Work packages

Work Package 2: Soil model upgrading and integration

Start month: 8 End month : 25

WP leader: FZJ 

Objectives of WP2 : WP2 will (i) prepare the collection of data that will be used to upgrade the models and run the models in the use-cases, (ii) upgrade existing models with upscaling, downscaling, and addition of new modules, and (iii) integrate soil-related processes across the different environmental compartments to describe the 13 processes, while reducing the uncertainty of cross-compartment pollutant transport.

Task 2.1: Experimental protocol for data collection – Leader: VITO – Participants: ALL– M8-M10

This task will define the experimental protocols to collect and analyse the data among the 7 use-cases to calibrate, parametrise (T2.2 and T2.3) and validate (T3.2) the models. First (1), use-case leaders will provide to VITO a list with the required data to calibrate the models in T2.2 and T2.3 and to run the models in T3.2. They will then check if the available use-case local databases contain all the required data and will report missing data to VITO. Second (2), VITO will elaborate in collaboration with use-case leaders and model developers a plan for data collection in use-cases (MS3, M8) with environmental sampling (soil, water, etc.) and sample analysis (T3.1).

Task 2.2: Upgrade of models in preparation to their integration – Leader: FZJ – Participants: WU, WR, NIBIO, VITO, GUT – M10-M25

The aim of this task is to upgrade the selected models to increase the accuracy of their simulation and their capacity to integrate diverse data streams, in order to model and predict the 13 soil-related processes studied in SOILPROM. Based on the results from T1.4, FZJ will coordinate the upgrading of individual models in preparation to their integration in T2.3, and application in T3.2. FZJ will spread potential selected models from outside the consortium to the participants of the task according to partners’ specific expertise. For models’ upgrading, WU, WR, FZJ, NIBIO will use the databases previously identified in T1.3 and the newly collected data in T3.1. First (1), they will proceed with the modification and/or addition of required parts of code for the models that require upgrading. WU will upgrade models for inclusion of (i) colloidal transport of microplastics (ii) wind erosion and atmospheric transport of microplastics, (iii) water erosion and run-off of pesticides, and (iv) water erosion and run-off transport of dissolved and particulate phase pesticides. WR will work on PFAS integration for (v) sorption process and (vi) plant uptake. FZJ will work (vii) for pesticides transport in soils and groundwater, and NIBIO for (viii) the phosphorus representation in sorption/desorption processes. Models’ calibration and parametrisation will rely on the high-resolution data collected from the 7 use-cases (T3.1). Finally (5), modelers will test their respective upgraded model with the previously mentioned databases to assess how the upgraded models perform. Upgraded models will be gathered in D2.1 (M25) and used in T2.3.

Task 2.3: Pollutants transport and fate models’ integration across environmental compartments – Leader: WU – Participants: FZJ, VITO, WR, NIBIO, GUT, AUA, UPCT – M12-M25

The aim of the task is to integrate the models (including the models upgraded in T2.2) across different compartments of relevance related to the processes addressed in the project. WU will coordinate the activities by requesting the model developers that programming-script activities are run smoothly and find solutions if software bugs occur. WU, WR, FZJ, VITO, NIBIO, GUT, UPCT will perform the model coupling for the respective processes as described in the Methodology and finetuned in T1.4. The outputs from the coupled model-setup will be validated against model-specific and process-specific measurements (Cf. Methodology) that have been gathered from the literature (T1.3), from lab experiments and/or field data collection (T3.1). The integrated models will be run, and their performance will be tested on simplified situations as in T2.2. Integrated models will update D2.1 at M25 and will be compared to models’ application outputs in T3.2. In addition, WR will be in charge of the elaboration of model validation plan to be used in T3.2, which will include protocols and validation criteria to meet (e.g., accuracy, robustness, etc.). The model validation plan will be presented to all the partners for validation (MS4, M25).

Deliverables

D2.1 Upgraded and integrated SOILPROM models – Leader FZJ – Due date: M19

Work Package 3: Demonstration, validation and optimization of SOILPROM models in use-cases

Start month: 10 End month : 46

WP leader: WR 

Objectives of WP3 : SOILPROM operates on 7 use-cases to address a variety of pollutants and related impacts on soil functions and related ES. The use-cases are located across Europe and local stakeholders are involved. Results will be provided to global end-users (WP5) and dissemination plans (WP6).

