Integrated Research Infrastructure Services for Climate Change Risks (IRISCC)

Researchers across Europe are now invited to apply for funded access to leading environmental research stations through IRISCC. The University of Helsinki contributes to this Horizon Europe project by offering access to five unique field stations for studying climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Climate change presents a complex and significant threat, demanding a unified and comprehensive response. Integrated Research Infrastructure Services for Climate Change Risks (IRISCC) is an ongoing infrastructure project funded by Horizon Europe (2024-2028), involving 79 partners from 22 European countries. This unique collaboration enables partners to establish a robust service portfolio that offers transnational and virtual access to integrated research infrastructure services. Through IRISCC, researchers from both academia and industry can utilize a network of interdisciplinary cutting-edge European research infrastructures.

- We are pleased to provide our services for multidisciplinary research within IRISCC. The global grand challenges are interconnected, and we need to facilitate transnational access to various research infrastructures that address these challenges. This is one of the key themes in IRISCC and precisely what we can offer at our research stations. They provide access to nature, research infrastructure services, as well as datasets and information. By combining research, education, and innovation, we have the capacity to deepen our understanding of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, says , Director of Biological Research Stations from the University of Helsinki.

The University of Helsinki is proud to be a partner in IRISCC, offering Transnational Access (TNA) to several research stations. These research stations enable world-class multidisciplinary studies of the environment. They provide access to nature, research infrastructure services, as well as datasets and information. Through the integration of research, education, and innovation, we can enhance our understanding of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. For the University, the research stations serve as links to local society, business life, and citizens.
Apply for research access through the IRISCC project

Through IRISCC, researchers from academia and industry can apply for free access to research stations, infrastructure services, and datasets – either physically, remotely, virtually or in hybrid form. Travel and subsistence costs (up to €2000 per proposal) are covered.

What is included in transnational access: 

  • Access to IRISCC services, installations, and data
  • Travel & subsistence: up to €2000 per proposal
  • Salaries are not covered  

Timeline of Access Calls

  • 3rd Call for Access - February 2026
  • 4th Call for Access - July 2026
  • 5th Call for Access - December 2026
  • 6th Call for Access - May 2027

 
Hyytiälä SMEAR II

is a site for comprehensive measurements of ecosystem – atmosphere interactions and a co-location of ICOS, ACTRIS, eLTER and AnaEE infrastructures. We offer access to coniferous forest, peatland and lake ecosystems, sampling equipment and long-term datasets of fluxes, storages and concentrations in the land ecosystem–atmosphere continuum. 
Kilpisjärvi Biological Station

is a northern subarctic research site in the unique tundra zone of Finnish Lapland. The station offers varied infrastructure in unique settings for diverse research and educational activities throughout the year. The station has laboratories, equipment and vehicles to support field research, and offers technician services. Extensive long-term data on climate, land use, geology, fauna and vegetation are available.
Lammi Biological Station

is a versatile research site located in the southern boreal forest zone. We offer access to boreal freshwater, forest and agricultural ecosystems, a fish research facility, outdoor enclosures, laboratories, vehicles and long-term data on environmental  and biodiversity variables. Our infrastructure supports experimental and field-based ecological and environmental research, including Wild Animal Phenotyping.
Tvärminne Zoological Station

is the largest coastal research station in the northern Baltic Sea and a co-location of EMBRC, ICOS and eLTER infrastructures. We offer access to coastal ecosystems, several research vessels, sampling equipment, scientific diving facilities, aquarium rooms, laboratories and long-term datasets. 
Värriö Research Station

– is the is a site for comprehensive measurements of ecosystem – atmosphere interactions, air composition and biological variables including e.g. insect and bird populations and a co-location of ICOS, ACTRIS, eLTER infrastructures. We offer access to northern boreal coniferous forest, peatland, alpine fell ecosystems, lake and river ecosystems as well as long-term datasets. 
IRISCC Online Catalogue of Services

The IRISCC Catalogue of Services offers streamlined access to cutting-edge European research infrastructures for studying climate change-related risks. The catalogue supports interdisciplinary research by bringing together services focused on hazards, exposure and vulnerabilities. The first release is aimed at researchers, with future expansions planned for policymakers and industry.
For further details about the role of the University of Helsinki in IRISCC, please contact
Finnish Research Stations Network
Infrastructure networks