marine litter projects funded under fp7 and horizon 2020 · under the programme “cooperation”,...

Marine Litter Projects Funded under FP7 and Horizon 2020

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Marine Litter Projects

Funded under FP7 and Horizon 2020

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DISCLAIMER

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responsible for the use which might be made of the following information.

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).

http://europa.eu/

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Table of Contents

Framework Programme FP7 ......................................................................................................... 7

KBBE ............................................................................................................................................. 8

BioClean ................................................................................................................................... 9

ECsafeSEAFOOD ...................................................................................................................... 11

Open-Bio ................................................................................................................................ 13

ENV ............................................................................................................................................ 15

CLEANSEA ............................................................................................................................... 16

OCEAN ........................................................................................................................................ 18

COMMON SENSE .................................................................................................................... 19

PERSEUS ................................................................................................................................. 21

SIS .............................................................................................................................................. 24

MARLISCO .............................................................................................................................. 25

PEOPLE ....................................................................................................................................... 27

NANOPLAST ............................................................................................................................ 28

Horizon 2020.............................................................................................................................. 30

SC2 BG ........................................................................................................................................ 31

INMARE ................................................................................................................................... 32

MARISURF ............................................................................................................................... 34

Sea Litter Critters ..................................................................................................................... 36

UTOFIA .................................................................................................................................... 37

MSCA ......................................................................................................................................... 39

MINOTAUR .............................................................................................................................. 40

SC5 ............................................................................................................................................. 41

UPCYCLINGTHEOCEANS ........................................................................................................... 42

EO .............................................................................................................................................. 43

URBANFLUXES ......................................................................................................................... 44

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INTRODUCTION FOR FP7 PROJECTS The 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development lasted for seven years from 2007 until 2013. The programme had a total budget of over €50 billion. This represented a substantial increase compared with the previous Framework Programme FP6, a reflection of the high priority of research in Europe. Under the programme “Cooperation”, with a budget of €32 billion, research support was provided to international cooperation projects across the European Union and beyond. In 10 thematic areas, corresponding to major fields in science and research, the programme will promote the progress of knowledge and technology. Research was supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental, public health and industrial challenges, serve the public good and support developing countries. “Cooperation” supported research actions in the following thematic areas: • Health • Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology • Information and Communication Technologies • Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies • Energy • Environment (including Climate Change) • Transport (including Aeronautics) • Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities • Space • Security

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FP7-KBBE - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology

Budget: €1.9 billion (2007 - 2013) The advancement of knowledge in the sustainable management, production and use of biological resources (microbial, plant and animal) will provide the basis for safer, eco-efficient and competitive products and services for agriculture, fisheries, feed, food, health, forest-based and related industries. Important contributions to the implementation of existing and prospective policies and regulations in the area of public, animal and plant health and consumer protection are anticipated. New renewable energy sources will be supported under the concept of a European knowledge-based bio-economy.

Science, industry and society came together to address the social, economic and environmental challenges of sustainable management of biological resources. They also exploited advances in microbial, plant and animal biotechnologies to develop new, healthier, ecoefficient and competitive products and services. Rural and coastal developments were addressed by boosting local economies whilst preserving our heritage and variety of cultures.

Research was carried out on the safety of food and feed chains, diet-related diseases, consumer food choices and the impact of food and nutrition on health.

Research activities included:

• Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest, and aquatic environments: enabling research on sustainable production systems; plant and animal production and health; animal welfare; fisheries and aquaculture, including exploitation and sustainable use of their biodiversity.

• Tools to implement relevant strategies, policies and legislation supporting the European knowledge based bio-economy.

• The integrity and control of the food chain ("fork to farm") will be subject to research, addressing food, health and well-being.

• Life sciences and biotechnology for sustainable non-food products and processes will develop improved crops and forest resources, feed-stocks, marine products and biomass technologies for energy, environment, and high added value products such as materials and chemicals.

Several European Technology Platforms contribute to setting common research priorities in various fields, like food technologies and processes, plant genomics, forestry and forest-based industries, global animal health, and animal farm breeding.

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BioClean

New BIOtechnologiCaL approaches for biodegrading and promoting the

environmEntal biotrAnsformation of syNthetic polymeric materials

Abstract

In BIOCLEAN project, novel and robust microorganisms (aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and fungi) able to extensively degrade polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrol (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and plastics will be isolated from actual-site aged plastic wastes obtained from several European marine and terrestrial sites, composting facilities and landfills, and obtained via tailored screenings from existing European collections of microbes. Robust enzymes able to fragment the target plastics with the production of valuable chemicals and building blocks will be obtained from the selected microbes and enzyme collections. Untreated and physically/chemically pre-treated PE, PS, PP and PVC polymers and plastics will be employed in such isolation/ screening activities, and an integrated methodology, relying on advanced analytical methods (determining plastics physicochemical changes and breakdown products resulting from biological attack), and tailored enzymatic, microbiological and ecotoxicological methods, will be adopted for the characterization of actual industrial relevance of the obtained microbes and enzymes. Physical and chemical pretreatments improving biodegradability of target plastics will be identified and transferred on the pilot scale. The most promising microbial cultures and enzymes will be exploited in the development of pilot scale, slurry or solid-phase bioprocesses for the bioremediation and controlled depolymerization, respectively, of target pretreated plastics and in the setup of tailored bioaugmentation protocols for enhancing plastic waste biodegradation in marine water systems, composting and anaerobic digestor facilities. The processes developed will be assessed for their economical and environmental sustainability. Field scale validation of the most promising bioaugmentation protocols in a composting and a marine site and attempts to develop a plastic pollution reduction strategy for the Aegean Sea have been planned too.

At a glance

Acronym: BioClean

Title: New BIOtechnologiCaL approaches for biodegrading and promoting the environmEntal biotrAnsformation of syNthetic polymeric materials

Framework: FP7

Research Work Programme: Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology

Research Thematic Priority: Biotechnological solutions for the degradation of synthetic polymeric materials

Call: FP7-KBBE-2012-6-single stage

Start date: 1/9/2012

End date: 31/8/2015

Duration: 36 (months)

Total Cost: € 3,925,096.90

EC Contribution: € 2,995,988.00

Consortium: 20 participants

Project Coordinator: ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA, IT

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Project's partners Name Country

1 ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA IT

2 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET DRESDEN DE

3 FACHHOCHSCHULE NORDWESTSCHWEIZ CH

4 THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE OF THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CRETE EL

5 HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUER UMWELTFORSCHUNG GMBH - UFZ DE

6 MADEP SA CH

7 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET DRESDEN DE

8 OSTRAVSKA UNIVERZITA V OSTRAVE CZ

9 CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE FR

10 CENTRUM MATERIALOW POLIMEROWYCH IWEGLOWYCH POLSKA AKADEMIA NAUK*CMPIW PAN PL

11 ORGANIC WASTE SYSTEMS NV BE

12 FELSILAB SRL IT

13 BIOBASIC ENVIRONNEMENT SARL FR

14 TECHNIKI PROSTASIAS PERIVALLONTOS ANONYMI ETAIREIA EL

15 NANJING UNIVERSITY CN

16 DIADIMOTIKI EPICHEIRISI DIACHEIRISIS STEREON APOVLITON ANONYMI ETAIREIA OTA EL

17 MARITIM MILJO BEREDSKAP AS NO

18 PLASTICSEUROPE BE

19 SIMA-TEC GMBH DE

20 HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTTET NO

Project's Participants List

BioClean New BIOtechnologiCaL

approaches for biodegrading and promoting the environmEntal

biotrAnsformation of syNthetic polymeric materials

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At a glance

Acronym: ECsafeSEAFOOD

Title: Priority environmental contaminants in seafood: safety assessment, impact and public perception

Framework: FP7


Research Thematic Priority: Contaminants in seafood and their impact on public health

Call: FP7 FP7-KBBE-2012-6-singlestage


End date: 31/1/2017


Total Cost: € 5,085,238.82



Project Coordinator: INSTITUTO PORTUGUES DO MAR E DA ATMOSFERA IP, PT

ECsafeSEAFOOD

Priority environmental contaminants in seafood: safety assessment,

impact and public perception

Abstract

Seafood has been recognized as a high quality, healthy and safe food item. Yet, some seafood can accumulate environmental contaminants with potential impact on human health. Limited information is available for those without maximum limits set by authorities for seafood, like priority contaminants, biotoxins from harmful algal blooms and marine litter. In order to increase seafood safety to consumers and reduce human health risks, ECsafeSEAFOOD aims to assess safety issues mainly related to non-regulated priority contaminants and evaluate their impact on public health.

ECsafeSEAFOOD addresses these objectives with eight work packages (WPs) targeting priority environmental contaminants, including biotoxins from harmful algal blooms and marine litter. WP1 will elaborate a database with relevant information required for risk assessment gathered from literature and national monitoring programmes. WP2 will monitor contaminants in seafood using an ambitious sampling strategy following the recommendations of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Descriptor 9) and assess the effect of seafood processing/cooking on contaminants. In WP3, risk assessment (with data from WP1-2) and mitigation strategies will be implemented to reduce the impact of risky contaminants on human health. WP4 will develop fast screening/detection methods for relevant contaminants tailored to suit stakeholders needs to promote consumers’ confidence in seafood. WP5 will carry out the toxicological characterization of contaminated seafood in realistic conditions and will use alternative toxicological methods to provide tools for the risk assessment (WP3). WP6 will assess the links between the level of contaminants in the environment and that in seafood through controlled trials and case-study species, taking into account the effect of climate changes. WP7 details a strategy for education, training with clear and practical dissemination of results. WP8 will ensure efficient project management.

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1 INSTITUTO PORTUGUES DO MAR E DA ATMOSFERA IP PT

2 FUNDACION AZTI - AZTI FUNDAZIOA ES

3 UNIVERZA V MARIBORU SI

4 UNIVERSITEIT GENT BE

5 VETERINAERINSTITUTTET - NORWEGIAN VETERINARY INSTITUTE NO

6 FUNDACIO INSTITUT CATALA DE RECERCA DE L'AIGUA ES

7 DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET DK

8 EIGEN VERMOGEN VAN HET INSTITUUT VOOR LANDBOUW EN VISSERIJONDERZOEK BE

9 ICETA INSTITUTO DE CIENCIAS, TECNOLOGIAS E AGROAMBIENTE DA UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO PT

10 INSTITUT DE RECERCA I TECNOLOGIA AGROALIMENTARIES ES

11 STICHTING DIENST LANDBOUWKUNDIG ONDERZOEK NL

12 UNIVERSITAT ROVIRA I VIRGILI ES

13 AEIFORIA SRL IT

14 AquaTT UETP Ltd IE

15 AGENCE POUR LA RECHERCHE ET LA VALORISATION MARINE FR

16 POLYINTELL SAS FR

17 HORTIMARE PROJECTS & CONSULTANCY BV NL

18 DAN SALMON AS DK

19 ASSOCIATION REUNIONNAISE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DE L'AQUACULTURE FR


ECsafeSEAFOOD

Priority environmental contaminants in seafood: safety

assessment, impact and public perception

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Open-Bio

Opening bio-based markets via standards, labelling and

procurement

Abstract

Application of standards, certification schemes and labels has positive long-term effects on the overall development of the European bio-based product market. Good product information that presents correct claims to industry and public procurers is vital for the usage of these new products. Ensuring the sustainable sourcing of raw materials and the effective bio-content are important additional steps for public confidence. Clear indication of their (comparative) functionality and the optimal possible end-of-life options, needs to underline their positive impact compared to the regular products. Finally, public acceptance comes with clear and harmonized labels on products and packages. The Open-Bio project aims at increasing the uptake speed of standards, labels and harmonized product information lists for bio-based products. It covers research and demonstration on direct and indirect biomass content methods, biodegradability and ecotoxicity tests. Practical solutions for stakeholders, lab and field tests on for instance sampling or capability of being recycled or digested in a gasifier will be studied. Goal is to copy results one-to-one into European standards and product information lists. These form the basis for a database on bio-based products. A label will be developed in order to clearly distinguish bio-based products on the basis of the functionality laid down in standards. Both the information lists and the labels will be tested on their social acceptance via a set of target groups. New research on isotopes, marine bio-degradation and intended end-of-life options such as digestibility and recyclability, distinguishes this project from an on-going FP7 project called KBBPPS. All partners thereof participate in Open-Bio. By participating in the Standardization Committee, CEN/TC 411, on "Bio-based products" (its Secretariat being one of the partners) and by doing pre- and co-normative research for them, Open-Bio allows the European stakeholders to progress.

At a glance

Acronym: Open-Bio

Title: Opening bio-based markets via standards, labelling and procurement

Framework: FP7


Research Thematic Priority: Opening markets for bio-based products: Standardisation, labelling and procurement

Call: FP7-KBBE-2013-7-single-stage


End date: 31/10/2016


Total Cost: € 8,051,851.13



Project Coordinator: STICHTING NEDERLANDS NORMALISATIE – INSTITUUT, NL

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1 STICHTING NEDERLANDS NORMALISATIE - INSTITUUT NL

2 STICHTING ENERGIEONDERZOEK CENTRUM NEDERLAND NL

3 UNIVERSITY OF YORK UK

4 NOVA-INSTITUT FUR POLITISCHE UND OKOLOGISCHE INNOVATION GMBH DE

5 ORGANIC WASTE SYSTEMS NV BE


7 AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS EL

8 B.T.G. BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY GROUP BV NL

9 Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. DE


11 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN DE

12 HYDRA Institut für Meereswissenschaften AG DE

13 NOVAMONT SPA IT

14 STICHTING LETTINGA ASSOCIATES NL

15 LEAF BV NL

Project's Participants List Open-Bio

Opening bio-based markets via

standards, labelling and procurement

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FP7-ENV - Specific Programme "Cooperation": ENVIRONMENT (including Climate Change)

Budget: € 1.8 billion (2007 - 2013)

The challenges posed by the increasing natural and man-made pressures on the environment and its resources require a coordinated approach at pan-European and international levels.

