Open Call for Use Cases

Bring scientific data or a research or AI workflow. Explore a pilot with data, compute and expert support.

RI-SCALE invites organisations, scientific communities and companies to collaborate with RI-SCALE to push the exploitation of large scientific datasets with Artificial Intelligence.

The collaboration can be relevant for those who 1) provide large scientific data repositories but are lacking the computational infrastructure to fully process the data; 2) develop models and software tools that can help analyse big scientific data with AI; 3) have scientific questions that require AI and large scientific datasets to get answered.

Share your Expressions of Interest: tell us what you want to achieve, which data and workflow you would use, and what support or computing resources you may need. RI-SCALE will review the idea, identify the most suitable route and, where appropriate, help develop it into a scoped pilot proposal.

Is this call for you?

This call is for you if…

You have data that can be shared in RI-scale for collaborative research

You want to test your AI solution or software to contribute to developing models or tools that can help the analysis of big scientific data with AI.

You could bring your proof of concept or AI solution to be tested in an environment working with research infrastructures, data providers, research communities and tech companies and startups.

Typical participants include (but are not limited to) Research Infrastructures; Research teams and scientific users developing AI tools and scientific or AI software; and AI and software developers in SMEs, startups and technology companies.

You want to develop AI solutions or software tools

Opportunity to enable AI-driven and advanced data-intensive use of your data
DEP components for onboarding and managing datasets
Support with data replication and technical integration within the agreed pilot scope
Access to federated computing and storage resources matched to the selected pilot, subject to availability
Support with pilot scoping, technical onboarding and platform integration

You have scientific questions that require AI and large scientific datasets to get answered

You want to use scientific data with AI, machine learning or an advanced data-intensive workflow to address a research question, or to develop, test or validate an AI application.

You could bring a clearly defined research question or use case involving AI, machine learning or an advanced data-intensive workflow. You could also contribute sufficiently mature analysis methods, models, applications or computational workflows that can be adapted and tested during the pilot.

Typical participants include (but are not limited to) Research teams and scientific users; AI and machine-learning developers in SMEs, startups and Technology companies; Research teams developing scientific or AI software

What We Offer

Opportunity to enable AI-driven and advanced data-intensive use of your data
DEP components for onboarding and managing datasets, running scientific workflows and deploying or testing applications
Access to federated computing and storage resources matched to the selected pilot
Support with pilot scoping, data replication, technical onboarding and platform integration
Access to suitable scientific datasets from participating Research Infrastructures, subject to applicable licences and access conditions
Opportunities to collaborate with Research Infrastructures and scientific data experts
Opportunity to gain visibility for your pilot from a European-wide research environment

The goal is to demonstrate new ways of exploiting Research Infrastructure data through AI-enabled and advanced data-intensive research – not to provide general-purpose computing capacity.

What We Look For

We are looking for ideas where:

Research Infrastructure data is made available or used through DEP;
a scientific or AI application user brings a defined research question and a suitable analysis workflow, model or application;
federated computing and storage enable AI-enabled or advanced data-intensive processing;
and the work helps test, demonstrate or improve RI-SCALE capabilities.

Examples include:

AI and machine-learning research workflows
Predictive and large-scale data analytics
Digital twins and simulation workflows
Scientific decision-support systems
Image, climate and other data-intensive analyses
Data interoperability and reusable workflows
Testing or adapting scientific AI applications
Research–industry pilots using RI data

Joint ideas are welcome, including joint pilots with existing RI-SCALE use cases. RI-SCALE can help identify the appropriate scope.

Info Session

Webinar: RI-SCALE Open Call. Bringing New Use Cases to the RI-SCALE Ecosystem

04 November 2026, 14 CET

How To Apply

Applicants should share their pilot ideas via an Expressions of Interest (EoI) to be evaluated by the evaluation committee from the project.

Each Expression of Interest should briefly explain:

the challenge being addressed;
the proposed solution (including maturity /readiness of the workflow / application)
the data you want to provide or use, if known;
the analysis method, model, application or workflow you intend to use;
why your existing resources are not sufficient and what data access, compute, storage, DEP integration or expertise you may need;
any known access, privacy, licensing or commercial-use considerations; and the expected result and its potential contribution to demonstrating RI-SCALE.
capacity of the team

For a selected pilot, the DEP configuration, computing and storage resources, support and responsibilities will be defined during scoping the pilot.

Applicants do not need to develop a new AI application, but requests for generic computing capacity without a meaningful link to Research Infrastructure data, AI or advanced data exploitation are outside the scope.

