At EU level the topic of research infrastructures has received increasing recognition over the past 10 years. On the European Commission's Website you will get a comprehensive overview of activities and funding opportunities. In the recent years the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) has developed a long-term plan for the establishment of European research infrastructures. Upon request to and by decision of the European Commission, these are permanently institutionalised in form of theEuropean Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERIC).