Why Sustainability Matters for Research Infrastructures
By Jose Luis Martínez Peña, ESFRI Chair
Research Infrastructures (RIs) represent collective, long-term challenges, typically operational for several decades. RIs are conceived as strategic investments designed to address current problems and secure the competitiveness of future generations, in line with the principle of intergenerational solidarity. This long-term commitment requires continuous, stable, and coordinated support.
European RIs are fundamental to the European Research Area (ERA), and over the past two decades, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) has played a leading role in shaping and implementing a strategic vision for RIs of pan-European relevance.
Integrating Sustainability into ESFRI’s Strategic Framework
The issue of sustainability has been progressively integrated into ESFRI’s procedures and workplan. For example, ESFRI developed its concept of the RI lifecycle in the context of the Roadmap evaluation exercise, identifying key aspects of sustainability at every stage. Several Working Groups have been established to analyse and report on the long-term sustainability of RIs. An ad-hoc Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability of RIs was set up in 2016 to respond to the Competitiveness Council Conclusions of 27 May 2016. The resulting recommendations were compiled in ESFRI Scripta Volume 2.
Further to this, a drafting group on RI funding-with long-term sustainability as a central theme-was created in response to the Council Conclusions adopted on 2 December 2022. The report produced under this mandate highlights the need for collective and strategic efforts to address the complex funding landscape for RIs. Moreover, in its White Paper, ESFRI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting synergies between national and European funds, including Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe, Structural and Investment Funds, and other relevant instruments-considered essential for the sustainable implementation of RIs.
The Dimensions of Sustainability for RIs
Given the long-term nature of RIs and the need to maintain solidarity across countries and generations, sustainability emerges as a foundational pillar. Crucially, sustainability in the context of RIs is multi-dimensional. It includes financial, social, and environmental aspects, as well as energy and digital resource efficiency - each contributing to the resilience and relevance of infrastructures for the future.
- Financial Sustainability: This goes beyond economic viability to include the diversification of funding sources. Effective governance and consistent long-term funding -public and private- are essential to sustain RIs across their entire lifecycle.
- Social Sustainability: Involves ensuring that RIs contribute positively to society by addressing global and societal challenges. Social sustainability also encompasses the inclusion of diverse communities and talent development.
- Environmental Sustainability (including energy and digital sustainability): Refers to responsible management of resources, energy efficiency, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure practices, including for digital operations. These efforts contribute directly to the broader environmental goals of the European Union.
Looking ahead, the 3rd ESFRI Stakeholder Forum Meetup (10-11 June 2025, Kraków) provides a timely opportunity for our community to reflect on these issues. The Meetup will bring together RI managers, policy-makers, funders, and industry representatives to discuss the role of sustainability in enhancing the impact and relevance of European Research Infrastructures.
I warmly invite all stakeholders to contribute to this dialogue-because shaping the future of RIs is not only about excellence and innovation but about creating a sustainable legacy for the generations to come.
