On Thursday, May 14^th 2020, the GLOBE Coordination Team met online to discuss important milestones of the project and to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ongoing and future research activities.

First, the Project Coordinator Jacint Jordana presented the positive results of the first general project review, conducted by independent monitors and the European Commission’s Research Executive Agency. Notably, in its overall assessment, the review found that the project is achieving its objectives and milestones.

Then, the Work Package leaders reported on their ongoing research activities and discussed the challenges posed by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. While different partner institutions experience different limitations due to the current situation, the enormous impact has been felt throughout all academic institutions. The Coordination Team wants to ensure that this will not affect the scientific quality of the project, which is why certain contingency plans were put in place that will allow researchers to continue delivering high-end output.

Lastly, plans for a physical meeting of the GLOBE team had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. The responsible teams will work on alternative scenarios and prepare additional virtual meetings and exchanges to ensure that the project continues to go ahead as planned.