Integrated Infrastructure Initiative to optimise the position of experimentation in the field of Hydraulics, Hydrodynamics, Environmental Fluid Dynamics, Ship Dynamics and Ice Engineering

The aim of HYDRALAB is

• to support the integrated provision of infrastructure related services to the research community at a European level
• to better structure the fabric of European hydraulic research by promoting the coherent use and development of infrastructures in the fields it covers
• to improve the long-term integrating effect on the way research infrastructures are developed and utilised in the fields of Hydraulics, Geophysical hydrodynamics, Environmental fluid dynamics, Ship dynamics and Ice engineering (in this proposal abbreviated to HyGESI) operate, (which was already started by HYDRALAB-II), thereby contributing to the goal of structuring the European Research Area
• to develop a balanced methodology for using the various research tools available for the hydraulic research world, summarised in the term “Composite modelling”.

All HYDRALAB-III Access participants have one common selection panel and have agreed on uniform procedures with respect to selection and performance of access to their facilities (see access rules).

Moreover we have provided the European Community periodically with a comparison between the scientific needs for access against the availability and an inventory of relevant Infrastructure available in Europe (see inventory). Contract Number:

HYDRALAB-III aims to performed the following specific activities:

1. Co-ordination and co-operation on a European scale in Hydraulics, Geophysical hydrodynamics, Environmental fluid dynamics, Ship dynamics and Ice engineering through co-operation of similar facility providers and research groups, with the perspective of establishing a series of virtual European laboratories.
2. Bring well-educated and trained researchers from across Europe to the “world class” top level of research found in few institutions across Europe. This task requires greater exchange of researchers and the Access projects within HYDRALAB-III serve a double function:
   • top quality research for selected projects where facilities in specific countries are missing, and
   • dissemination of knowledge to young researchers during these projects alongside experienced seniors.
3. Optimising the role of rare and costly experimental infrastructure by integrating them in the concept of “composite modelling”.
4. Contribute significantly to EU targets to increase the numbers of women involved in engineering and science by means of the HYDRALAB-III Gender Action Plan (GAP).