FOCCUS Newsletter ISSUE 04
In this edition:
The Horizon Europe project FOCCUS aims to enhance Copernicus Marine Service's coastal dimension by developing innovative products and integrating Copernicus with Member States services. It facilitates seamless ocean monitoring and forecasting across global, regional, and coastal scales, reinforcing Copernicus research for challenges like coastal protection and sustainable blue economy development.
A Dynamic and Impact-Driven Year Ahead in 2026
FOCCUS enters 2026 in a highly dynamic phase of the project, marked by a transition from development to implementation, validation, and uptake. With several key outputs now publicly available and others progressing through demonstration, FOCCUS is increasingly focused on delivering operationally relevant results for Europe’s coastal and nearshore ocean systems.
At its core, FOCCUS continues to strengthen the integration between hydrology, coastal modelling, and open-ocean systems, enhancing the coastal dimension of European ocean services. This integration is materialising through interoperable modelling frameworks, improved land–sea coupling, and co-designed applications that respond to concrete user needs at national and regional scales.
Across European seas, FOCCUS activities address challenges such as freshwater inputs, land-based pressures, coastal hazards, and ecosystem dynamics, supported by advanced hydrological and biogeochemical modelling and improved data flows. In parallel, 2026 will see continued engagement through international conferences and stakeholder interactions—building on FOCCUS participation in key 2025 events such as EGU 2025 (Vienna), the One Ocean Science Congress 2025 (Nice), and AGU 2025 (New Orleans)—supporting validation, exploitation, and long-term sustainability. With momentum building, the year ahead will be pivotal in translating FOCCUS developments into operational value!
Angeliki Karampourouni - Communications Lead
All FOCCUS deliverables published to date are now publicly accessible, supporting transparency, reuse, and uptake across research, operational, and policy communities. These outputs represent a growing body of work that documents the scientific, technical, and methodological foundations underpinning FOCCUS coastal applications and service integration.
📘 Recently published deliverables
D1.2 – Interim Data Management Plan
This deliverable presents the interim FOCCUS Data Management Plan, developed in line with the Horizon Europe DMP template. It describes how research data and publications produced within FOCCUS are managed according to open science practices and FAIR principles, including data storage, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse throughout the project lifecycle. View D 1.2.
D4.1 – E-HYPE and LISFLOOD Preliminary Historical Model Dataset
This deliverable provides the 2024 preliminary historical model data and metadata for two European hydrological and riverine transport models: E-HYPE (SMHI) and LISFLOOD+GREEN (JRC). It documents key differences in model structure, setup, input data, calibration strategies, and specific model characteristics, enabling comparative analyses and supporting reuse in coastal and ocean modelling workflows. View D4.1.
D4.2 – Technical Description of E-HYPE and LISFLOOD
This technical report describes the current state of European hydrological and riverine transport modelling within FOCCUS, focusing on E-HYPE (SMHI) and LISFLOOD+GREEN (JRC). It provides a detailed comparison of model structures, data sources, calibration approaches, results, and limitations, supporting improved freshwater input representation for coastal modelling applications. View D4.2.
D6.1 – Implementation of CMEMS-MSCS Interfaces
This report summarises all Member State Coastal Systems (MSCS) used throughout FOCCUS, including their biogeochemical mapping status and implemented nesting methods. It also presents user feedback on Copernicus Marine products and recommendations to strengthen interfaces between regional and coastal systems, supporting more consistent and interoperable service delivery. View D6.1.
D6.2 – Processing Techniques
This deliverable documents FOCCUS processing methodologies and software algorithms, including AI-based and probabilistic modelling techniques, optimised integrated systems, and associated workflows. It complements other project outputs by describing the technical approaches underpinning demonstrated data and software products made available through open repositories. View D6.2.
D10.3 – Inventory of EU Coastal Operational Systems
This report provides an inventory and assessment of Operational Ocean Forecasting Systems (OOFS) operated by EU Member States. It analyses system maturity, application scope, and reliance on external data, and identifies expectations and needs regarding Copernicus Marine regional products, supporting strategies to strengthen regional–coastal interfaces. View D10.3.
Explore more:
The FOCCUS Inventory of Applications offers a clear overview of the coastal tools being developed and piloted across Europe through Member State Coastal Systems. Covering areas such as pollution tracking, coastal erosion, water quality, and ecosystem monitoring, the inventory shows how locally co-designed applications can support real operational and policy needs.
More than a catalogue, it helps identify gaps, promote interoperability, and strengthen links between national coastal services and the Cop. Read more.
FOCCUS is developing a growing collection of factsheets that translate complex modelling approaches and data products into clear, user-oriented narratives. Each factsheet focuses on a specific application, model, or use case, demonstrating how FOCCUS solutions support improved understanding, prediction, and management of coastal systems.
The factsheets highlight co-designed coastal applications ranging from hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models to user-facing platforms and are designed for a broad audience, including researchers, service providers, coastal managers, and policy actors, and will continue to expand as new applications and results emerge. Together, they illustrate how FOCCUS outputs address key challenges such as climate resilience, water quality, ecosystem health, coastal hazards, and sustainable blue economy activities across Europe.
Current factsheets cover topics including:
- Coastal erosion dynamics in the North Sea and Black Sea
- Storm surge and extreme water level forecasting in Atlantic and estuarine environments
- Land-based pollution and eutrophication in European seas
- Support for the blue economy, including offshore wind and multi-use operations
- Hydrological prediction using the pan-European E-HYPE model and its role in coastal applications
FOCCUS will be actively represented at major international conferences and forums throughout 2026. These events, such as those listed below, provide key opportunities to present project results, connect with scientific and operational communities, and engage with research, policy, and user stakeholders. FOCCUS partners attending these events will be happy to meet and exchange with colleagues and stakeholders—feel free to connect with us on site if you are also attending!
Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026 — Glasgow, Scotland
22–27 February 2026
FOCCUS will contribute to the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026 with a dedicated session focused on coastal–open ocean integration, alongside additional presentations highlighting project progress and applications. The meeting brings together the global ocean science community across disciplines.
Learn more & register.
EGU General Assembly 2026 — Vienna, Austria
3–8 May 2026
At the EGU General Assembly 2026, FOCCUS will convene a dedicated session on hydrology–ocean coupling and coastal modelling. A general abstract has also been submitted, supporting wider engagement across the Earth system science community. Learn more & register.
11th EuroGOOS International Conference 2026 — Larnaca, Cyprus
18–20 May 2026
The 11th EuroGOOS International Conference brings together marine scientists, operational service providers, and technology developers to explore innovation in ocean observing, forecasting, and digital transformation. FOCCUS participation will support discussions on coastal forecasting and systems integration. Learn more & register.
ECSA61 Conference 2026 — Brussels, Belgium
24–27 August 2026
ECSA61 focuses on bridging science and policy in estuarine and coastal marine environments. FOCCUS will contribute through a dedicated session, highlighting project insights relevant to coastal processes, ecosystem dynamics, and management applications. Learn more & register.
FOCCUS is progressing through its Implementation and Demonstration phase, with upcoming activities including:
- Validated model releases and technical milestones
- Scientific publications
- Workshops and hands-on activities linked to the European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO)
