AQUACOSM-plus has developed an integrated European network of mesocosm-based aquatic research infrastructures covering all ecoregions of Europe. The project has expanded trans-national access (>13,000 person-days), adding 10 new partners (including one NGO and doubling the number of SMEs) and supports training in new Member States such as Romania and Hungary through summer schools and science communication courses.
It promoted open science through the development of near-real-time data streams and meta-data enrichment in collaboration with EOSC initiatives. The project also targeted technological innovation to test climate impact scenarios on aquatic ecosystems, using mobile mesocosms, advanced imaging technologies and affordable methods for monitoring communities and greenhouse gas fluxes.
During four years, ICB Cluj contributed, through Dr Bogdan Drugă, to the study of aquatic ecosystems through mesocosms, in a project aiming to cover all types of ecological regions in Europe. AQUACOSM-plus brought together 30 partners from 16 countries, with ICB Cluj being the only institution representing Romania.