Find here are the application forms for each applicant category

Why participate?

Access to scientific data

Access to computing resources

Technical support

Validate your solution

Increase your visibility

How We Evaluate Your Pilot Idea

Ideas taken forward to pilot scoping will be assessed against common criteria:

Relevance: Alignment with RI-SCALE objectives, meaningful use or provision of Research Infrastructure data, and potential value for Research Infrastructure communities
Value and contribution: Potential to demonstrate new or improved data exploitation, scientific workflows or AI adoption and to validate RI-SCALE capabilities.
Feasibility and resource fit: Technical readiness and viability within the available timeframe, computing capacity and support resources.
Team capacity and commitment: Experience, expertise, availability and ability to undertake the applicant-side work required for the pilot.

During scoping, RI-SCALE and the relevant partners will investigate dataset availability and access conditions, privacy and licensing considerations, computing capacity, technical integration and support needs. A full pilot proposal and resource commitment will only be confirmed after this work and final assessment. Information submitted through the EOI that is not public will be treated confidentially.

Selection Timeline

Publication of the Open Call: September 2026
EOI submission period: Open until March 2027
Initial review and response: Within 1 month of EOI submission
Pilot scoping and final assessment: Timing agreed with the relevant applicant and RI-SCALE partners
Pilot onboarding and implementation: Normally 6–10 months, depending on the pilot; implementation must finish no later than December 2027*
End of RI-SCALE Project: 29 February 2028

*Any exception would need to be agreed during pilot scoping and remain within the RI-SCALE project timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of datasets can I get access to?

RI-SCALE provides access to a selection of datasets made available through the project and its participating Research Infrastructures. The dataset description is available here.

Do I need to contribute my own datasets?

No. You can participate using datasets already available through RI-SCALE.

However, if you have your own dataset that you would like to make available for exploitation by other participants or third parties, you may also propose it as part of your use case. The RI-SCALE DEP can support the exploitation of both RI-SCALE datasets and, where appropriate, external datasets.

Any dataset you contribute must be accompanied by the necessary rights and permissions for the proposed use.

What computational resources do I get access to?

Compute centres of the EGI Federated Infrastructure, matching the scientific domain and interest of the centres. You have an overview here.

Can proprietary software or commercial solutions be used?

No. You can participate using datasets already available through RI-SCALE.
However, if you have your own dataset that you would like to make available for exploitation by other participants or third parties, you may also propose it as part of your use case. The RI-SCALE DEP can support the exploitation of both RI-SCALE datasets and, where appropriate, external datasets.
Any dataset you contribute must be accompanied by the necessary rights and permissions for the proposed use.

Can proprietary software or commercial solutions be used?

Proprietary or commercial software is permitted, provided the user supplies the license and, if required, the installation sources.

Please note: Installation support for proprietary or commercial software is provided on a best-effort basis and is limited.

For non-sensitive data cloud services, users may use their own OS images.
For HPC sites and sensitive data, we only support software compatible with the Red Hat branch of Linux.

Applicants should clearly identify any proprietary software, commercial services or third-party technologies on which their use case depends. RI-SCALE will assess whether these dependencies can be accommodated within the available infrastructure and project timeframe.

What happens after a proposal is selected? Do I need to sign an agreement?

The Open Call does not provide direct financial support to selected participants. Participation is based on collaboration and the implementation of use cases as part of the RI-SCALE exploitation and demonstration activities.

No Service Level Agreement (SLA) or Operational Level Agreement (OLA) is required as a condition of participation. However, selected participants may be asked to provide the information and cooperation reasonably required to implement, monitor and document their use case.

Specific technical or access arrangements may be agreed where necessary for the implementation of an individual use case.

What level of technical maturity is expected? Can I propose a use case that is already under development?

Yes. You can propose a use case that is already under development. In your application, you will be asked to describe the current maturity of your use case, its objectives, the technologies involved and the expected level of development required. This information will help RI-SCALE assess the feasibility of implementing the use case through the Data Exploitation Platform (DEP) within the available project timeframe.

Do startups need to be legally established when they apply?

No. Startups that are still in the process of being established may apply, provided they can demonstrate a credible plan to create the company.

As an EU-funded project, RI-SCALE has targets related to the number of companies involved in the project. Therefore, startups selected through this Open Call are expected to be legally established by the end of 2027.

What happens after a proposal is selected? Do I need to sign an agreement?

