SYNCHRONY

SYNCHRONY is an international research project working to improve how we observe and understand the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. By bringing together observations, modelling, artificial intelligence and data expertise, the project will help identify and interpret changes in this rapidly evolving region. SYNCHRONY aims to strengthen long-term monitoring, collaboration and data sharing, providing better scientific evidence to support climate research, biodiversity protection and sustainable decision-making for the future of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

As a part of this project, EPB will lead work on enhancing the POLARDEX platform which aims to optimise research planning activities. It also co-leads with AWI Work Package 7 on “Bridging Antarctic science with society, policy and decision-making”, which will include the organisation of a policy brief on the projects outcomes, and a joint Antarctica and Arctic briefing capturing state-of-the-art developments for decision-makers.

EPB is also responsible for implementation of the components of the proposal where SYNCHRONY contributes to the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), including ensuring implementation of the EPCO workplan with a focus on Antarctic observing, and coordinating SYNCHRONY’s involvement in the EU Polar Cluster, which is Coordinated by EPCO. It will also support maintenance of the Polar Catalyst platform and development of a strategic plan on enhancing ESA, Copernicus, and EU Polar Cluster collaboration.

The eight objectives of SYNCHRONY as stated in the grant agreement are:

“O1) Observing system strategy: Developing strategies to advance the Antarctic observing systems in line with the Copernicus Polar Roadmap by defining Shared Essential Polar Variables (SEPVs) and creating clear strategies to monitor them. In the near term, this means deploying scalable, cost-effective networks during Antarctica InSync; in the long term, it means harnessing AI and other emerging technologies to keep these systems sustainable.

O2) Monitoring: Establishing a system-of-systems by linking international partners, coordinating campaigns, and expanding autonomous networks, we will deliver newly compiled datasets and shared planning tools that drive Antarctica InSync and further maximise future resources. Adding value to the Antarctic observatory by collating and enhancing historical datasets of SEPVs and integrating observing systems across disciplines.

O3) Managing and harmonizing: Strengthening of Antarctic data management in accordance with FAIR and CARE principles to improve data curation, integration, and open access. By streamlining data flows from national and other repositories, promoting real-time accessibility, and aligning with Arctic initiatives, we will deliver a harmonised and interoperable data system for Antarctica InSync and future initiatives.

O4) Sharing: Expanding community-wide data access by building on EMODnet and Copernicus services to better connect in-situ data with Earth Observation and modelling. We will establish seamless data flows and provide access through platforms such as SOOSmap, future Polar Thematic Hubs, the European Digital Twin, and new dashboards for Antarctic stakeholders. This will form a federated, community-driven infrastructure where scientists both access and contribute data under a shared governance model.

O5) Products and mapping: Adding value to Southern Ocean datasets by generating, validating, and analysing products that integrate in-situ observations with Earth Observation, reanalysis, and climate model data (e.g., Copernicus reanalysis, Earth System Models, ESA missions). Unlocking the full potential of polar observations, further help to improve the observing system, and provide a vital bridge from data curation to scientific use.

O6) Gaining insight: Translating Southern Ocean datasets into policy-relevant indicators that track climate and biodiversity change. These integrated indicators will provide clear evidence to guide conservation and climate policy and raise public awareness of the rapidly changing polar environment.

O7) Bridging the gap: Making Antarctic knowledge visible, accessible, and usable across society by conveying key indicators (O6) to stakeholders, the wider public, and policymakers, especially through the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO). We will inform the European Commission on strategic developments for the Ocean Act 2027.

O8) International cooperation: Fostering international cooperation, training, and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of Antarctic and Southern Ocean observing systems. Building on the UN Ocean Decade Southern Ocean Action Plan and Antarctica InSync, we will enhance collaboration between relevant international projects through SCAR, SOOS, the ESA Polar Clusters, and contribute to global frameworks such as GOOS, GCOS, AAORIA, and ESA’s FutureEO to strengthen synergies across polar and global systems. We will train the next generation of polar scientists on observing systems, climate and biodiversity and enable their participation in international initiatives. To address the human, ethical, and institutional dimensions of Antarctic observation and governance, SYNCHRONY will consult Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertise. SSH contributions will strengthen the science–policy interface, advance research on science governance, and support the co-production of actionable knowledge and sustainability-oriented knowledge systems aligned with UN sustainability goals. This integration ensures that observing system development is embedded in robust institutional, political, economic, ethical, and societal frameworks.”

For more information on SYNCHRONY please visit https://synchrony-project.eu/