The EU-SENSE project will provide an innovative technical solution to deal with selected shortcomings in CBRNe protection indicated in the ENCIRCLE Catalogue of Technologies. The created system will be a step-forward in chemical detection by developing a novel network of sensors that exploits advanced machine-learning and modelling algorithms for improved performance. The salient objectives of the project include development of an adaptable and multipurpose threat detection system (network of sensors, comprising both stationary and person-worn sensor nodes supported by environmental noise learning algorithm for false alarm rate reduction) and tools for enhancing situational awareness based on the sensor data (threat source location estimation and hazard prediction solutions). In general, the developed system will improve the threat detection capabilities and will increase state-of-the-art sensors reliability by networking and novel algorithms. Moreover, the project will implement a dedicated mode covering CBRNe practitioners training aspect. The mode will be an integral part of the system and will allow for familiarization with the equipment (the system) as well as training and rehearsal for specific situations. The EU-SENSE will be strongly user-driven and the demonstration of the developed system will be conducted in the realistic working conditions, in the professional firefighters training centre and with the use of chemical simulants. The project will also consider the issue of interoperability between various chemical sensors and will propose a concept for standardisation of sensor network description.

Mental health disorders afflict more than one-third of the EU’s population each year with an annual economic cost to the EU of €432 billion. The ‘COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology’ (CONTEXT) is an international, interdisciplinary European Industrial Doctorate (EID) designed to address deficiencies in psychotraumatology training and innovation. A key feature of CONTEXT is the minimum 50% secondment of each ESR to the non-academic sector. Consistent with the requirements of an EID, this component grants ESRs access to populations not otherwise accessible in standard doctoral training programmes. This design will facilitate a new cohort of researchers and practitioners who can translate research into practice, thereby mitigating the impact of psychotrauma in the EU. The goal of CONTEXT is to develop a high quality, innovative research training programme to build capacity and expertise, and foster innovative practice and social enterprise in the area of psychotraumatology. The nine beneficiaries of CONTEXT represent a diverse, interconnected, intersectoral consortium, well placed to collaboratively train and supervise the 12 ESRs. Three interconnected research work packages, each targeting a priority population in Europe (EU-based asylum seekers and refugees, WP3; emergency-service personnel and humanitarian first-responders, WP4; and victims and perpetrators of childhood- and gender-based violence, WP5), address current and emergent skill and professional deficiencies that are essential in curbing the adverse social consequences of trauma-related psychological distress within the EU. CONTEXT enjoys significant support and commitment from highly regarded, international stakeholders and influencers at the political, scientific, and professional level.