We need to better understand and cope with issues such as climate change and identify environmentally friendly technologies in order to improve our management of both natural and man-made resources. The activities will address policy needs such as the sustainability impact assessments of EU policies and the follow up to the Kyoto and post-Kyoto actions on climate change.

Sustainable management of the environment and its resources requires multidisciplinary and integrated research in order to advance our knowledge on the interactions between the climate, biosphere, ecosystems and human activities. This will help us to develop new environmental technologies, tools and services.

The "Environment" programme will be implemented under the following activities and areas:

Climate change, pollution and risks

• Pressures on environment and climate

• Environment and health

• Natural hazards

Sustainable Management of Resources

• Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity

• Management of marine environment

Environmental Technologies

• Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment

• Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage

• Technology assessment, verification and testing

Earth observation and assessment tools

• Earth and ocean observation systems, monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development

• Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development

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At a glance

Acronym: CLEANSEA

Title: Towards a Clean, Litter-Free European Marine Environment through Scientific Evidence, Innovative Tools and Good Governance

Framework: FP7

Research Work Programme: Environment

Research Thematic Priority: Management and potential impacts of litter in the marine and coastal environment

Call: FP7-ENV-2012-two-stage


End date: 31/12/2015


Total Cost: € 3,788,527.70



Project Coordinator: STICHTING VU-VUMC, NL

CLEANSEA

Towards a Clean, Litter-Free European Marine Environment

through Scientific Evidence, Innovative Tools and Good

Governance

Abstract

There is an urgent need for an improved knowledge base for the management of marine litter. CLEANSEA aims to generate new information on the impacts (biological, social and economic) of marine litter, develop novel tools needed to collect and monitor litter and protocols needed for monitoring data (litter composition and quantities) and evaluate the impact of mitigation strategies and measures in order to provide options to policy makers in the EU. This will be achieved through 7 work packages. WPs 2 and 3 cover biological impacts and technical aspects of marine monitoring, monitoring tools and applications. WP4 investigates multilevel socio-economic impact and barriers to Good Environmental Status, providing a justification for the development of management measures and policy options in WP5. This WP combines advanced institutional analysis with a participatory approach in order to identify and assess management measures, strategies and policy options in collaboration with stakeholders that reduce marine litter and alleviate diverse ecological and socio-economic impacts as identified in WPs 2-4. WP6 will integrate the outcomes of the project and hosts the CLEANSEA Stakeholder Platform. Management is dealt with under WP1 with a professional dissemination package, including a documentary film, website, publications, etc. covered in WP7. CLEANSEA includes top scientific groups from eleven European countries distributed over all marine regions. It also includes six SMEs, four of them focused on technological innovation of monitoring, mitigation and recycling tools. CLEANSEA will tackle the marine litter problem from a broad interdisciplinary perspective. Advancement is expected in the array of monitoring tools and systems, knowledge about impacts, and management measures and policy options. By searching for new paradigms and integrating knowledge and methods, CLEANSEA intends to contribute concrete elements to the road map towards strong reductions in marine litter.

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1 STICHTING VU-VUMC NL

2 THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER UK

3 CENTRO MEDITERRANEO DE ESTUDIOS PARA EL USO Y CONSERVACION DE LAS COSTAS ES

4 STICHTING DELTARES NL

5 KIMO NEDERLAND EN BELGIE NL

6 EIGEN VERMOGEN VAN HET INSTITUUT VOOR LANDBOUW EN VISSERIJONDERZOEK BE

7 denkstatt Bulgaria OOD BG

8 OREBRO UNIVERSITY SE

9 PANEPISTIMIO AIGAIOU EL

10 NORSK INSTITUTT FOR LUFTFORSKNING NO

11 CORPUS DATA & IMAGE ANALYSIS AB SE

12 CALLISTO PRODUCTIONS LTD UK

13 KC DENMARK AS DK

14 ECOLOGIC INSTITUT gemeinnützige GmbH DE

15 WOLTHUIS YVONNE BARBARA NL

16 INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA GRIGORE ANTIPA RO

17 HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH EL


CLEANSEA Towards a Clean, Litter-Free

European Marine Environment

through Scientific Evidence,

Innovative Tools and Good

Governance

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FP7- OCEAN - Specific Programme "Cooperation": cross-thematic "ocean of tomorrow" calls

Oceans offer opportunities for sustainable economic development. However, human activities are exerting increasing environmental pressure on the oceans, threatening marine ecosystems and sustainable maritime activities. In particular, the growing demand for maritime transport, offshore energy, tourism, coastal development, resource extraction, fisheries and aquaculture may have a major impact on the marine environment.

The European Union has taken up this challenge and established a new integrated maritime policy, of which the Communication 'A European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research (COM (2008) 534)' is a fundamental part. The strategy highlights the importance of integration between established marine and maritime research disciplines, in order to reinforce excellence in science and to reconcile the growth of sea-based activities with environmental sustainability. The cross-thematic "ocean of tomorrow" calls sought to implement this commitment.

The objective of the call was to build the knowledge base for a sustainable growth of sea-based activities, in two ways: by improving understanding of marine ecosystems’ response to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, and by providing a scientific foundation for feasible, sustainable management measures supporting policies and possible related technologies.

FP7-OCEAN-2011

The aim of this call was to improve our understanding and the predictive capacity of marine ecosystems' response to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, while fostering innovations to make the most of sea resources. The call consisted of four topics. Two were of generic nature: Multi-use offshore platforms and Marine microbial diversity while the other two were of particular relevance to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea regions: (1) natural and human-made pressures in the Mediterranean and Black Sea and (2) marine protected areas and wind energy potential in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The call was implemented jointly between Theme 2 'Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology', Theme 5 'Energy', Theme 6 'Environment (including Climate Change)' and Theme 7 'Transport (including Aeronautics)'. As a result 6 projects have been selected for funding for a total EU contribution of almost 46M€.

FP7-0CEAN-2013

'The Ocean of Tomorrow 2013' was the third and last cross-thematic call of its kind under FP7. It involved Theme 2 'Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology', Theme 4 'Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies', Theme 5 'Energy', Theme 6 'Environment (including Climate Change)' and Theme 7 'Transport (including Aeronautics)'.The aim of the 'The Ocean of Tomorrow 2013' call was to pool the efforts of stakeholders from a broad range of sectors in order to develop innovative marine technologies for a wide range of applications. The call comprised 4 topics covering three key areas: marine sensing technologies (including biosensors) to monitor the marine environment, innovative antifouling materials for maritime applications and innovative transport and deployment systems for the offshore wind energy sector. As a result, 12 projects had been selected for funding for an EU contribution of almost 71,6M€.

