Today, the European Commission has granted the legal status of European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) to the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI), making EHRI the 30th ERIC established since 2011. This recognition highlights EHRI’s vital role in safeguarding the historical record of the Holocaust and its ongoing relevance to modern society.
This development marks a significant step forward in EHRI’s mission to bridge the gaps between dispersed archival materials across Europe and beyond. By doing so, it seeks to overcome the fragmentation of Holocaust historiography and foster a more comprehensive understanding of this pivotal event in European history. Since 2010, EHRI has been working to integrate Holocaust research and documentation through EU-funded initiatives. In 2018, it was included in the roadmap of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI).
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation said:
“I warmly welcome the establishment of EHRI as an ERIC. As we continue to drive innovation and excellence in European research, EHRI’s cutting-edge infrastructure and services plays a vital role in promoting open access to historical data, fostering new centres of excellence, and safeguarding Europe’s shared heritage. I am confident that EHRI will continue to inspire new generations of researchers and scholars to explore the complexities of the Holocaust and its impact on European society.”
From a scientific perspective, EHRI-ERIC will foster cutting-edge research in Holocaust studies and related fields, establishing itself as a global benchmark and cultivating national centres of excellence. The initiative will also pioneer innovative methodologies, educate the next generation of specialists, and champion open and unrestricted access to extensive datasets.
In societal terms, EHRI-ERIC will play a vital role in preserving Europe’s shared cultural heritage, ensuring the Holocaust remains a relevant and important topic for current and future generations. Furthermore, it will inform and influence key policy areas, including the combating of Holocaust denial and antisemitism, as well as the promotion of Holocaust education and remembrance.
From an economic standpoint, EHRI-ERIC will drive innovation in archival practices by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise. It will also provide employment opportunities through staff exchanges and training programmes, equipping participants with the skills required to succeed in the field, as well as in the creative and digital sectors. Additionally, the initiative will contribute to the economic sustainability of local, national, and international Holocaust archives, museums, and memory institutions by facilitating the transfer of knowledge across borders and between institutions of varying sizes.
EHRI’s online platform, the EHRI Virtual Observatory, offers a wealth of resources to support researchers in their work. It features a comprehensive directory of institutions holding Holocaust collections, digital editions of primary sources, and tools for visualising and contextualising historical documents. Furthermore, EHRI facilitates transnational collaboration and knowledge-sharing through its Conny Kristel Fellowship Programme. This competitive scheme enables researchers and collection specialists to access leading Holocaust-relevant institutions in Europe and beyond.
In addition to its online offerings and fellowship programme, EHRI provides training seminars and methodological workshops. These events offer a platform for researchers at various career stages to engage with innovative digital methodologies, network with peers, and explore new approaches to Holocaust research.
Background
The European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is a specific legal form under EU law. It facilitates the establishment and operation of research infrastructures with European interest. A European Commission decision is required to establish an ERIC.
The members of an ERIC are EU Member States, associated countries within the EU framework programme for research and innovation, and, under certain conditions, other non-EU countries and intergovernmental organisations.
More information
Research Infrastructures
About the ERIC Forum
ESFRI
EHRI Project
Press contact:
EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation
