Beyond Arctic PASSION - Towards an integrated, interoperable, and responsive Arctic Observing System of Systems (AOSS) that connects knowledge, communities, and policy

The Arctic is undergoing rapid environmental, economic, geopolitical, and societal change with local to global impacts. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated, interoperable, and accessible Arctic Observing System of Systems (AOSS). While decades of effort have built data archives, infrastructures, and knowledge networks, gaps remain in sustainability, governance, data coverage and interoperability, and Indigenous participation. Beyond Arctic PASSION accelerates AOSS development by filling gaps and delivering an AOSS responsive to local, regional, and international needs. The breadth of knowledge required to credibly address the complexity of AOSS components can only be achieved by a diverse, transdisciplinary, multicultural consortium.Beyond Arctic PASSION is a major European contribution to long-term coordination, governance and implementation of the AOSS. By improving collection, usability, accessibility, and interoperability of data, it strengthens predictive modelling, supports digital twins, and enhances Copernicus services and ESA projects. Observing technologies are advanced through autonomous sensors, ship-based systems, and co-designed community-based monitoring, ensuring culturally relevant and operationally useful solutions.A FAIR/CARE/TRUST-compliant Arctic Data Space will seamlessly integrate with Copernicus, EMODnet, and EDITO, ensuring ethical, open-access data for sustainable management and evidence-based decision making. The actions within our seven interlinked Work Packages strengthens the AOSS, harmonises polar observing strategies, and consolidates EU leadership in polar science and governance. Capacity-building, strategic communication, and co-production with Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders ensure broad adoption and lasting societal, scientific, and policy impact. Our project directly supports the EU Arctic Policy, the European Green Deal, Mission Ocean and Waters, Ocean Pact, the Arctic Council, IPY-5 and UN Ocean Decade.