This course introduces the EOSC Federation, explaining its purpose, governance structure, the role of Nodes and their interconnection, and presents the current status of development. It also explores key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from the Federation’s evolution. The online session will be complemented by training materials based on the Federation Handbook, videos as well as insights and lessons learned to date.
Course summary
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the EOSC Federation, explaining its purpose, governance structure, the role of Nodes and their interconnection, and current status of development.
The course targets participants involved in and linked to any EOSC Node within the EOSC Federation who are interested in understanding how the Federation operates. This includes grantees of the EOSC Gravity project’s Preparatory and Interproject cascading grant calls, as well as organisations and experts across the EOSC community seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Federation and the processes that support its development.
The importance of the EOSC Federation is reflected in the growing number of Nodes, the increasing availability of resources, and the expanding participation of organisations in working groups and operational activities across the Federation. The EOSC Federation will consist of dozens of EOSC Nodes that are interconnected and can collaborate to share and manage scientific data, knowledge, and resources within and across thematic and geographical research communities.
This course will present the purpose, objectives, governance framework, and key achievements of the EOSC Federation, while also outlining the next steps in its evolution. The session will be complemented by training materials based on the Federation Handbook, videos as well as insights and lessons learned to date.
Prior knowledge of EOSC is recommended, particularly regarding its aims, vision, and evolution.
By the end of this course, the learner will:
- Be able to understand the historical background of the EOSC Federation and main drivers for its development;
- Identify the governance structures and the decision-making process;
- Reflect on the major challenges and obstacles in engaging in the Federation development;
- Identify the lessons learned and added value of the EOSC Federation, considering the first wave of Nodes;
- Formulate questions to understand deeper the process of becoming a node.
Contributors
Bob Jones
EOSC Association
Isabel Caetano
EOSC Association
Zoltán Pompor
Pro-M
Presenters (for online session)
Bob Jones
EOSC Association
Modules of this course
Module 1: Introduction to the EOSC Federation
40 Minutes
This module introduces the EOSC Federation, its purpose, and its strategic role in enabling Open Science across Europe. Participants will explore the concept of a system of systems, where autonomous EOSC Nodes interconnect to form a distributed ecosystem. The module explains the Federation model as a network of independent yet aligned Nodes and highlights its value proposition. Learners will understand how the Federation supports FAIR data principles, collaboration, and interoperability. Expected outcomes include improved access to resources and enhanced research efficiency. By the end, participants will grasp the core vision of the EOSC Federation.
Watch the videos about the vision and the objectives of the EOSC Federation.
EOSC as a Technical Infrastructure | Klaus Tochtermann, EOSC-A President
Principles of building the EOSC Federation | Bob Jones, Special Envoy for the EOSC Federation
Coordination of the Federation | Bob Jones, Special Envoy for the EOSC Federation
Publications
Read Chapter 1 of the EOSC Federation Handbook.
What we learnt from the videos and the Handbook?
Module 2: Federation Governance Structures
40 Minutes
This module provides an overview of the governance framework guiding the EOSC Federation. It introduces the Tripartite governance model and explains the roles of the European Commission, EOSC Association, and EOSC Steering Board. Participants will learn about interim bodies such as the Node Coordinator Committee and Node Operations Committee, as well as Working Groups. The role of the EOSC Association as Interim Secretariat is also covered. The module highlights consensus-based decision-making and the balance between coordination and Node autonomy. By the end, learners will understand how governance enables alignment and trust.
Watch the videos about the tripartite governance model.
Coordination of the Federation | Bob Jones, Special Envoy for the EOSC Federation
EOSC Federation situation and support | Volker Beckmann, Co-Chair, EOSC Steering Board
Publications
Read the 2.1; 2.3; 3.2 chapters of the EOSC Federation Handbook.
What we learnt from the videos and the handbook?
Module 3: Build-up phase Context (2025-2027)
80 Minutes
This module examines the current build-up phase of the EOSC Federation. It explains the objectives of the interim phase, including governance, developing interoperability standards, and establishing operational processes. Participants will explore the first wave of EOSC Nodes and their role in shaping the Federation. The module outlines the next wave of enrolment and expansion processes. Key milestones toward a fully operational Federation are presented. By the end, learners will understand the transition from pilot to production phase.
Watch the videos from the first wave of Nodes and the EU Node.
Resources
Read the information about the next wave of enrolment.
What we learnt about the topic?
Module 4: What the Federation will offer
60 Minutes
This module presents the resources available through the EOSC Federation. It describes the role of the EOSC EU Node in providing core capabilities such as authentication and service catalogues. Participants will explore contributions from the first wave of Nodes, including information about examples of datasets and tools. The module highlights seamless discovery, access, and integration of services. By the end, learners will understand the value and functionality of the Federation’s offerings.
Watch the videos about what the Federation will offer.
EOSC EU Node | Peter Szegedi, Policy Officer DG CNECT
Use Cases from Nodes
MoU of Federation | Peter Maccallum, Chief Technical Officer, ELIXIR
What we learnt about the topic?
Module 5: Operational Tasks across the Federation
30 Minutes
This module focuses on operational activities required to build and maintain the EOSC Federation. Participants will learn about enrolling Nodes, coordinating activities, and maintaining interoperability standards. The module covers stakeholder communication and promotion of the Federation. It also introduces monitoring, compliance, and technical coordination. Future responsibilities such as performance tracking and contract management are discussed. By the end, learners will understand how operations sustain the Federation.
Publications
Read section 3.1 of the EOSC Federation Handbook.
What we learnt about the topic?
What we learnt from the video and the Handbook?
Module 6: Benefits and Expectations of Federation Membership
20 Minutes
This module explores the advantages and responsibilities of joining the EOSC Federation. Participants will learn about commitments such as adhering to common rules and participating in governance. The module explains member rights, including access to resources and participation in decisions. It highlights benefits like improved efficiency and increased impact of investments. Based on the experience with the first wave of Nodes, the balance between autonomy and alignment is discussed. It also provides an overview of the funding mechanisms being used. By the end, learners will understand both the benefits and obligations of membership.
Publications
Read section 4.3 of the EOSC Federation Handbook (identify the added value of the federation capabilities).
What we learnt about the topic?
| Date | 13 May 2026 |
| Time | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST |
Course length
This course combines an online session (Online session format) of approximately 90 minutes with self-paced study, exploring the available training materials with an estimated full duration of 270 minutes
Audience
- Beneficiaries of the EOSC Gravity cascading grants
- EOSC-A Mandated Organisations
- EOSC Funders
- Organisations and experts involved in EOSC projects
- Research Performing Organisations and Service Providers
Keywords
EOSC Federation, EOSC Nodes, EOSC, FAIR Data, Federating Capabilities, Scientific Resource