Task 3.1: Data collection in use-cases – Leader: VITO – Participants: use-cases partners– M10-M32

The task aims at collecting the data in the 7 use-cases according to experimental protocol for data collection (T2.1). VITO will coordinate environmental data collection to ensure a harmonised data collection and lab testing practices. Use-case leaders will first set up potential facilities and equipment to collect data in use-case areas. Then, they will be responsible for sampling collection and analysis (where needed) at lab level to compile all needed data in their use-case. Each use-case leader will provide VITO with a validation dataset for the models to be applied, including data from available databases and newly collected data. VITO will also gather in a list the relevant soil properties and parameters that are important for the pollutant transport and fate modelling to increase EUSO as well as JRC’s databases. All datasets will be gathered in D3.1 (M32).

Task 3.2: Application of the upgraded and integrated models in use-cases – Leader: WR – Participants: all partners involved in use-cases, SAV, AUA– M22-M34

The task aims at applying the upgraded and integrated models from WP2 at use-case scale and at testing how they perform with high-resolution data in real environments. Following the experimental plan of T2.1, use-case leaders will run the set of models defined for their respective use-case. First (1), under WR’s coordination and in collaboration with modellers, use-case leaders will systematically compare the models’ outputs with respective datasets of T3.1. The objective is to assess models’ performance according to the validation criteria established in T2.3. Use-case leaders will report models’ outputs and their conclusions to WR. Second (2), WU will compare the simulations obtained in T3.2 with the simulations obtained in T2.2 and T2.3. Based on this analysis, WU will provide recommendations on models’ scalability and on how to use the models with larger and low-resolution databases. The recommendations will also include an inventory of conditions and possible circumstances that may impact the results when a model is used with low-resolution databases. Both recommendations and the inventory will be included in an easy-to-use guideline for MP and DST’s users. WU will report its conclusion to WR, which will summarise the conclusions and lessons learned from use-cases models’ application in D3.2 (M34).

Task 3.3: Develop model-based scenarios – Leader: WU – Participants: use-case leaders, SAV, UFZ, MU – M30-M46

This task aims at developing and testing scenarios based on integrated models that show how pollutants transport and fate responds to different land-uses, soil management practices, and policy measures and what is their impact on soil functions, and ES. First (1), use-case leaders will use the inputs obtained in the second workshop organised with local stakeholders in T5.2, to finetune the land-users’ scenarios. They will then run relevant SOILPROM models to highlight what could happen in the use-cases regions. MU with the support of UPCT will coordinate the use of the mathematical equations (T3.4) to assess quantitatively the ES in such scenarios, using the outputs of the models. Under the coordination of SAV, the scenarios will be assessed by SAV and use-case leaders through a multi-criteria analysis (portfolio decision analysis) taking into account environmental, economic, and social benefits and threats. Selected scenarios and conclusion will be reported to UFZ to further develop the use-case recommendations in T5.3. Second (2), WU will coordinate the development of other scenarios, such as the policy-driven scenarios. To this end, inputs from the workshops organised by UFZ (T5.3) will be used, as well as by using T1.2 knowledge, and other European guidelines and objectives (e.g., Green Deal, Mission Soil, Zero Pollution Action Plan, etc.). The scenarios will be developed with the aim to achieve lower contamination of certain pollutants across Europe. WU, WR, FZJ, VITO, NIBIO, GUT and UPCT will use the SOILPROM models to simulate the policy-driven scenarios and use PDA method to select most relevant scenarios. Model partners will share the results to UFZ to further develop recommendations adapted from use-case scale to EU scale. Third (3), Model partners will coordinate the development and analysis of other relevant scenarios developed in SOILPROM, if any. Selected relevant scenarios will be gathered in D3.3 (M46), will pave the way to the recommendations in T5.3, and will be disseminated to relevant audience in WP6.

Task 3.4: Impact of pollutants on soil processes, functions, and related ES in use-cases – Leader: MU – Participants: WU, WR, FZJ, UPCT, NIBIO, VITO – M30-M46

The task will quantitatively assess the impact of soil pollution and of the input of pollutants to soil for certain land uses on ES. First (1), to link T1.2 results to critical threshold levels of pollutant concentrations, MU, together with UPCT and FZJ will provide partners with a methodology with mathematical equations (Section 1, Pillar 3) to conduct this assessment. The methodology will be discussed and validated during an online workshop with all partners (MS5, M36), especially the parameters to be used for the mathematical equation and which best characterise the impact of pollutants on the selected ES. Second (2), using the methodological framework and based on D1.2, use-case leaders will assess the ES first in the current status of soil pollution of their respective use-case. They will then use the equations to support to the simulation of the scenarios in T3.3, using data related to the conditions set by the scenarios. Conclusions will be reported in D3.4 (M46).

Deliverables

D3.1 – 7 use-case databases – Leader VITO – Due Date M32

D3.2 – Lessons learned from use-case models’ application – Leader WR – Due date M34

D3.3 – SOILPROM scenarios for reducing levels of pollution – Leader WU – Due date M40

D3.4 – Report on the link between soil pollution and ES – Leader MU – Dute date M46

Work Package 4: Modelling platform and decision-support tool development

Start month: 3 End month : 48

WP leader: AUA 

Objectives of WP4 : WP4 will (i) set up SOILPROM Modelling Platform to facilitate the access and the execution of the suites of models addressed in the project, (ii) develop a decision-support tool towards the scientific community to advise on models, data, and parameters to use in order to simulate pollutants transport and fate.

Task 4.1: Modelling platform development – Leader: AUA – Participant: WU, WR, FZJ, VITO, NIBIO, GUT, JRC — M3-M48

The task aims at setting up the MP considering the requirements identified and specified in WP1 and the upgraded and integrated models obtained in WP2. The MP will be used in the use-case in T3.2. First (1), the MP will be designed a conceptual level (MS6, M6), which will concern the structuring of the pieces of information needed for the delivery of the soil pollution models and how these pieces of information link to each other. Semantic web technology standards will be considered (such as RDF, RDFS, and OWL) to come up with a versatile and flexible data model. In addition to the conceptual design related work, the design of the platform’s user experience will also take place by iteratively creating the platform’s interfaces in collaboration with the use-case and WP leaders. MP conceptual design will be presented to the consortium for validation. Second (2), AUA will be responsible for MP technical development and a first version will be ready at M18 (MS8). Third (3), use-case leaders will use the MP to conduct T3.2. The platform’s coding development and testing  will be part of an iterative process coordinated by AUA and aiming to facilitate the continuous capture of evolving user needs and translate them into concrete platform features described in T5.1. Based on the feedback to be collected from user testing and feedback sessions, the platform will be updated and upgraded so as to ensure that all the functionalities required will keep being provided in alignment with what users need. Maintenance and upgrade will be ensured by AUA all along project lifetime. A second version will be released at M32 (MS9), and the final version at end of the project (D4.1, M46). AUA will gather all the required information to transfer the MP to the JRC at the end of the project.

Task 4.2: Decision-support tool development – Leader: GUT – Participant: AUA, SAV, JRC – M6-M48

The main aim of this task is development of a DST integrated with MP. GUT will be responsible for the conceptual design of the tool and AUA will be responsible for the technical development of the tool. First (1), a detailed conceptual framework for DST will be prepared by GUT in collaboration with other partners and accommodating DST users’ requirements (T5.1). This conceptual framework will be presented for validation to all partners (MS7, M15). AUA will translate the needs of the DST users into software requirements, as well as that it will code the DST. An initial release of the DST will be made available by the end of M18 (MS8) so as to be integrated into the first release of the MP. The DST will be user tested and feedback will be collected so as to make changes and adaptations to address user needs. A second version will be available by M32 (MS9) and a final one by the end of M46 (D4.2).AUA will also specify the data formats to be used by the DST in close collaboration with JRC and ensure the code of the DST will be made available under a license allowing re-use and adaptation so as to ensure that plug-ins will be developed by external developers towards addressing more soil pollutants GUT will gather all required information to transfer the DST to the JRC at the end of the project.

Task 4.3: Sustainability assessment – Leader: SAV – Participants: AUA, GUT, JRC – M30-M48

Both the modelling platform and the decision support tool are not developed to be commercialized. However, to ensure their sustainability after the end of the project, SAV will describe the business model behind them, considering they will be hosted by JRC. To prepare MP and DST hosting by JRC and ensure it can be done against little costs and risk, a 5-stage business model process will be carried out. It will include context design, consultations with the stakeholders through online survey, business model survey, drafting of the canvas, and evaluation and analysis of business model items in a portfolio analysis (PDA). Business Model Canvas format will be used to present the different elements of the models (i.e., circular characteristics, sustainability requirements and benefits as well as factors related to the business ecosystem such as drivers and stakeholder involvement tools). To realize the Business Model Canvas, SAV will analyse the business models behind the inventoried MP and DST in T1.4 (MS10, M40). In addition, SAV together with AUA and GUT will consider potential post-project extension related to the MP and DST services, in order to expand after SOILPROM project and provide more services. GUT will also be in charge of the licensing of the DST, to make clear re-use terms available to the public, and in particular to highlight to what extent third parties will be able to expand and improved the DST after the end of the project. In collaboration with JRC, AUA will be responsible to develop a formal technology transfer agreement document so as to pass the ownership to JRC at the end of the project (M48).