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COMMON SENSE Cost-effective sensors, interoperable

with international existing ocean observing systems, to meet EU policies

requirements

Abstract

The COMMON SENSE project will contribute to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and other EU policies (e.g. Common Fisheries Policy), providing easily usable across several platforms, cost-effective, multi-functional innovative sensors to detect reliable in-situ measurements on key parameters by means of methodological standards. This proposal will focus, by means of a multidisciplinary and well-balanced consortium on eutrophication, contaminants, marine litter and underwater noise descriptors of the MSFD.

This proposal will first provide a general understanding and integrated basis for sensors cost effective development (WP1 and WP2). Within the following WPs (5-8) the project will design and develop new generation sensors focused on the detection of: (1) nutrient analytes by utilising well-established colorimetric chemistries for phosphate, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite (2) low concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Hg Cd, Zn and Cu), (3) surface concentration of microplastics (4) underwater noise by means of a bespoke acoustic sensor pod. These sensors, developed onto modular systems, will be integrated into multifunctional packages (WP4). Innovative transversal sensors (e.g. temperature, pressure, pH and pCO2) will be also integrated to provide the variables with a comprehensive reference frame. The Common Sensor Web Platform will be created (WP3) aiming at bringing a more sophisticated view of the environment implementing the sensor web enablement standards but optimising e.g. data acquisition, access and interoperability. The sensors developed will be interoperable with existing and new observing systems and they will also be field tested (WP9) by means of different platforms (e.g. research vessels, racing yachts, buoys). Dissemination and exploitation activities (WP10) will enable to transfer knowledge and technology resulting from the project to be used with commercial, scientific, conservational and strategic purposes.

At a glance

Acronym: COMMON SENSE

Title: Cost-effective sensors, interoperable with international existing ocean observing systems, to meet EU policies requirements

Framework: FP7


Research Thematic Priority: Innovative multifunctional sensors for in-situ monitoring of marine environment and related maritime activities

Call: FP7-OCEAN-2013


End date: 28/2/2017


Total Cost: € 6,074,497.10



Project Coordinator: ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE ASSOCIACION, ES

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1 ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE ASSOCIACION ES

2 AquaTT UETP Ltd IE

3 AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS ES

4 CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE IT

5 DropSens S.L. ES

6 DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY IE

7 Ss. CYRIL AND METHODIUS UNIVERSITY IN SKOPJE MK

8 FUNDACION PRIVADA PER LA NAVEGACIO OCEANICA BARCELONA ES

9 IDRONAUT SRL IT

10 INSTYTUT OCEANOLOGII POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK PL

11 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK IE

12 SIMULACIONS OPTIQUES SL ES

13 SUBCTECH GMBH DE

14 T.E. LABORATORIES LIMITED IE

15 THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS UK


COMMON SENSE Cost-effective sensors, interoperable

with international existing ocean observing systems, to meet EU

policies requirements

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At a glance

Acronym: PERSEUS

Title: Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the Southern EUropean Seas

Framework: FP7


Research Thematic Priority: Assessing and predicting the combined effects of natural and human-made pressures in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in view of their better governance

Call: FP7-OCEAN-2011


End date: 31/12/2015


Total Cost: € 16,994,500.54



Project Coordinator: HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH, EL PUFACHAIN

The Value Chain from Microalgae to PUFA

PERSEUS Policy-oriented marine Environmental

Research in the Southern EUropean Seas

Abstract

The overall scientific objectives of PERSEUS are to identify the interacting patterns of natural and human-derived pressures on the Mediterranean and Black Seas, assess their impact on marine ecosystems and, using the objectives and principles of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as a vehicle, to design an effective and innovative research governance framework based on sound scientific knowledge. Well-coordinated scientific research and socio-economic analysis will be applied at a wide-ranging scale, from basin to coastal. The new knowledge will advance our understanding on the selection and application of the appropriate descriptors and indicators of the MSFD. New tools will be developed in order to evaluate the current environmental status, by way of combining monitoring and modelling capabilities and existing observational systems will be upgraded and extended. Moreover, PERSEUS will develop a concept of an innovative, small research vessel, aiming to serve as a scientific survey tool, in very shallow areas, where the currently available research vessels are inadequate. In view of reaching Good Environmental Status (GES), a scenario-based framework of adaptive policies and management schemes will be developed. Scenarios of a suitable time frame and spatial scope will be used to explore interactions between projected anthropogenic and natural pressures. A feasible and realistic adaptation policy framework will be defined and ranked in relation to vulnerable marine sectors/groups/regions in order to design management schemes for marine governance. Finally, the project will promote the principles and objectives outlined in the MSFD across the SES. Leading research Institutes and SMEs from EU Member States, Associated States, Associated Candidate countries, non-EU Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, will join forces in a coordinated manner, in order to address common environmental pressures, and ultimately, take action in the challenge of achieving GES.

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1 HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH EL

2 MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY TR

3 INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER FR


5 CONSORZIO NAZIONALE INTERUNIVERSITARIO PER LE SCIENZE DEL MARE IT

6 INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA-GEOECOMAR RO

7 PLAN BLEU POUR L'ENVIRONNEMENT ET LE DEVELOPPEMENT EN MEDITERRANNEE FR

8 COSNAV ENGINEERING SRL IT

9 UNIVERSITA TA MALTA MT

10 EIR SYMVOULOI ANAPTYXIS ETAIREIA PERIORISMENIS EFTHYNIS EL

11 BC3 BASQUE CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE - KLIMA ALDAKETA IKERGAI ES

12 INSTITUTO ESPANOL DE OCEANOGRAFIA ES

13 UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA ES

14 UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA ES


16 UNIVERSITE D'AIX MARSEILLE FR

17 UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS 6 FR

18 UNIVERSITE PAUL SABATIER TOULOUSE III FR

19 CENTRO EURO-MEDITERRANEO SUI CAMBIAMENTI CLIMATICI SCARL IT


21 AGENZIA NAZIONALE PER LE NUOVE TECNOLOGIE, L'ENERGIA E LO SVILUPPO ECONOMICO SOSTENIBILE IT

22 JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSION EU

23 ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI OCEANOGRAFIA E DI GEOFISICA SPERIMENTALE IT

24 STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA ANTON DOHRN IT

25 PLYMOUTH MARINE LABORATORY UK

26 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH UK

27 STICHTING DELTARES NL

28 UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT NL

29 UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE BE

30 PANEPISTIMIO AIGAIOU EL

31 ETHNIKO KAI KAPODISTRIAKO PANEPISTIMIO ATHINON EL

32 PANEPISTIMIO KRITIS EL

33 THE CYPRUS RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION CY

Project's Participants List PERSEUS

Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the

Southern EUropean Seas

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34 UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS CY

