The main goal of SUNSHINE is to develop and implement S&SbD strategies for products enabled by multi-component (advanced) nanomaterials (MCNM), including high aspect-ratio nanomaterials (HARNs). To this end, the project will generate essential knowledge, tools and data on the exposure, hazard and functionality characteristics of these materials, especially those arising from their unique properties and interactions (e.g. mixture effects due to the multi-component nature of the materials). To facilitate the uptake and utilisation of the S&SbD strategies by industry, especially SMEs, we will deliver them as part of a user-friendly e-infrastructure designed to: (1) facilitate collaboration and information exchange between actors along nanotechnology supply chains (developers, producers, downstream users) to promote the development and implementation of S&SbD strategies for MCNM-based materials, products and processes; (2) support SMEs and large industries in the selection and application of simple, robust and cost-effective experimental, modelling and grouping/read-across approaches to acquire/generate the data needed to test the effectiveness of the S&SbD strategies; (3) enable risk-benefit analysis of the S&SbD-modified materials and products at each stage of the innovation process to ensure that they are safe for the human health and the environment without compromising their technical and/or commercial probability of success The S&SbD strategies that are effective in reducing the risks from MCNMs, while retaining product performance and economic viability, will be proposed for full scale industrial implementation. In addition, the project will contribute to Regulatory Preparedness by providing recommendations on improvement and adaptation of the current regulatory hazard, exposure and risk assessment guidance (e.g. REACH, Biocides, Consumer Products, Food and Feed, Medical Technologies) and standard guidelines (OECD, ISO, CEN) for MCNMs.

In combatting domestic violence progress has been made, however policy implementation remains slow and domestic violence mostly remains under-reported by the victims and under-detected by the frontline agencies. IMPROVE project develops several tools to increase reporting and detection of domestic violence by empowering the victims to understand their rights for services and justice, and by supporting Police Authorities, Civil Society Organizations and other frontline responder organisations to enhance their competencies to utilize innovative solutions that enable and accelerate policy implementation. IMPROVE will develop Conversational (multilingual) AI Chatbot (AINO) that provides the victims immediate advice and risk assessment as well as guidance towards the available service provisions. The performance of AI Chatbot will be consistently improved by machine learning using inputs from the victim-survivors. IMPROVE will support the planning and decision making of policy makers and managers to fully utilize innovative solutions in the priority areas in order to accelerate policy implementation and enhance positive operational outcomes through effective application of tools, procedures and measures to combat domestic violence. IMPROVE will address frontline responders training needs by designing training materials covering sector specific and cross-sector contents supported by innovative teaching and learning methods. IMPROVE will construct and deliver targeted awareness campaigns for the victims, their social environs, and community representatives as well as frontline responder practitioners, managers, policy makers and academic experts. Innovations produced by IMPROVE are based on applied research that constructs a pioneering conceptual approach that is able to address diverse identities of the victims, the under-served, vulnerable and marginalized individuals and multiple forms and situations of domestic violence.

TOWARDS A SYSTEM BASED, HOLISTIC ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICALS (SYBERAC) Biodiversity is key to modern society, sustaining natural resources and providing essential ecosystem services. According to the UN Sustainable Development goals, the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity strategy and other European and national level Directives and strategic regulations, pollution is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. The risks resulting from the use, release and effects of chemical on the environment is addressed in a plethora of EU-level Directives and regulatory strategies, each with specific (chemical) targets and protection aims. There is, however, concern that such a fragmented approach does alleviate the threats of chemicals to biodiversity and ecosystem services. To protect genetic and functional biodiversity from pollution impacts, a paradigm shift is needed. This transformation should move beyond the current fragmented Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) performed in specific regulatory silos, e.g., Plant Protection Products (PPPs)regulation for pesticides, REACH for industrial chemicals and Biocides framework for Biocidal chemicals, towards a harmonised and systems-based ERA applicable to all chemicals, species and land use functions. To make this advance, SYBERAC will provide ways forward to rationalise the current silo-based Protection Goals into high-level system-based Protection Goals and to operationalise their use within systems-based ERA robust and broadly applicable ERA structures. Six case studies, overarching different silos of current ERA will provide proof-of-concepts of the developed approaches. Based on targeted stakeholder engagement, in close cooperation with other relevant projects on the topic, results and outcomes will be disseminated towards a wide audience, including national and EU level regulatory institutions, industrial partners but also land managers, farmers and conservation bodies.

The AlchemiSSts project will demonstrate the applicability of the Safe by Design (SSbD) framework aiming at developing and implementing safer and more sustainable alternatives to surfactants, plasticizers, and flame retardants that, being present in daily life products pose a high risk for the human health and the environment, thus considered substances of very high concern (SVHC). To this end, up to seven case studies, accounting with the relevant actors in the value chain are proposed in the project, and they will serve as proof of concept to test the SSbD framework against within its different 5 steps. The general objective of the project will be achieved by addressing specific goals such as the development of the alternative substances itself, the compilation of robust and reliable evidence for a Proof of Concept of the SSbD framework, the development of a certification methodology promoting the implementation of the SSbD concept in the industrial network. Another key pillar of AlchemiSSts project relies on the implementation of integrated approaches and tools to support safety, sustainability and social assessment based on interoperable FAIR data and models. In addition, robust data on sustainability indicators and information for assessing the impact of the outcomes of the project towards a suite of zero pollution targets will be delivered for each case. For all these relevant aspects, AlchemiSSts will be assisted by stakeholders to ensure social acceptance and economic of the foreseen innovative advance materials.

In CHARISMA we propose new concepts to harmonise Raman characterisation of materials, developing hardware and reference master samples; algorithms and protocols for spectra acquisition and computational quantitative analysis; and correlations between Raman data and process or product descriptors. We will support data and models sharing under FAIR principles by defining ontologies for data curation, generating an interoperable Raman dataset valid for Raman systems of different configurations, and developing a web-based platform and API’s (Application Programming Interfaces) adapted to end-users with different levels of expertise and equipment resolution. CHARISMA will enable Raman data sharing across domains and across product life-cycle stages, from product design and manufacturing to performance and end-of-life, including recycling. This will foster the industrial implementation of Raman spectroscopy as real-time, in-line and distributed monitoring and control/decision tool, improving the bussines of existing products/processes due to improved product quality and trust, waste minimization and time and energy saving. Raman harmonisation will also enable the fast development of new business based on Raman-active nanomaterials that face different societal challenges related to energy, security, or safety. We will demonstrate the feasibility of CHARISMA concept in three markets: chemical processes (production of catalysts), authentication and traceability of documents and goods, and food safety monitoring. In the long term, we aim to make Raman spectroscopy a widespread technology used within the Industry Commons concept, pave the way for harmonisation in optical spectroscopy, and contribute to joint NMBP-related characterisation efforts and projects.