Deliverables

D4.1 – SOILPROM Modelling platform – Leader AUA – Due date M46

D4.2 – SOILPROM Decision support tool – Leader GUT – Due date M46

Work Package 5: Collaboration with end-users and engagement with local stakeholders

Start month: 1 End month : 48

WP leader: SAV 

Objectives of WP5 : WP5 aims at ensuring the project development is in line with end-users and local stakeholders’ needs and contributes to related European initiatives and European plan.

Task 5.1 Collaboration with MP and DST’s users – Leader: WU – Participants: ALL, JRC – M1-M48

The task aims at connecting with, gathering needs from, and engaging future users of the MP and the DST. To efficiently address them, SAV will first (1) provide partners with a methodology to perform a stakeholder mapping (MS11, M2), which they will use to identify, profile, and contact target users. JRC will provide a list of European organisations to be contacted. ISMC, as well as other organisations dealing with modelling and soil pollution will also be invited, especially ESA, ECMWF, and EUMETSAT. This will lead to the setup of a Modelling Board (MS12, M8), gathering at least 10 members in the beginning of the project. In parallel, NIBIO will design a survey for MP and DST users (M3) that each use-case leader will use to conduct consultations with MP users and with Modelling Board members to gather and categorise their needs regarding the MP and the DST. Needs will be reported in D5.1 (M6) and will be used when selecting the models (T1.4), and when developing the MP (T4.1) and the DST (T4.2). Regular meetings will be organised all along the project lifetime to present the project progresses. The Modelling Board will also be invited to use the MP and DST (M32-M46) in order to further validate its functionalities and discuss potential barriers. Second (2), FZJ together with WR, as chairs or science panel members of the ISMC, will setup a working group in ISMC dealing with modelling the impact of soil pollution on soil processes. In this working group, the results obtained from WP1 will be discussed to validate the selected models, databases, and the blueprint for harmonization, as well as to give input for additional information sources. In the project development phase, the working group will meet online every two months. Outputs of the discussions will continuously help SOILPROM partners to adjust project activities according to this external advice. In addition, an international conference will be organized (M42), using the network of soil modelers to connect to scientists who are developing soil pollution models, platforms, and databases from all over the world. The international conference will allow to present and discuss with invited scientists the coupling between the databases and soil process models developed in SOILPROM, and examples of similar databases and tools that are developed. To maximize the attendance, the conference will be held using a hybrid format. At least 150 participants are expected. FZJ and WR will report the outputs of the conference in D5.2 (M42).

Task 5.2: Stakeholders’ engagement at use-case scale – Leader: SAV – Participants: ALL – M7-M48

This task will lay the ground for defining the ways use-case stakeholders will be involved at local level to ensure project development match their needs regarding access to soil relevant knowledge that can inform practices and policies for reduced levels of pollution. First (1), SAV will select the most relevant tools and methodologies to (a) identify, profile, and gather a group of relevant stakeholders with particular emphasis on policymakers and land managers (e.g., farmers, industrial, etc.), (b) understand their needs, priorities, preferred communication channels, (c) guarantee their engagement all along the project, and (d) co-designing new strategies for their territories. Tools and methodologies will be presented, discussed, and validated during a workshop with all use-case and WP leaders. As a result, a toolbox D5.3 (M10) will be produced. Use-case leaders will adapt the joint methodology and toolbox to their local contexts and challenges. Second (2), following the methodologies of D5.X, use-case leader will be in charge of recruiting at least 15 stakeholders to be engaged in the use-case (MS13, M12). WU, as the responsible for data management (T7.4), will coordinate discussion on data accessibility and treatment at local levels and provide additional guidelines for each use-case leaders to gather ethical approvals to allow the data collection. Third (3), SAV will coordinate the organisation of three workshops. The first one will take place between M12 and M15 and will aim at gathering the needs of local stakeholders. SAV will also contact the coordinator of PREPSOIL project which has been studied such needs. The second will take place between M24 and M27 and will aim at gathering inputs to develop land-users’ scenarios for the different use-case areas to reduce the levels of pollution (MS14, M27). In addition, under the responsibility of UFZ, the workshop will also allow to perform part of the legal status quo analysis (T5.3) in coordination with local stakeholders. The third workshop will take place between M46 and M48 and will allow use-case leaders to share the use-case recommendations developed in T5.3 to the local stakeholders. During the three workshops, use-case leaders will use the methodology and tools of D5.3 to ensure the genuine involvement of stakeholders. Local stakeholders’ network will constantly be enriched by newcomers to reach at least 30 participants each by the end of the project. Use-case leader will be in charge of sustaining the group of stakeholders at local scale.