35 NACIONALNI INSTITUT ZA BIOLOGIJO SI

36 Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries HR

37 ISRAEL OCEANOGRAPHIC AND LIMNOLOGICAL RESEARCH LIMITED IL

38 UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA IL

39 BLACK SEA NGO NETWORK BG

40 SOFIISKI UNIVERSITET SVETI KLIMENT OHRIDSKI BG

41 INSTITUT PO BIORAZNOOBRAZIE I EKOSISTEMNI IZSLEDVANIYA BALGARSKA AKADEMIYA NA NAUKITE BG

42 INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES BG

43 INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA GRIGORE ANTIPA RO

44 ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI TR

45 A.O. KOVALEVSKIY INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY OF SOUTHERN SEAS UA

46 MARINE HYDROPHYSICAL INSTITUTE - UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES UA

47 ODESSA NATIONAL I.I. MECHNIKOV UNIVERSITY UA

48 P.P. SHIRSHOV INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES RU

49 IVANE JAVAKHISHVILI TBILISI STATE UNIVERSITY GE

50 INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE HALIEUTIQUE MA

51 CLU srl IT

52 ECOLOGIC INSTITUT gemeinnützige GmbH DE

53 SAROST SA TN

54 EIR GLOBAL SPRL BE

Project's Participants List PERSEUS

Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research in the

Southern EUropean Seas

24

FP7-SIS - Specific Programme "Capacities": Science in Society

Budget: € 280 million (2007 - 2013)

'Science in Society' aimed at bridging the gap between science professionals and those without a formal science education and to promote a taste for scientific culture in the public at large. Some of the initiatives, therefore, aimed at triggering the curiosity of young people for science and at reinforcing science education at all levels.

While science and technology has an increasing influence on our daily lives, it may appear to be removed from the daily concerns of a large part of the public and of policy makers. Contentious issues relating to emerging technologies should be addressed by society on the basis of well-informed debate leading to sound choices and decisions. Therefore, another key issue is the encouragement of societal dialogue on research policy; stimulating civil society organisations to become more involved in research; debating and promoting shared values, equal opportunities and societal dialogue.

The initiative undertaken in the field of 'Science in Society' supported issues such as strengthening and improving the European science system. This includes "self-regulation" and the development of a policy on the role of universities. The role of research based in universities and their engagement in the challenges of globalisation was strengthened.

The continuation and further expansion of gender research were foreseen, including the integration of the gender dimension in all areas of research. Special attention went to improving communication between the scientific world and the wider audience of policy-makers, the media and the general public. This was partly achieved by helping scientists and media professionals to work closer together.

Further efforts were made to set landmarks for an ethically sound research endeavour in the light of fundamental rights. Initiatives were undertaken to improve governance of the European research and innovation system.

Stimulation of young people to take on science studies, and the progress of women in scientific careers were promoted, along with the better use of their professional and scientific talents.

Ethical frameworks for research activities together with an open-debate culture on research and its place in society were reinforced in order to enhance the trust of citizens in industrial research activities.

25

MARLISCO

MARine Litter in Europe Seas: Social AwarenesS and CO-Responsibility

Abstract

Marine environments are central to human well being, but they are also extensively threatened by our activities. The MARLISCO proposal seeks to raise societal awareness of both the problems and the potential solutions relating to a key issue threatening marine habitats worldwide; the accumulation of marine litter. A major objective of this proposal is to understand and subsequently facilitate societal engagement in order to inspire changes in attitudes and behaviour. This proposal is a Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan with the aim of providing a series of mechanisms to engage key stakeholders with an interest in, or responsibility for, some aspect of reducing the quantity of litter entering the ocean. These will include: industrial sectors; users of coastal and marine waters; the waste management and recycling sectors; Regional Sea Commissions and EU representatives; local municipalities; citizens’ groups, environmental NGOs, school children and the general public; social and natural scientists. MARLISCO recognises the need for a concerted approach to encourage co-responsibility through a joint dialogue between the many players. This will be achieved by organising activities across 15 European countries, including national debates in 12 of them, involving industry sectors, scientists and the public, a European video contest for school students, educational activities targeting the younger generation together with exhibitions to raise awareness among the wider public. MARLISCO will make use of innovative multimedia approaches to reach the widest possible audience, in the most effective manner. The proposal will develop and evaluate an approach that can be used to address the problems associated with marine litter and which can also be applied more widely to other societal challenges where there are substantial benefits to be achieved through better integration among researchers, stakeholders and society.

At a glance

Acronym: MARLISCO

Title: MARine Litter in Europe Seas: Social AwarenesS and CO-Responsibility

Framework: FP7

Research Work Programme: Science in Society

Research Thematic Priority: Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) Action Plans on societal challenges

Call: FP7-SCIENCE-IN-SOCIETY-2011-1


End date: 31/5/2015


Total Cost: € 4,543,498.30



Project Coordinator: PROVINCIA DI TERAMO, IT

26


1 PROVINCIA DI TERAMO IT

2 Coastal & Marine Union NL

3 THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS UK

4 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH UK

5 EUROPEAN PLASTICS CONVERTERS BE

6 ASSOCIATION EUROPEENNE DES RECYCLEURS DE PLASTIQUES BE

7 MERTERRE ASSOCIATION FR

8 REGIONALNI RAZVOJNI CENTER KOPER CENTRO REGIONALE DI SVILUPPO

CAPODISTRIA ZAVOD SI

9 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK IE

10 ORGANIZATIA ECOLOGISTA NEGUVERNAMENTALA MARE NOSTRUM RO

11 EUCC - DIE KUSTEN UNION DEUTSCHLAND EV DE

12 ISOTECH LTD CY

13 UNION OF BULGARIAN BLACK SEA LOCALAUTHORITIES BG

14 PLASTICSEUROPE BE

15 FUNDACAO DA FACULDADE DE CIENCIAS E TECNOLOGIA DA UNIVERSIDADE

NOVA DE LISBOA. PT

16 MEDITERRANEAN INFORMATION OFFICE for Environment, Culture and

Sustainable Development EL

17 TURK DENIZ ARASTIRMALARI VAKFI TR

18 KOMMUNENES INTERNASJONALE MILJOORGANISASJON DK

19 HONKYTONK FILMS SAS FR

20 MEDIATOOLS FR

MARLISCO MARine Litter in Europe Seas: Social AwarenesS

and CO-Responsibility


27

FP7- PEOPLE – 2013: "Career Integration Grants"

The People work programme 2013 has been designed to support the implementation of the Europe 2020 Flagship Initiatives 'Innovation Union', 'Youth On the Move' and 'An Agenda for new skills and jobs', and in particular to bring education, research and innovation closer to each other to attract, train and retain in Europe the next generation of researchers who will be able to address major societal challenges. It is also in line with the Commission proposal to designate 2013 as the "European Year of Citizens". The People Work Programme 2013 will support this initiative notably through the EURAXESS activities that aim at removing obstacles to researchers' mobility and cross border co-operation. The work programme 2013 ensures continuity with the work programme 2012, alignment with the new strategic approach, fully supportive of the ERA-initiatives related to researchers as proposed by the Commission in 20082, and a bridge to Horizon 2020. This work programme seeks to make Europe more attractive for researchers, to further enhance doctoral training in line with the EU Principles on Innovative Doctoral Training, and to establish a balanced "brain circulation" within the EU as well as with third countries.

