Blue-Cloud Virtual Labs in Support of Sustainable Development Goals

What doors does FAIR data open? FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data is revolutionizing marine research by enabling seamless access to vast and diverse datasets. The Blue-Cloud thematic Virtual Labs (VLabs) serve as real-life demonstrators of web-based open science, showcasing the tangible benefits of FAIR data. These interactive environments allow researchers to explore and analyze over 10 million datasets via the Data Discovery and Access Service (DD&AS) and leverage advanced computational tools within a Virtual Research Environment powered by D4Science. Each VLab integrates applications for data processing, publication, and collaborative workflows, fostering a dynamic, open science ecosystem. Five key thematic areas highlight the broad research potential of these resources: (1) Integration of coastal ocean observations across Europe, (2) Coastal currents from observational data, (3) Carbon-Plankton Dynamics, (4) Marine Environmental Indicators, and (5) Global Fisheries Atlas. These domains illustrate how FAIR data facilitates cross-disciplinary studies, supporting biodiversity research, environmental monitoring, and fisheries management. By breaking down data silos and providing interoperable digital research environments, the Blue-Cloud VLabs demonstrate how FAIR data opens doors to new scientific discoveries, cross-sector collaborations, and innovative methodologies in marine and environmental sciences. Blue-Cloud 2026 is thus a key enabler in shaping the future of ocean research, demonstrating the power of FAIR data to drive scientific progress.