MatOSC

Operating alongside established nodes like PaNOSC and CERN, MatOSC will expose FAIR data and services, integrate with EOSC authentication systems and catalogs, and enable federated discovery. The infrastructure is built to operate securely while maintaining full interoperability with the central EU Node and other thematic networks.

To design this system, the project gathers input from relevant scientific activities to establish clear decision-making structures. The work will generate a formal node charter, a demonstrative use case, a structural mapping of existing resources, and a technical integration plan. The consortium will also compile a catalog of training materials and a strategy for onboarding new initiatives. Together, these deliverables provide the exact framework required to submit a formal application for the MatOSC thematic node.

This project advances EU open science policy by preparing a thematic EOSC Node for materials research. The initiative connects existing national, institutional, and European infrastructures into a cohesive federated system. By aligning with the EOSC Partnership and the European Research Data Commons, the project ensures that all integrated resources adhere strictly to FAIR principles and the EOSC Interoperability Framework.

For researchers, this integration provides faster discovery of datasets, software, and workflows. It reduces friction when combining experimental and computational evidence and ensures robust reproducibility through shared provenance and reusable research objects. Participating organizations similarly benefit from increased visibility within EOSC catalogs, clear pathways for technical and policy alignment, and reduced duplication of effort through shared standards and community governance.

To enhance data usability, the project defines common metadata profiles across established platforms, including Materials Cloud, FAIRmat, AiiDA, and OPTIMADE. The technical framework promotes the use of persistent identifiers, clear access conditions, interoperable APIs, and machine-actionable provenance. By integrating directly with EOSC authentication and catalog systems, the node enables federated discovery while maintaining secure, professional research practices.

Following the preparatory phase, the MatOSC Node will deploy its initial capabilities. This foundational infrastructure serves as a nucleus for ongoing expansion, allowing the network to integrate additional resources from original partners, onboard new organizations, and connect with other EOSC Nodes.

Collaborating institutions maintain independent funding to sustain their individual services. Integrating these resources into MatOSC and the wider federation aligns directly with their core scientific missions and will be supported by their own ongoing initiatives.

To ensure operational sustainability, the MatOSC Board will oversee all coordination activities using in-kind support from participating members. During this rollout phase, the legal representing organization and the five obligatory administrative roles defined in the project charter will become fully operational, managed by dedicated participants from within the consortium.