28

At a glance

Acronym: NANOPLAST

Title: A computational study of the interaction between nanoplastic and model biological membranes

Framework: FP7

Research Work Programme: Marie-Curie Actions

Research Thematic Priority: Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants"

Call: FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG


End date: 31/07/2016

Duration: 36 months

Total Cost: € 75,000.00

EC Contribution: € 75,000.00

Consortium: 1 partner

Project Coordinator: UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVA, IT

NANOPLAST

A computational study of the interaction between nanoplastic and

model biological membranes

Abstract

Every year, millions of tons of plastic litter are reversed into the oceans, washed up on the shores or piled in landfills. There, plastics are degraded down to the micro and nano scale, and enter the food chain. Plastic particles can transport toxic substances, but the effects of micro and nanoplastics themselves on living organisms is still largely unknown. Here we address a key step of this interaction: the interaction of nanoplastics with model biological membranes. We propose a computational study of the interaction between polymers of everyday use and model lipid membranes. Our main goal is to identify possible physical mechanisms of damage to the cell membrane induced by the interaction with plastic nanofragments. Membranes can be altered in many ways: mechanical (membrane rigidity), dynamical (lipid and peptide diffusion) and structural (lipid order, area per lipid, membrane thickness). Even more interestingly, our preliminary results show that hydrophobic polymers such as polystyrene can influence the lateral organization of heterogeneous lipid membranes into ordered (rafts) and disordered domains. These changes are relevant as they can affect the functionality of membrane proteins and other constituents, therefore altering the overall cell functioning. We will study the polymers most commonly found in the marine environment (polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene…) and model membranes of various compositions. We will model both the polymers and the membranes at a coarse-grained level, relying on the support of detailed all-atom models whenever necessary. Characterizing the interaction of plastic nanoparticles with cell membranes is the first step towards understanding the physical and chemical basis for their toxicity in all living organisms – bacteria, plants and animals. Since plastics are nowadays ubiquitous, the project can have a great impact, on the scientific community worldwide and on the society in general.

29


1 UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVA IT


NANOPLAST A computational study of the

interaction between nanoplastic and model biological membranes

30

INTRODUCTION FOR H2020 PROJECTS

Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.

Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness.

Seen as a means to drive economic growth and create jobs, Horizon 2020 has the political backing of Europe’s leaders and the Members of the European Parliament. They agreed that research is an investment in our future and so put it at the heart of the EU’s blueprint for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs.

By coupling research and innovation, Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve this with its emphasis on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.

Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.

The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation will be complemented by further measures to complete and further develop the European Research Area. These measures will aim at breaking down barriers to create a genuine single market for knowledge, research and innovation.

31

Call for Blue Growth: Unlocking the potential of Seas and Oceans

H2020-BG-2014

Rapid technological progress in working offshore in ever-deeper waters, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the need to look at how the 71 % of the planet that is seas and oceans can deliver human necessities such as food and energy in a sustainable way have opened up an opportunity for blue growth with the aim to harness the huge potential of Europe's oceans, seas and coasts for jobs and growth. This focus area addresses this overall challenge through five cross-cutting priority domains supporting the Blue Growth Agenda: valorising the diversity of marine life; sustainable harvesting the deep-sea resources; new offshore challenge; ocean observation technologies; and the socioeconomic dimension. The aim of the focus area is to improve the understanding of the complex interrelations between various maritime activities, technologies, including space enabled applications, and the marine environment to help boost the marine and maritime economy by accelerating its potential through R&I in a sustainable manner. It will enhance sectorial and cross-sectorial cooperation by building on major international, national and regional initiatives.

The Blue Growth economy in the EU is expected to grow to 7 million people employed by 2020. Actions in this area will support the EU 'Blue Growth' strategy and relevant EU policies (e.g. Sea Basins Strategies and Action Plans) as well as provide support for international cooperation.

The 2014 Work, puts emphasis on the sustainable exploitation of the diversity of marine life, on valuing and mining marine biodiversity.

In this 2014 Programme, the new offshore challenges were tackled through a support action (CSA) preparing potential further large-scale offshore initiatives and one initiative focused on sub-sea technologies. Also a large-scale initiative on improving ocean observation systems/technologies is supported in the 2014 Programme as well as one activity on acoustic and imaging technologies. Finally, several horizontal activities regarding socio-economic issues, valorising research outcomes or engaging with society as well as projects targeting SMEs were promoted in 2014.

The 2015 Work puts emphasis on the sustainable exploitation of the diversity of marine life, on the preservation and sustainable exploitation of marine ecosystems and climate change effects on marine living resources.

In this 2015 Programme, a large scale initiative was planned on response to oil spill and maritime pollution. Finally, several horizontal activities regarding socio-economic issues, valorising research outcomes or engaging with society as well as projects targeting SMEs were promoted in 2015.

In terms of international cooperation, the 'Blue Growth' Focus Area will support the new Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance launched by the Galway Statement in May 20131.

1 Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation Launching a Canada- European Union- United States of America

Research Alliance (Galway, 24th of May 2013)

32

INMARE

Industrial Applications of Marine Enzymes: Innovative screening and

expression platforms to discover and use the functional protein diversity from the

sea

Abstract

It is widely appreciated that biological resources from the

marine environment represent a largely untapped potential for

industrial enzymes. However, today only a very small fraction of

marine enzymes have made it to industrial biocatalysis and

commercialisation stage. The collaborative research project

INMARE aims to address this by streamlining and shortening

the pathways from discovery of new marine enzymes and

bioactive compounds towards the development and

commercialisation of industrial applications for targeted

production of fine chemicals, drugs and in environmental clean-

up.

INMARE stands for “Industrial Applications of Marine Enzymes:

Innovative screening and expression platforms to discover and

use the functional protein diversity from the sea” and brings

together multidisciplinary expertise and facilities of academic

and industry partners. The companies involved in the project

are market leaders in enzyme production and biocatalysis

processes designed to efficiently deliver safer (pharmaceuticals)

cheaper (agriculture) and biobased (biopolymers) products.

They also have an impressive track record in environmental

clean-up technologies and are committed to promoting public

understanding, awareness and dissemination of scientific

research. To reach its objectives, the project will integrate

following core activities: advanced technologies to access and

sample unique marine biodiversity hotspots; state-of-the art

technologies for construction of metagenomic libraries;

innovative enzyme screening assays and platforms; cutting-

edge sequence annotation pipelines and bioinformatics

resources; high-end activity screening technology; bioanalytical

and bioprocess engineering facilities and expertise,

nanoparticle-biocatalysts; high-quality protein crystallization

and structural analysis facilities and experts in IP management

for biotechnology. While the project does not have a specific

trans-Atlantic focus, marine genetic resources will be drawn

among others from unique environments in the Atlantic

(notably the Porcupine Bank in North Atlantic). Moreover, one

of the global top contributors of protein structural data, the

Faculty of Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto

(Canada), is one of the key partners involved in research

activities across the INMARE project (via in kind contributions

without EC funding). Finally, the international CLIB2021 cluster

of companies and universities (including from Brazil, Canada

and the US) will be playing an important role in disseminating

the results of INMARE even broader across the Atlantic.

