SVEUCILISTE U ZAGREBU - GEODETSKI FAKULTET

Their core work

The Faculty of Geodesy at the University of Zagreb specializes in precise measurement sciences, spatial data, and observational infrastructure — skills that naturally extend into solar observation and telescope instrumentation. Within H2020, they contributed to the European Solar Telescope (EST) initiative, supporting both its preparatory governance phase and its high-resolution solar physics integration. They also coordinated a Widening Participation project focused on open data methodologies, bridging their technical measurement expertise with research data management and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their H2020 journey began in 2017 with the preparatory and governance aspects of the European Solar Telescope (PRE-EST), focusing on strategic planning, procurement, and ERIC legal structures. By 2019, their involvement deepened into the technical and scientific dimensions — SOLARNET brought them into high-resolution solar physics, astrophysics, and space weather research. Simultaneously, they branched into open data and interdisciplinary research through the TODO project, signaling a broadening from pure infrastructure support toward data-driven research methodologies.

Moving from infrastructure planning roles toward deeper scientific involvement and data openness — expect future activity at the intersection of observational science and FAIR data practices.

How they like to work

With 48 unique partners across 21 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in very large consortia — typical for research infrastructure projects. They have demonstrated both participant and coordinator roles, though coordination was in a smaller Widening Participation (twinning) context. Their network breadth relative to project count suggests they are a trusted niche contributor welcomed into major pan-European initiatives rather than a consortium-building hub.

Despite only 3 projects, they have built connections with 48 partners across 21 countries — a remarkably wide European network driven by participation in large research infrastructure consortia like PRE-EST and SOLARNET.

What sets them apart

They bring a rare combination of geodetic precision science and solar observation expertise — a profile uncommon among European universities. As a Croatian institution active in major pan-European telescope infrastructure, they offer a Widening country entry point for consortia needing geographic diversity. Their dual track in both hard infrastructure (telescopes) and soft infrastructure (open data, FAIR principles) makes them versatile for proposals requiring both technical and data governance contributions.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SOLARNET
  Part of the flagship effort to build the 4-metre European Solar Telescope, integrating high-resolution solar physics across European observatories.
• TODO
  Their only coordinated project, focused on twinning for open data — shows institutional ambition to lead and build capacity in research data management.