AQUANAVI: accelerating our response to the grand challenges in aquatic environments
We are excited to launch AQUANAVI, a project dedicated to developing faster responses to the complex challenges facing aquatic ecosystems. In collaboration with the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Open Knowledge Maps will co-create an interactive atlas of aquatic mesocosm research enhanced by our AI-powered discovery tools. This free and open platform will enable researchers to quickly set up experiments and devise impactful environmental strategies.
Understanding Aquatic Threats with Mesocosm Research
Water is essential for life, yet aquatic ecosystems face multiple threats like pollution, rising temperatures, and invasive species. To study these threats, researchers use mesocosms - outdoor experimental systems that simulate natural environments. Mesocosms allow controlled yet realistic studies of ecological processes and responses. For example, researchers might examine how different plant species filter pollutants, testing which are most effective at keeping water clean and safe.
Prof. Dr. Tina Heger, Chair of Restoration Ecology at the Technical University of Munich and Principal Investigator of AQUANAVI, explains the impact the project will have:
"Given the complex challenges faced by aquatic ecosystems and the rapid rate of change, it is essential for us to quickly develop solutions and mitigation strategies. By integrating Open Knowledge Maps’ AI-based solutions, AQUANAVI will place all necessary resources at our fingertips, facilitating the rapid setup of future experiments."
Restoring our Ocean and Waters
Funded by the EU project OSCARS, AQUANAVI will contribute to the EU’s mission to restore European waters by 2030.
Open Knowledge Maps’ Founder, Dr. Peter Kraker, highlights the lasting benefits the project will have on research, policymaking and practice:
"Collaborating with IGB and leveraging their extensive datasets allows us to amplify the impact of our AI tools in aquatic research, enhancing collaboration and discovery. By ensuring the broad accessibility of this data, AQUANAVI will play a key role in protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems for future generations."
Mapping the Future of Aquatic Research
AQUANAVI builds upon the extensive AQUACOSM-RI network, which has compiled data from over 120 aquatic mesocosm facilities worldwide. By integrating this wealth of information, AQUANAVI will offer a user-friendly, searchable resource for mesocosm research. Enhanced with Open Knowledge Maps' AI capabilities, the platform will allow researchers to easily identify relevant facilities and set up meaningful experiments.
Combining research data, publications, and facility details, AQUANAVI will foster collaboration and reveal new research opportunities. The project will align with the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and the science clusters, ensuring that these resources are FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) over the longer term.
Enhancing Open Knowledge Maps with Geographical Visualisations
AQUANAVI builds on a previous Open Knowledge Maps x IGB collaboration, enKORE, which produced an open atlas of invasion science, accessible through the Hi Knowledge platform. enKORE brought significant benefits to Open Knowledge Maps, including advanced search options, hierarchical exploration and improved dataset search capabilities.
AQUANAVI will similarly introduce geographical visualisations to Open Knowledge Maps. Publications and research data will be mapped to real-world locations, allowing researchers and students to grasp the global distribution of research within their field and pinpoint regions rich with datasets, uncovering new frontiers for exploration.
Learn more about the AQUANAVI project