Task 5.3: Legal status quo analysis and development of policy recommendations for reducing levels of pollution – Leader: UFZ – Participants: All – M24-M48

This task aims at providing a deep analysis of the policy measures for soils, air, and water aiming at reducing the levels of pollution. To this end, UFZ will first (1) assess the steering effect of the identified legislation in T1.2 according to its actual status quo and implementation status, also considering previous experience with the governance instrument and their combined impact. This assessment of the legal status quo will be based on a qualitative governance analysis. The governance analysis includes a legal interpretation of texts, an evaluation of related literature and documents and interaction with the identified local stakeholders (T5.2). Second (2) and building on this, UFZ will provide concrete proposals on how existing legislation can be developed more effectively. UFZ will organize an online/onsite workshop at UFZ to discuss and disseminate the findings with other researchers as well as national and European legislators. Common recommendations for policy development, e.g., in the form of policy briefs, scientific publications and presentations will be compiled in the foreseen legal dissertation. Third (3), UFZ will develop a recommendation on the choice, the policy mix, the coordination and the design of the legal instruments at EU scale for pollutants studied in SOILPROM. UFZ will also coordinate the elaboration of the 7 use-case recommendations together with use-case leaders. Both the recommendation at EU scale and the use-case recommendations will be gathered in a policy brief D5.4 (M48). UFZ will organise an online event to present these scenarios and recommendations to relevant European and national stakeholders.

Deliverables

D5.1 – Needs of MP and DST users – Leader WU – Due date M6

D5.2 – Report from international conference – Leader FZJ – Due date M42

D5.3 – Toolbox for local stakeholders’ engagement – Leader SAV – Due date – M10

D5.4 – Policy brief – Leader UFZ – Due date – M48

Work Package 6: Communication, dissemination, and exploitation

Start month: 1 End month : 48

WP leader: EQY 

Objectives of WP6 : WP6 will aim to promote the project’s visibility by employing different types of dissemination and communication activities while coordinating project partners’ efforts to maximise the impact of SOILPROM. It will establish connections with relevant stakeholders and define the exploitation strategy.

Task 6.1: Plan for dissemination and exploitation including communication activities – Leader: EQY – Participants: ALL – M1-M48.

EQY, with the support of all partners, will create the Plan for Dissemination Exploitation and Communication (DEC plan) (D6.1, M6) to outline comprehensive and integrated strategy to produce significant and long-term impacts on the project target audiences (see section 2). The DEC plan will define the dissemination, exploitation and communication goals and tools, (e.g., public website, events, press releases, publications, conferences, blog posts), the target audience including partners network and the stakeholder mapping (T5.1 and T5.3), the implementation and time planner, the activities reporting procedure, the main messages to be conveyed and the strategy to overcome the barriers that could negatively affect the communication. Additionally, it will set out obligations and roles for all partners and include preliminary exploitation route for each result. A first draft will be produced at M6, which will then be updated (at M18 and M36) regularly until its final version at M48.

Task 6.2. Communication activities – Leader: EQY – Participants: all – M1-M48.

In the beginning of the project, SOILPROM will set up its strategy for communication and dissemination by firstly (1) the creation by EQY of a set of communication materials. It will include project’s visual identity (e.g., logo, graphic charter with templates, specific colours, fonts, content, etc.), infographics, poster, standard presentation, leaflet and roll-up, press release, and newsletter, and other type of material that would be useful for SOILPROM communication. They will be all adjusted to the target audience and will be published in English. All contents will be adapted and translated to partners local languages. Secondly (2) EQY will gather input from all partners and develop a website, aiming at presenting and storing information about the project – its activities, progress, and results. The website will be developed in English and translated into partners local languages. A hosting plan will be purchased for 5 years, and a domain name will be booked. The website (MS15) will be launched by M3, updated, and maintained until the end of the project. Thirdly (3) WU will create social media channels (MS16, M6) to ensure adequate online presence and coverage. Each partner will relay information about the project on their own social media accounts, in local languages. Fourth (4), EQY will be responsible for the preparation of a video to inform targeted audience about SOILPROM activities to be developed and expected outcomes (M8).

Task 6.3. Dissemination activities – Leader: WU – Participants: ALL – M1-M48.

SOILPROM will first (1) organise several dissemination events will take place during the project implementation to present the project results and the modelling platform and its decision-support tool. Each partner will participate in at least one local or European event, fair and/or scientific conference related to soil pollution and soil processes, functions and ecosystem services. One-day event will be organised yearly in different EU regions. These events will target the research community but also wider SOILPROM end-users to present the modelling platform and the decision-support tool. ISMC an JRC, as international bodies, will strongly support the dissemination of the projects results in these events. In addition, at least one partner of the consortium will assist annually to European Soil Mission Fair.  Second (2), dissemination activities for the SOILPROM project will be developed with a strong result-oriented approach, aiming to deliver relevant formats and contents in line with the needs and benefits of each target group identified. Local stakeholders will be reached thanks to the stakeholders’ network created in T5.2 and involved in the use-cases. They will be informed thanks to use-case visits and workshops and will be provided with info sheets. ISMC and JRC will also ensure wider dissemination across EU. Scientific community will be reached through at least 10 scientific and technical papers, published in open access in relevant journals, as well as with meetings organised by the working group of the ISMC (T5.1). MP wider users will be targeted with workshops organised in T5.1, and with easy-to-use instructions in using both the MP and the DTS. As well, the policy brief developed by UFZ in T5.3 will be disseminated to the relevant policy makers. As the project progresses, the project website will serve as a platform for news, capacity building materials, written articles, and public documents. EQY will actively support the flow of practical information to European target audience, especially organisations relevant to SOILPROM topic.

Task 6.4. Collaboration with sister projects and other projects – Leader: WU – Participants: all – M1-M48

In order to maximize project impact and visibility, partners will establish connections with completed and ongoing projects in the areas of soil health and in particular soil pollution, soil functions, and ecosystem services. Section 1 presents some of the pre-identified projects, with which synergies can be developed, mainly facilitated by partners’ contacts and previous participation in them. Whenever suitable, sessions, workshops and exhibitions will be organised jointly with these projects. The activities will be discussed with the project coordinators. Particularly, a strong connection will be made with the other project funded under this call, in order to create synergies and pool information, particularly through webinars organised by WU. Where possible, connections will be made with projects funded under the Mission ‘A Soil Dear for Europe’, especially projects funded under the topic HORIZON-MISS-SOIL-2022-01-04, HORIZON-MISS-2023-SOIL-01-01, and HORIZON-CL3-2024-DRS-01-0201.

Among the above-mentioned projects and initiatives, SOILPROM will organize at least one joint activity per year reuniting at least three different projects or initiatives representatives. The foreseen activities will be detailed in the first version of D6.1 and activities will be reported internally at M18 and M36 to improve T6.1 and T6.2.   

Task 6.5. Exploitation activities – Leader: WU – Participants: all – M1-M48.

Based on the DEC plan (D6.1) and to maximise the outreach of the project’s results, WU and JRC will make the necessary effort to ensure the uptake of (1) the upgraded and integrated models, the local databases by the Destination Earth initiative and the European Soil Database, (2) the MP and the DST by the wider research community, environmental and governmental agencies, and consultancy firms, and (3) the scenarios and recommendations by local policy-makers and land managers. Several steps for the exploitation strategy (to be further defined in the DEC plan) will be led by EQY throughout the project. These steps will include (1) the demonstration by WU of a route towards open access, longevity, sustainability and interoperability of knowledge and project outputs through close collaboration with the Joint Research Centre and its EU Soil Observatory, (2) the creation by SAV of a roadmap towards higher TRL, and (3) the organisation by use-case leaders of regular meetings and onsite visits and event held at the use-cases sites with local stakeholders to present the progress of the project, in order to consolidate links with potential users and ensure uptake of sustainable soil management practices.

