The KM3NeT project: status and perspectives

KM3NeT is an international consortium involving more than 300 scientists from 10 EU countries. Its main objective is the construction of a multi-km3 high-energy neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean Sea that will also host an interdisciplinary observatory to marine sciences. KM3NeT has been included in the roadmap of the European Strategy Forum of Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). Very high energy neutrinos are important messengers to study non-thermal phenomena in the Universe. The pioneering ANTARES, NEMO and NESTOR underwater neutrino telescope projects include the extensive R & D knowledge base behind the KM3NeT project. A Technical Design Report has been published which describes the technological solutions chosen for the detector. The present status of the project is presented.