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Researchers on a mission | Environment
On a mission to bring nature back into cities
Polish geographer Dr Iwona Zwierzchowska is on a mission to develop green spaces in the city of Poznań with the help of EU funding and 30 partners across Europe and beyond.
Researchers on a mission | Environment
On a mission to beat plastic pollution
German marine biologist Dr Tim Kiessling is on a mission to discover the true scale of plastic pollution in…
EU-funded researchers are regenerating marine forest ecosystems, supporting their crucial role in maintaining ocean biodiversity and resilience. © Johan Holmdahl, Shutterstock.com
Environment | Science in society
Sea of possibilities: the underwater gardeners restoring marine forests
By involving local communities, EU-funded researchers aim to restore marine ecosystems and turn citizens into…
Tampere, in Finland, is one of 12 EU pilot regions leading the shift toward a more circular economy. © Raland, Shutterstock.com
Environment | Science in society | Public–Private Partnerships
In the right circles: Europe’s cities and regions lead the green transition
Local and regional authorities play a crucial role in driving the shift toward a circular economy. Leading by example, Finland’s Tampere region is pioneering innovative solutions to cut waste in the…
A cruise ship sails on Portugal’s Douro River, part of Europe’s underutilised inland waterways that researchers are working to make more sustainable. © Mário Rodrigues/APDL
Environment | Industry | ICT
Navigating growth: researchers use blockchain and AI to reclaim Europe’s inland waterways
Europe’s expansive inland waterways remain underutilised despite their potential. Researchers and industry partners are developing innovative tools, such as digital simulations of river flows or…
Bringing nature into cities helps make them healthier, more sustainable, and better prepared for the challenges of climate change. © s_oleg, Shutterstock.com
Environment | Policy
Reclaiming urban spaces: how cities are welcoming nature back
As cities face growing climate and biodiversity challenges, EU-funded researchers are harnessing the power of nature to create greener, healthier and more resilient urban spaces.
Lessons learned from the traditional connection with nature in Japanese and Danish architecture could help build greener urban spaces for the future. © PhD Carmen García Sánchez, 2020
Environment | Health | Science in society
Bringing the outdoors in: architecture that nurtures our connection with nature
EU-funded researchers are exploring the role of architecture in designing living spaces that harness the healing power of nature to improve the health and well-being of urban populations.
Researchers are preparing automated trucks equipped with cameras, sensors and radars to transport cargo on Europe’s public roads. © Einride
Environment | Industry | Policy | Science in society | Transport
Self-driving trucks: en route to transform Europe’s freight sector
EU-funded researchers are accelerating the rollout of self-driving trucks on public roads to solve driver shortages and improve safety and sustainability in Europe’s logistics sector.
EU-funded researchers are looking for alternative sources of protein to balance the environmental impact of meat production. © pbd Studio, Shutterstock.com
Agriculture | Environment | Science in society
From fava beans to future foods: researchers turn to plant-based proteins for a healthier planet
Crops like chickpeas, fava beans, lentils and quinoa could help make Europe’s food systems more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
To tackle a growing amount of electronic waste, researchers have created robots to make recycling smarter, greener and more efficient. © Stokkete, Shutterstock.com
Environment | ICT | Industry | Science in society
AI-powered robots help tackle Europe’s growing e-waste problem
EU-funded researchers have developed adaptable robots that could transform the way we recycle electronic waste, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Existing cooling technology is more than a century old and bad for the environment, but researchers are developing a smarter and more sustainable system. © Martin Bergsma, Shutterstock.com
Energy | Environment | Industry
Taking the heat off: breakthrough cooling technology tackles climate challenge
EU-funded researchers are developing a smarter system of sustainable cooling, replacing toxic refrigerants with safer, more efficient and recyclable metals.
Forests, such as those in Romania’s Făgăraș Mountains, act as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and helping to combat climate change. © katyapulka, Shutterstock.com
Environment
Guardians of the glades: protecting Europe’s forests against climate change
EU-funded researchers are combining cutting-edge research with sustainable forestry practices to protect our forests and preserve the many environmental benefits they provide.
European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva talks to young Poles in Warsaw about their vision for European cities of tomorrow. © European Union, 2025
Environment | Science in society
Cities of tomorrow: young Poles share vision for smarter, greener living
European cities of the future should be greener, smarter and more inclusive, according to young Poles who shared their vision during the EU Youth Policy Dialogue in Warsaw.

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