At a glance

Acronym: INMARE

Title: Industrial Applications of Marine Enzymes: Innovative screening and expression platforms to discover and use the functional protein diversity from the sea

Call: H2020-BG-2014-2

Topic: BG-04-2014

Instrument: Innovation action


End date: 31/03/2019

Duration: 48 months

Total Cost: € 7.396.689,65

EC Contribution: € 5.999.557,13

Consortium: 24 partners

Project Coordinator: Bangor University, UK

33


1 BANGOR UNIVERSITY UK

2 UNIVERSITAET HAMBURG DE

3 HEINRICH-HEINE-UNIVERSITAET DUESSELDORF DE



6 BAYER TECHNOLOGY SERVICES GMBH DE

7 NOVOZYMES A/S DK

8 UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN NO

9 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK IE

10 VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETAS LT

11 JACOBS UNIVERSITY BREMEN GGMBH DE

12 PHARMAMAR, S.A.U. ES

13 THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE OF THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CRETE EL

14 ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA IT

15 ASSOCIACAO DO INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO PARA A INVESTIGACAO E

DESENVOLVIMENTO PT

16 EVOCATAL GMBH DE

17 INOFEA AG CH

18 FACHHOCHSCHULE NORDWESTSCHWEIZ CH

19 LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE UK

20 CLUSTER INDUSTRIELLE BIOTECHNOLOGIE 2021 E.V. DE

21 SEASCAPE CONSULTANTS LTD UK

22 UNI RESEARCH AS NO

23 UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO IT

24 THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO CA


INMARE

Industrial Applications of Marine Enzymes: Innovative screening and

expression platforms to discover and use the functional protein diversity

from the sea

34

MARISURF

Novel, Sustainable Marine Bio-Surfactant / Bio-Emulsifiers For

Commercial Exploitation

Abstract

Surfactants and emulsifiers constitute an important class of chemical agents that are widely used in almost every sector of modern industry. The huge market demand is currently met almost exclusively by synthetic, mainly petroleum-based, chemical products, which are usually non-biodegradable and mostly toxic or GM plant based products (used in foods), which are undesirable by some end-users. Their biologically produced counterparts (i.e. bio-surfactants and bio-emulsifiers) offer more green sustainable alternatives. This has led to a number of manufactures looking for ways to increase competitiveness through searching for underexploited sources such as the marine environment. Our objectives are to develop (1) innovative approaches in discovering, characterising and producing novel marine-derived bio-surfactants and bio-emulsifiers from a large bacterial collection (greater than 500 strains) housed at Heriot-Watt University, originally isolated from various coastal and open ocean waters around the world, (2) novel, economic, and eco-friendly end-products with commercial applications in order to replace synthetic counterparts, and (3) to demonstrate the functionality of new product development for commercial exploitation. Our collection consists of novel bacterial species, originally isolated for their ability to degrade oils, with proven promise in this respect. For this reason, our consortium (consisting of academic institutions, industrial companies and end users) offering a wide range of expertise, will address the technical bottlenecks for meeting our objectives, namely those of marine resource identification, sustainable supply, discovery pipeline and efficient production in biological systems. The relevance of our proposal to the work programme is underlined by its expected impact in increasing efficiency of discovery pipelines, the development of more economic and eco-friendly end-products and finally in contributing to the implementation of the objectives of the EU Blue Growth.

At a glance

Acronym: MARISURF

Title: Novel, Sustainable Marine Bio-Surfactant / Bio-Emulsifiers For Commercial Exploitation

Call: H2020-BG-2014-2

Topic: BG-03-2014

Instrument: Research & Innovation action


End date: 31/08/2020

Duration: 60 months

Total Cost: € 4,749,647.50



Project Coordinator: Heriot-Watt University (HWU), UK

35


1 HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY (HWU) UK

2 UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER (ULster) UK

3 DEMOCRITUS UNIVERSITY OF THRACE (DUTH) EL

4 BIO BASE EUROPE PILOT PLANT VZW (BBEPP) BE

5 EcoTechSystems Srl (ETS ) IT

6 ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE ASSOCIACION (LEITAT) ES

7 APIVITA KALLYNTIKA DIAITITIKA FARMAKA ANONYMI EMPORIKI KAI

VIOTECHNIKIETAIREIA (APIVITA) EL

8 MARLOW FOODS LIMITED (Marlow Foods) UK

9 MACPHIE OF GLENBERVIE LTD (MACPHIE) UK

10 NANOIMMUNOTECH SL (NIT) ES

11 UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS (PANEPISTIMIO PATRON UPAT) EL

12 NOVA-INSTITUT FUR POLITISCHE UND OKOLOGISCHE INNOVATION GMBH

(nova-Institut GmbH) DE


MARISURF

Novel, Sustainable Marine Bio-Surfactant / Bio-Emulsifiers For

Commercial Exploitation

36

At a glance

Acronym: Sea Litter Critters

Title: A compact, unmanned, renewables-powered and self-sufficient vessel able to pick up marine litter and to treat it on board for volume reduction and energy recovery

Call: H2020-SMEINST-1-2015

Topic: BG-12-2015-1

Instrument: SME Instrument Phase 1


End date: 31/08/2016

Duration: 6 months

Total Cost: € 71,429.00


Project Beneficiary: IRIS SRL, IT

Sea Litter Critters A compact, unmanned, renewables-

powered and self-sufficient vessel able to pick up marine litter and to

treat it on board for volume reduction and energy recovery

Abstract

The project intends to explore the feasibility of introducing to the market Sea Litter Critters, a compact, unmanned, renewables-powered and self-sufficient marine litter collection and treatment vessel based on a patent pending device treating waste thermally with plasma technology and no harmful emissions. This device is designed to operate near the shores especially nearer tourist facilities substituting the mechanical collection of litter currently adopted. By picking up litter (plastic debris mostly) near the point of entry, Sea Litter Critters contribute to minimising the pollution risks linked to plastic in the sea, where plastic items become brittle and break down into small particles, but basically never dissolve. Such particles can be eaten by zooplankton thus enter the foodchain. Therefore picking up plastic debris while still intact and as soon as possible after their disposal supports and complement in the short term all the high level policy actions for litter prevention (minimisation of waste, use of biodegradable plastic, awareness raising, beach clean-up days etc.). This study aims to check the attractiveness of the innovation to the market involving potential customers (coast towns, associations of tourist and fishing ports and marinas, representatives from the cruise and hotels industry, marine natural reserves authorities). The first markets identified are on the Mediterranean Sea, which is at the center of a very highly populated area of the World with many Countries relying mostly on tourism. Studies confirm that the Med has mostly marine litter derived from this economic activity and up to 80% of it originating from land. Italy, with its over 7600km long coastline and a strong dependency upon tourism, will be the first market, followed suit by France and Croatia and then Spain and Greece. After a 3 year phase to cover development, industrialisation and commercialisation, production is expected to start in 2019, with employment of 17 new staff.

