On 21 and 22 April 2026, researchers from the ICOS-Spain network met at the headquarters of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities in Madrid, with the aim of strengthening the scientific coordination of the network and highlighting its contribution to greenhouse gas observation in Spain. The meeting brought together representatives from the different ICOS domains (Atmosphere, Ocean and Ecosystems), along with ministry representatives, network members and potential collaborators interested in joining the project in the future.

The first day, held on 21 April, was open to all participants and focused on presenting the scientific activity of ICOS-Spain, its current capabilities and its prospects for growth. During the session, the main lines of work of the network in the atmospheric, oceanic and ecosystem domains were presented.

The session also included several invited talks addressing topics related to the integration of new stations, Spanish participation in European research infrastructures, and potential synergies with other scientific networks such as ACTRIS-ERIC and EMSO-ERIC. The day concluded with a round-table discussion focused on collaboration opportunities, development needs and possible ways to expand the national greenhouse gas observation network.

On 22 April, an internal ICOS-Spain meeting was held to review the current status of the network and move forward with strategic decision-making for its future development. During this session, organizational, scientific and technical aspects related to the consolidation of existing stations, the integration of new groups and the planning of the next milestones of the network for the 2026–2027 period were discussed.

The overall outcome of the meeting was very positive, both in terms of the participation of ICOS-Spain members and the interest shown by external participants. This meeting reinforces the commitment of the Spanish network to producing high-precision, high-quality data, which are essential for improving our understanding of the carbon cycle, assessing the evolution of greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change research.

The annual meeting represents a further step in the consolidation of ICOS-Spain as a national reference network for greenhouse gas observation, integrated within the European ICOS-ERIC framework and aimed at strengthening Spain’s scientific contribution to climate change monitoring.