Specific technical or access arrangements may be agreed where necessary for the implementation of an individual use case.

Will participants be expected to share results publicly?

Not necessarily in full. However, RI-SCALE may use information about the pilots and their results for project reporting, dissemination and communication activities, including project documentation, presentations, websites and other communication channels.

Participants will be consulted regarding the information that can be made public. Confidential, commercially sensitive or otherwise restricted information will not be published without the appropriate authorisation.

Participation does not require physical attendance at events or public speaking. Where appropriate, participants may be invited to contribute to presentations, testimonials or other dissemination activities on a voluntary or agreed basis.

How will confidential information be handled? How will sensitive or confidential datasets be protected?

Applicants should clearly indicate in their application if their use case involves confidential, commercially sensitive or otherwise restricted information.

Applications will be handled by the RI-SCALE consortium and the designated evaluation team on a need-to-know basis. Information will be used for the purpose of evaluating and implementing the Open Call and will be handled in accordance with the applicable confidentiality, data protection and security requirements.

If your proposed use case involves sensitive, personal, health-related, commercially confidential or otherwise restricted datasets, please identify this clearly in your application and describe any relevant access or security requirements.

The RI-SCALE team will assess the proposed use case and determine whether the required data can be handled securely within the DEP and under the applicable legal and organisational conditions.

The inclusion of a dataset in the RI-SCALE catalogue does not automatically mean that it can be used for every purpose. Access and processing will remain subject to the applicable data access conditions, licences, ethical requirements, GDPR and other relevant legal or security requirements.

Can I use personal or health-related data?

Potentially, but only when the proposed use is legally and ethically permitted and the necessary safeguards are in place.

Applicants must identify any personal, health-related or otherwise sensitive data in their application. The RI-SCALE team will assess the feasibility of the proposed processing, including applicable access restrictions, security measures and data protection requirements.

Applicants should not provide personal or sensitive data as part of the application unless explicitly requested.

Can I continue using the DEP after the RI-SCALE project ends?

RI-SCALE aims to ensure the sustainability and continued exploitation of the solutions, services and results developed during the project.

Subject to the availability of the relevant services, infrastructure and datasets, participants and other members of the RI-SCALE community may be able to continue using or building on the DEP and its results after the project ends.

Any continued access beyond the project lifetime will be subject to the arrangements, resources and service model available at that time and cannot be guaranteed through participation in this Open Call.

Who can I contact if I have further questions about the Open Call?

For further information or clarification regarding the Open Call, please contact: info[AT]riscale.eu

RI-SCALE Datasets

CMIP6

Description:
Explore global climate simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, covering past, present and future climate conditions at global scale. The datasets bring together simulations from multiple Earth System Models.

Why is this valuable:
A unique resource for understanding and modelling climate change, comparing future scenarios and developing data-driven solutions for climate risks and adaptation.

Possible applications:

Climate risk assessment and forecasting
Climate adaptation and resilience planning
AI/ML models for climate prediction and impact analysis
Environmental and infrastructure planning

Ideal for:
SMEs working on climate services, environmental analytics, sustainability, Earth Observation, risk management and AI/ML solutions using large-scale climate data.

Size:
~28 PB including replicas (~16 PB of distinct datasets)

Source:
IS-ENES / Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF)

Access / Licence:
CC BY 4.0. Data are primarily distributed through the ESGF infrastructure and can be accessed via its federated data portals.

EISCAT Atmospheric & Ionospheric Data

Description:
Access to more than 40 years of atmospheric and ionospheric observations collected through radar facilities. The archive includes analysed radar measurements, low-level radar data and Dynasonde observations.

Why is this valuable:
The long-term observations provide a rich basis for understanding atmospheric and ionospheric behaviour and developing models and data-driven solutions.

Possible applications:

Space-weather monitoring and forecasting
Ionospheric modelling and prediction
AI/ML models for atmospheric observations
Telecommunications and space-related applications

Ideal for:
SMEs developing AI/ML solutions, atmospheric and space-weather services, telecommunications technologies, scientific software and advanced data analytics.

Size:
~170 GB analysed radar data; ~125 TB low-level radar data; <3 TB Dynasonde data; EISCAT_3D potentially several PB/year

Source:
EISCAT AB / EISCAT data archive

Access / Licence:
Subject to EISCAT access policies. Raw data have restricted access; processed results may become openly available after the applicable embargo period.

Multi-centre Colorectal Cancer Cohort

Description:
A European colorectal cancer cohort combining approximately 10,000 cases with around 1,000 Whole Slide Images (WSI). The imaging collection includes different tissue stainings and annotations related to vascular invasion.

