geology Branch in Gdansk.

The EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data Network) project is the European Commission's (EC) in-situ marine data service, under the responsibility of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. Created in 2009, in cooperation with more than 120 partner organisations and stakeholders, EMODnet aggregates data into pan-European data layers that can be found, accessed, interoperably used and reused, according to the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse of digital assets) principles.

Participants at the Trondheim meeting

The data and accompanying metadata are harmonised according to EU standards e.g., INSPIRE, and international standards e.g., ISO. Divided into 7 thematic groups, the network therefore plays a key role as a trusted source of marine and human activity data and data products, serving a diverse user base from different sectors.

Being one of the EMODnet consortium members, PGI-NRI participates in the work of the Geology thematic group. Data products and metadata prepared by staff of the Marine Geology Branch of PGI-NRI are available through a dedicated map portal https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geoviewer/

The purpose of the periodical meetings is to summarise the tasks in progress and discuss the work schedule for the next six months. The meetings, which are held in a stationary mode, also provide a convenient platform to discuss and resolve issues that raise concerns during the online discussions.