Overview
Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) is a European research infrastructure established to provide standardised, long-term observations of greenhouse gases across Europe. It operates a harmonised network of measurement stations that monitor greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, land ecosystems and oceans. ICOS gained the legal status of a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) in 2015 and functions to support climate science and informed decision-making. The infrastructure brings together data from around 180 stations across 16 European countries. It supports scientists, policy-makers and other stakeholders with consistent, high-quality greenhouse gas information.
Mission and focus areas
ICOS’s core mission is to produce standardised, high-precision and long-term observations to enhance understanding of the carbon cycle and greenhouse gas dynamics. The infrastructure supports research on carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases and contributes to understanding regional sources and sinks of emissions. While primarily a scientific data infrastructure, ICOS contributes to sustainability and climate policy by supplying evidence used in greenhouse gas modelling, climate assessments, and mitigation strategies. Its data underpin scientific evaluation of emission reduction efforts and support international climate agreements.
Structure and governance
ICOS operates as a distributed research infrastructure funded by its member countries. Key functions are shared across national agencies and observatory networks. The infrastructure is coordinated by ICOS ERIC, which provides legal and operational governance under the European Commission framework. The governance framework includes a Head Office, thematic centres for atmosphere, ecosystems and ocean domains, central analytical laboratories and advisory bodies. Partnerships with research institutes and universities strengthen operational and scientific capacity.
Programs and offerings
ICOS’s primary offerings are open, standardised greenhouse gas datasets and derived products accessible through the ICOS Carbon Portal. The portal provides researchers and practitioners with tools to discover, visualise and download data, ensuring long-term archiving and adherence to FAIR data principles. The infrastructure also supports elaborated data products, scientific tools, and engagement opportunities for the research community. These resources are valuable for climate modelling, carbon cycle analysis, and evidence-based policy support.
Our mission is to produce standardised, high-precision and long-term observations and facilitate research to understand the carbon cycle and to provide necessary information on greenhouse gases. We promote technological developments and demonstrations related to greenhouse gases by linking research, education and innovation. With our high-precision data, we aim to support policy- and decision-making to combat climate change and its impacts.
