European Plate Observing System (EPOS)

European Plate Observing System (EPOSeu) is the multidisciplinary and distributed European RI dedicated to solid Earth science. Through scientific imagery, observations of natural phenomena, research activities, laboratories, monitoring technologies and data visualisations, EPOS connects scientific communities and research infrastructures across Europe to advance our understanding of the dynamicEarth. Understanding phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tectonic deformation and other geohazards requires combining observations and knowledge from multiple domains.

EPOS addresses this challenge by facilitating the integrated use of data, data products, services and research facilities, providing sustainable access to resources distributed across European research infrastructures. Seismic monitoring, satellite observations, laboratory investigations and geological research are complementary approaches to studying our complex planet. A central theme is interoperability and open science. Rather than replacing specialised research infrastructures, EPOS connects them, allowing data and services from disciplines including seismology, volcanology, geodesy, geology, satellite observations and laboratory research to contribute to multidisciplinary investigation.

This approach promotes open access, data reuse and collaboration across disciplinary and national boundaries. Understanding processes occurring beneath and at the Earth's surface is important not only for fundamental research but also for understanding geohazards and supporting informed responses to challenges affecting people, infrastructure and the environment. By connecting observations, data, scientific communities and knowledge, EPOS contributes to progress in solid Earth science for a safe and habitable planet.

The EPOS Summer School 2026 brings together early-career researchers from different geoscience backgrounds to learn, exchange experiences and explore the principles and practices of Open Science. Alongside learning from professors and peers, participants discover the value of belonging to a wider multidisciplinary community. Their enthusiasm and shared commitment to Open Science reflect EPOS’s broader mission to facilitate sustainable access to, and reuse of, multidisciplinary solid Earth science data, products and services across Europe. This one maps particularly closely onto the actual dialogue: participants explicitly mention different geoscience backgrounds, data and Open Science, learning from professors and fellow students, making data more accessible, and the strong group feeling created by the Summer School. Those themes align directly with EPOS’s vision of sustainable and universal use and reuse of multidisciplinary solid Earth science data and its mission of long-term access through a common federated framework.

Learn more on www.epos-eu.org