This meeting aimed to bring together the LifeWatch ERIC communities of scientists and developers to generate and advance the discussion of the most promising lines of scientific development along three key themes: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Theory; Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning [and Services]; Data Analysis, Modelling & Supporting Disruptive Technologies. At the same time, LifeWatch ERIC wanted to identify major gaps in scientific knowledge that need to be addressed in the next five to ten years, with particular emphasis on the key societal challenges regarding biodiversity and ecosystem science that we need to address, and proposing nature-based approaches to natural resource managers and decision-makers.
Plenaries were followed by Working Sessions that aimed to promote greater involvement of the user communities in LifeWatch ERIC, and to gather clear indications of their needs, in terms of services and VRE developments, to facilitate and support their research activities. Participants were also involved in contributing to working session flash presentations.
A Round Table discussion closed the meeting.