MERIL-2

1. Extend and transform the existing MERIL database of Research Infrastructures (RIs) of more than national relevance to: - Exhaustively cover relevant facilities and resources in Europe, according to current MERIL criteria and principles - Extend data collection to include policy-relevant information on inputs, processes and outputs of RIs, as appropriate - Provide preliminary information on RI systems in relevant other regions or countries of the world building on knowledge, linkages and networks developed through the Communication and Policy development for Research Infrastructures in Europe (CoPoRI) initiatives, the International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) and other important sources - Provide data on MERIL portal users - Develop and provide socio-economic indicators of the impact of infrastructures to address policy evaluation questions 2. Develop the MERIL Portal functionalities to feature: - Enhanced search and analytical functionalities for various user groups - Presentation of data and indicators that allow for analysis of RI capacity and capabilities across countries, regions, and science domains - Greater exploitation of existing data sources, through interconnection with other databases, sources of expertise and through advanced data-mining techniques - Training activities for using the database in each member state. 3. Encourage and facilitate active RI policy and scientific community engagement with core MERIL activities including validation and identification of RIs of more than national relevance.