Research infrastructures (RIs) are those facilities, resources and related services that the scientific community use to conduct high-level research.  They cover a range of research fields from engineering and social sciences to genomics and astronomy and can be single-sited (a single resource at a single location), distributed (a network of distributed resources) or virtual (the service is provided electronically). Research infrastructures can be also used beyond research e.g. for education or public services and are nowadays crucial for fostering innovation.
The importance of RIs are undisputable as they play a vital strategic role in the advancement and exploitation of knowledge and technology. Not only are they necessary to the structuring of the scientific community – offering high quality research services, networking facilities, attracting young people to science – they also aid in the construction of an efficient research and innovation environment. As Carlos Moedas, former Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation said:  “Europe needs top-class research infrastructures to generate new knowledge that helps tackle the environmental and social challenges our societies are facing