Why is this valuable:
The combination of a large patient cohort and high-resolution pathology images creates opportunities to develop and validate AI solutions for cancer research and digital pathology.

Possible applications:

AI-assisted cancer diagnosis and classification
Digital pathology and image analysis
Biomarker and prognosis research
Training and validation of medical AI models

Ideal for:
SMEs developing medical AI, digital pathology solutions, oncology applications, biomedical image analysis and clinical research tools.

Size:
~10,000 cases; ~1,000 WSI; ~10 TB

Source:
BBMRI-ERIC / Multi-centre colorectal cancer cohort

Access / Licence:
Access subject to BBMRI-ERIC access policies and applicable ethical, legal and governance requirements.

Digital Pathology Repository

Description:
A large collection of clinical and digital histopathology slides supporting clinical research and the development of artificial intelligence. The repository provides high-resolution pathology imaging at significant scale.

Why is this valuable:
Large collections of real-world pathology images can support the development, testing and validation of AI algorithms for medical image analysis.

Possible applications:

AI-based pathology image analysis
Cancer detection and classification
Diagnostic decision-support tools
Computer vision model training and validation

Ideal for:
SMEs developing medical AI, digital pathology platforms, computer vision technologies, clinical decision-support systems and biomedical research tools.

Size:
~2 PB

Source:
Medical University of Graz (MUG) / BBMRI-ERIC

Access / Licence:
Subject to the repository’s data access policies and applicable ethical and legal requirements.

Digital Pathology & Cancer Images

Description:
Explore more than 9,000 medical, histological, macroscopic and clinical images from a cancer pathology collection. The archive combines clinical information with digital histopathological imaging.

Why is this valuable:
A diverse collection of cancer-related images offering opportunities to develop and test AI, computer vision and medical image-analysis solutions.

Possible applications:

AI-assisted pathology and image classification
Cancer research and education
Computer vision model development
Medical image retrieval and analysis

Ideal for:
SMEs working on medical AI, computer vision, digital pathology, clinical research and healthcare software.

Size:

9,000 images; ~0.5 PB

Source:
Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MMCI) / BBMRI-ERIC

Access / Licence:
Subject to the repository’s applicable access policies and conditions.

BioImage Archive

Description:
A large collection of biological imaging datasets spanning a wide range of imaging modalities, including light microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, ultrasound, scanning probe microscopy and others. Images are available in a wide range of formats, including OME-NGFF/OME-Zarr.

Why is this valuable:
The breadth and diversity of the collection provide a valuable resource for training, testing and benchmarking AI and image-analysis technologies.

Possible applications:

Development and validation of AI/MLsolutions for for biological image analysis and enhancement using real-world imaging datasets
Development of AI-powered tools for automated microscopy and image classification
Integration of biological imaging data into AI/ML workflows
Testing and benchmarking AI models on diverse, large-scale biological imaging data

Ideal for:
SMEs developing AI/ML for biological image analysis solutions for life sciences, biomedical imaging and microscopy technologies, particularly those looking to develop or validate solutions using large-scale real-world imaging datasets

Size:
~1.4 PB

Source:
European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) / BioImage Archive

Access / Licence:
Freely available online, subject to the conditions and licences associated with individual datasets.

EMPIAR — Electron & X-ray Microscopy Data

Description:
A large collection of biological and structural imaging datasets, with a strong focus on cryo-EM, cryo-ET, single-particle imaging and volumetric electron microscopy.

Why is this valuable:
High-resolution imaging data at PB scale provides an excellent resource for developing, testing and benchmarking advanced image-processing, reconstruction and AI technologies.

Possible applications:

AI-assisted microscopy and image reconstruction
3D biological structure analysis
Automated image segmentation and classification
Training and benchmarking computer vision models

Ideal for:
SMEs developing AI/ML, image processing, image-reconstruction technologies structural biology tools and scientific image-processing solutions, particularly those working with electron microscopy or other high-resolution imaging data

Size:
~9 PB

Source:
European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) / EMPIAR

Access / Licence:
Publicly accessible through EMPIAR, subject to the conditions associated with individual datasets.

Open Call for Use Cases

Bring scientific data or a research or AI workflow. Explore a pilot with data, compute and expert support.

RI-SCALE invites organisations, scientific communities and companies to collaborate with RI-SCALE to push the exploitation of large scientific datasets with Artificial Intelligence.