Urban regeneration often faces challenges in combining sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. By rethinking traditional approaches and using nature-based solutions such as parks and green infrastructure, the EU-funded URBiNAT project reconnected fragmented urban communities, supporting happier, healthier citizens through diverse solutions.
Marine research is essential to understanding our planet and climate change. Yet exploring the ocean can be difficult, dangerous and expensive. The EU-funded EurofleetsPlus project sought to accelerate marine research by providing scientists in Europe and beyond with access to a fleet of 27 state-of-the-art research vessels.
The EU-funded T‑Factor project explored how culture and creativity can drive urban regeneration through temporary, community-driven interventions. By turning underused areas into vibrant hubs, T‑Factor addressed local needs and aspirations, fostering community ownership and neighbourhood involvement, and benefiting locals who use the spaces most.
The EU-funded EU-India InnoCenter was launched to connect Europe’s cutting-edge tech businesses with India’s huge market potential. The initiative set out to spark innovation, smooth the path for European start-ups and strengthen the EU-India partnership. How? By creating a network where ideas flourish and lasting connections can be forged.
Currently there are no therapy options available for those suffering acute radiation sickness. But hope is on the horizon. A combination of carbon and pectin developed by the EU-funded NanoMed project can absorb damaging molecules generated in the body after exposure to radiation. It’s the first step towards a simple pill that can be given to those exposed to high levels of radiation.
By 2050, the global population will soar to 9 billion, with three quarters of this number living in urban areas. Pressure on ecosystems due to population growth, urbanisation and climate change will reach its peak. The EU-funded project ECORISK2050 set out to tackle the daunting task of future environmental risk management of chemicals in the face of global climate change.
A 4-year study funded by the EU has revealed the presence of a climate feedback loop that threatens to push marine ecosystems beyond critical thresholds. Researchers in the COMFORT project say action is needed now to prevent rising temperatures, ocean acidification and falling oxygen levels causing irrevocable changes to ocean habitats.
Eight years ago, conflicts in the Middle East drove migration across Europe to a level not seen since World War II. Decision makers at local, national and European level had to adapt quickly, and created a vast range of new tools and approaches to integrate refugees. The SPRING project enables decision makers to identify best practices from that era that can help them face the migration challenges of today.
Liver disease kills over 130 000 people in Europe every year, driven by obesity, hepatitis and alcohol consumption. The EU-funded FORCE project developed a cutting-edge diagnostic tool to aid early detection of liver disease. The technique, which quantifies the elasticity of soft tissue, can also be used to monitor tumours, improving outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
International coordination is essential to addressing challenges including trade and development, security, climate change, migration and global finance. The EU-funded GLOBE project has identified major trends the EU should take into account for its future strategies in this arena. The work will help keep EU citizens and their interests at the heart of global governance for decades to come.
