Coordination objectives
- Coordinate the compilation of a single database of information on OFG bodies in the waters of COST Member Countries and publish it in the form of an easily accessible, open-access synthesis document and database.
- Lead the development and application of numerical models, based on the best existing offshore and onshore geoscientific information, to provide a best estimate of where OFG is expected to be located and in what quantities.
- Develop a standardised workflow, combining geophysical measurements and numerical modelling with geochemical analyses and well logging, to detect, characterise and monitor OFG.
- Workflow: Propose improvements to instrument designs and data processing approaches for OFG mapping and characterisation.
- Design a cost-effective technological framework for the extraction, transport, and treatment of OFG.
- Database: Identify sites in the waters of COST Member Countries that are most suitable for OFG exploitation and assess the hydrogeological and economic feasibility of such an endeavour.
- Identify and quantify the environmental impacts associated with OFG use
- Evaluate the legal implications for the extraction of OFG and propose new policy guidelines.
- Establish a large international network of experts in fields related to OFG, promote cross-disciplinary and inter-sectoral scientific activity between isolated fields, develop connections 6 between ongoing European and international studies, and encourage the development of future research proposals.
- Foster communication and long-lasting collaboration between researchers, professionals, and stakeholders responsible for water resource management in different geographic regions to translate current scientific knowledge into tangible recommendations and future market applications, and to effectively address water management needs in coastal areas.
- Develop a joint research agenda around the rapidly evolving field of OFG research by promoting exchange of ideas, capabilities, and experiences on the latest developments, and identifying current needs and future directions.
Capacity-building objectives
- Provide high quality and interdisciplinary training opportunities in OFG investigation and research management for PhD students, Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) and practitioners, with particular attention to less-connected researchers/professionals. These opportunities will sharpen analytical skills and foster career development, in the process developing a network of leading experts in OFG research.
- Involve YRIs and research teams from across Europe and beyond, to create an inclusive research community in terms of gender, age and geography, and reinforce knowledge exchange and effective mobility of researchers.
- Encourage interdisciplinary knowledge exchange between academia, industry, policy makers and regulators to ensure transferability of new approaches in OFG characterisation, utilisation, and impact assessment, from the academic world to practise.
- Coordinate an effective dissemination campaign to regularly inform and actively involve all stakeholders in the key stages of the Action.