In this article the objectives and the organisational arrangements of
the European Networks AMES (Ageing Materials Evaluation and Studies),
ENIQ (European Network for Inspection Qualification) and NESC (Network
for Evaluating Steel Components) are described. The Institute for Adv
anced Materials of the Joint Research Centre in Petten acts as the ind
ependent Operating Agent and provides the important Network Management
Team to ensure continuity. All the networks are modelled on the succe
ssful Programme for the Inspection of Steel Components initiative. The
networks AMES, ENIQ and NESC are supported by representatives from di
verse organisations such as utilities, owners, fabricators, designers,
research establishments, universities and regulatory authorities. The
y effectively raise the issues of concern and fund the networks wherea
s the Joint Research Centre at Petten provides the framework for addre
ssing and resolving issues of current interest. The complementary natu
re of the networks ensures that they receive wide support from bodies
such as the European Commission Working Group on Codes and Standards a
nd the various European Commission directorates. Finally it is believe
d that the rapid advances in networking and information technology via
the Internet will lead to more ambitious shared cost projects in the
future.