Services

The (1) Artificial Hard Substrate Garden (AHSG), an in situ modular and customizable test facility that can be deployed in offshore dynamic marine environments for testing materials, spat collectors, etc., and can be supported by our (2) scientific diving team. The (3) Marine Taxonomic Reference Centre offers taxonomic expertise in fouling and non-indigenous species.

Support offered

For each request, the Access Manager will make sure that logistical, technical, and scientific support is available. Visitors receive lab space, necessary access to buildings and facilities and can use them independently following clear instructions on the use of the facilities. When research with living animals is planned, the necessary certificates are required. A typical procedure for access involved initial joint planning (if possible: video conferencing), followed by TA attending the set-up and/or finalization of the work. If the service request involves longer monitoring or routine activities, they can be executed by local staff only. Finalization of the work includes collecting samples and data and arranging storage and transport of material. Note that all paperwork related to these activities are the responsibility of the user. Apart from logistical, technical and scientific support, users will be invited to participate in local scientific and social activities with the aim of fostering cooperation.

Modality of access

Access can be remote for taxonomic support. All other services will be on site. Access duration is service dependent ranging from weeks to months. For long-term experiments, users are expected to be present at least at the start and end of the service. Expected output/deliverables for users. Users will have the possibility to collect the raw experimental/analytical data. Upon request, data analysis or interpretation in cooperation with a local research group can be explored. The research visit should result in open data, scientific papers and communications and patents. Users will be stimulated to interact with Master students and early career scientists and invited to a guest lecture at the receiving institute.