Deliverables

D6.1 – Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication – Leader EQY – Due date M6

Work Package 7: Project Management and Ethics

Start month: 1 End month : 48

WP leader: WU 

Objectives of WP7 : To manage the project and oversee the research ethics: (i) ensure the efficient implementation and management of the scientific tasks of the project, (ii) ensure that the expected results are reached, and (iii) ensure the ethical compliance of the research with current legislative requirements and with IPR issues.

Task 7.1: Management and coordination tools – Leader: EQY – Participants: all – M1-M3

In collaboration with WU, EQY will create management tools for collecting administrative partner information, establishing cost statements, and evaluating progress achieved by each partner. These templates will be made available on a secured online portal (e.g., SharePoint) and updated during the whole life of the project.

Task 7.2: Day-to-day management and progress monitoring – Leader: WU – Participants: ALL – M1-M48

Daily, email exchange, videoconferencing or telephone exchange with the partners will help WU coordinating the project. As project coordinator, it will ensure that the schedule of the project is respected, by using the templates created in T7.1. The following activities will be planned by WU and EQY jointly for the scientific, administrative and financial topics, to ensure a smooth flow of information between all project partners: (1) maintain a project TEAMS/SharePoint (established during application preparation) for efficient communication between the partners in the consortium; (2) organise regular meetings (face-to-face or telecom; e.g. monthly) gathering the whole consortium or specific partner for technical discussions; (3) establish a progress reporting routine allowing to monitor the progress of work. This will lead to an overall Project Management Plan D7.1 (M3).

T7.3: Ethic requirement, risk management and quality assurance – Lead.: WU – Part.: ALL – M1-M48

First (1), in this task, WU together with EQY and the WP leaders will ensure the different aspects related to ethic and to ensure compliance with current legislative requirements: (1) the criteria to recruit research participants; (2) the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) management; (3) the activities taken in non-EU countries; (4) the authorisations for relevant facilities and processes. Second (2), an exhaustive Risk Management and Mitigation Plan D7.2 (M3) will be developed by EQY at the start of the project to help identify, mitigate, and oversee risks that may arise throughout the project implementation. In a risk management matrix, each WP leader will assess and report predictable risks at both WP and project levels. The most serious risks will first be disclosed to WU and, if required, examined and tackled with other consortium partners. WP leaders will also constantly oversee the project implementation to identify issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. This process will be monitored by the WU. Third (3), WU and EQY will draft a Quality Management Plan D7.3 (M3) which will be reviewed by all consortium partners. The Plan will outline the project’s management structure, the common rules and guidelines for effective project management and implementation, and quality control procedures for the project’s deliverables. Fourth (4), given their expertise in European projects’ IPR rules and expected management, and their impartiality in the exploitation of the project results, WU will ensure the management of the IPR during the project, covering background, sideground, and foreground IPR together with a description of rules and practices the consortium will adopt for IPR management, transfer of knowledge and dissemination. Additional agreements to be foreseen in order to reach consent around the exploitation of research outputs will be discussed in line with envisioned exploitations and ownership rights over the PRs. EQY will organise two internal workshops for information and discussion on IPR aspects, which will be gathered in a “result ownership list” (D7.4, M48).

Task 7.4: Data management – Leader: WU – Participants: ALL – M1-M48

WU will define the data processing protocols required to ensure easy and reliable access to data and models developed during the implementation of the project, following FAIR principles. The data and information sources will be identified, and the data structures fitted to adjust to the most relevant needs (which WPs provides which data to be utilised). Data will be separated in raw (or pre-processed) and working data to achieve trustworthy data. This result in a Data Management plan D7.5 (M6), written by WU but for which the contribution of each partner will be requested, especially by use-case leaders who will adjust the Data Management plan to their respective use-case, and submit it to the consortium for harmonization and validation. D7.4 will then be updated on an annual basis. As the EUSO will become the Mission’s long-term repository for data and results, SOILPROM will store its open-access data on online server (e.g., Zenodo) before requesting integrating them in EUSO.

Deliverables

D7.1 – Project Management Plan – Leader WU – Due date M3

D7.2 – Quality Management Plan – Leader WU – Due date M3

D7.3 – Result ownership list – Leader EQY – Due date M48

D7.4 – Data Management Plan – Leader WU – Due date M6

D7.5 – Data Management Plan (1^st update) – Leader WU – Due date M24

D7.6 – Data Management Plan (2^nd update) – Leader WU – Due date M48