The Global Ecosystem Research Infrastructure (GERI): How we got here?, Where are we going?

Recognizing that contemporary environmental challenges transcend geopolitical boundaries, the Global Ecosystem Research Infrastructure (GERI) was formed to address the nature and magnitude of these challenges through cross-border global perspectives and collaborations.  GERI brings together six major ecosystem research infrastructures (RIs) (i.e., SAEON in South Africa, TERN in Australia, CERN in China, NEON in the USA, and ICOS and eLTER in Europe) to federate the programmatic work needed for concerted operation, collaborations, and the provisioning of interoperable data and services.  Here, we present the historical activities that brought these RIs together, establishing a structured governance, and current overview of GERIs data harmonization and common services.  We will also present current programmatic challenges as GERI continues to develop internationally and seek community input and involvement.