37

UTOFIA

Underwater Time Of Flight Image Acquisition system

Abstract

UTOFIA will offer a compact and cost-effective underwater imaging system for turbid environments. Using range-gated imaging, the system will extend the imaging range by factor 2 to 3 over conventional video systems, while at the same time providing video-rate 3D information. This will fill the current gap between short-range, high-resolution conventional video and long-range low-resolution sonar systems. UTOFIA offers a new modus operandi for the main targeted domains of application: marine life monitoring, harbour and ocean litter detection, fisheries and aquaculture stock assessment, and seabed mapping.

At a glance

Acronym: UTOFIA

Title: Underwater Time Of Flight Image Acquisition system

Call: H2020-BG-2014-2

Topic: BG-09-2014

Instrument: Research & Innovation action


End date: 30/04/2018

Duration: 39 months

Total Cost: € 5,716,971.00



Project Coordinator: STIFTELSEN SINTEF, NO

38


1 STIFTELSEN SINTEF NO

2 BRIGHT SOLUTIONS S.R.L. IT

3 ODOS IMAGING LIMITED UK

4 SUBSEA TECH SAS FR

5 FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN

FORSCHUNG E.V DE

6 FUNDACION AZTI - AZTI FUNDAZIOA ES

7 DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET DK


UTOFIA


39

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

The goal of Individual Fellowships is to enhance the creative and innovative potential of experienced researchers wishing to diversify their individual competence in terms of skill acquisition at multi- or interdisciplinary level through advanced training, international and intersectoral mobility.

Individual Fellowships provide opportunities to acquire and transfer new knowledge and to work on research in a European context (EU Member States and Associated Countries) or outside Europe. The scheme particularly supports the return and reintegration of researchers from outside Europe who have previously worked here. It also develops or helps to restart the careers of individual researchers that show great potential, considering their experience.

40

At a glance

Acronym: MINOTAUR

Title: Metabolic interactions in oceanic photosymbioses

Call: H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

Topic: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions

Instrument: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions

Start date: : 01/01/2016

End date: 31/12/2017

Duration: 24 months

Total Cost: € 171,460.80


Consortium: 1 participant

Project Coordinator: HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUER UMWELTFORSCHUNG GMBH – UFZ, DE

MINOTAUR

MARine invertebrate and associated symbionts

Abstract

Symbiosis between heterotrophic hosts and microalgae (photosymbiosis) is a widespread and ecologically important phenomenon in the oceanic plankton. Symbiotic organisms like radiolarians (unicellular eukaryotes) are key players in marine biogeochemical cycles by contributing to predation and primary production. While knowledge of the diversity of symbiotic partners has improved in recent years, metabolic interactions remain poorly understood. This project will explore the metabolic basis of planktonic photosymbiosis, with radiolarians as an ecologically relevant model, to understand the functioning of the partnership and its contribution to elemental cycling in the pelagic ecosystem. An original and cutting-edge single-cell approach involving stable isotopes and high-resolution chemical imaging techniques (e.g. ToF-SIMS and nanoSIMS) will be used to visualize the elemental and isotopic composition of intact radiolarian symbioses at the subcellular level, and to quantify the assimilation and transfer of nutrients between partners in different experimental conditions. The same approach will be applied on cultured free-living symbionts to determine the degree of host control over symbiont metabolism. In order to develop a holistic view of metabolic interactions, bioinformatic analyses will identify key metabolic genes and pathways from available transcriptomes of radiolarians. The exceptional microscopy facility and expertise in isotope biogeochemistry at the host institution is unique in Europe. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the project consortium, the potential for exchanging new knowledge and skills is very high. This project pushes back the boundaries of marine biological research and represents a significant step in my personal development towards my long-term research ambition to merge knowledge on biodiversity and physiology into ecological studies to better understand the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and their responses to anthropogenic pressures.

41

Boosting the potential of small businesses for eco-innovation and a sustainable supply of raw materials - SC5-20-2014

Innovative SMEs have been recognised as being able to become the engine of the green economy and to facilitate the transition to a resource efficient, circular economy.

They can play an important role in helping the EU to exit from the economic crises and in job creation.

The potential of commercialising innovative solutions from SMEs is however hindered by several barriers including the absence of the proof of concept, the difficulty to access risk finance, the lack of prototyping, insufficient scale-up studies, etc.

Growth therefore needs to be stimulated by increasing the levels of innovation in SMEs, covering their different innovation needs over the whole innovation cycle.

42

At a glance

Acronym: UPCYCLINGTHEOCEANS

Title: High quality clothes made from marine plastic litter

Call: H2020-SMEINST-1-2014

Topic: Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials

Instrument: Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials


End date: 30/11/2015

Duration: 6 months

Total Cost: € 71,429.00


Consortium: 1 participant

Project Coordinator: ECOALF SL, ES

UPCYCLINGTHEOCEANS

High quality clothes made from marine plastic litter

Abstract

ECOALF is an SME that design and market high quality textile products and accessories made of recycled materials (bottles, fishing nests, tyres, coffee, cotton…).The main objective of the UPCYCLING THE OCEANS project is to produce and sell fabrics and clothes made from marine plastic litter, by recycling and industrial methods to convert these plastics into high properties textiles. European seas contain many tons of waste, mainly plastic (around 400 kg per km2). This plastic litter has a very negative impact in the marine environment even affecting the food chain (potentially triggering endocrine and/or carcinogenic processes).To contribute to mitigate this problem ECOALF proposes to implement a collaborative scheme with fishermen’s organisations (agreements already signed) to collect plastic from seas; to implement an industrial process that includes waste management, pellets production and additivation, spinning and fabrics, and clothes manufacturing; and to distributions and marketing the new products in Europe.To that end ECOALF proposes a feasibility study:-To analyse the economic feasibility of the initiative (production cost, volume of sales, incomes; relevant economic indicators; sensitive analysis).-To identify logistical needs to obtain the marine plastic litter and to establish a mechanism to provide the consumer with a reliable Guarantee of Origin (GoO) that reflects that the clothes are made 100% from plastic waste and which percentage is from marine origin.-To ensure the technical feasibility to additivate properly the flakes to obtain pellets that fulfill with ECOALF fabrics requirements. To define the adequate terrestrial / marine mix to ensure stability during the sinning process.-To carry out a survey among clients and distributors to assess the market reaction to these products and to select at least four countries to carry out a market test.

43

Industrial Leadership: New ideas for Earth-relevant space applications

H2020-EO-2014

Space systems produce information which often cannot be acquired in any other way. Specifically, the Copernicus data, including the Contributing Missions (current and future), are expected to provide improved data quality, coverage and revisit times, and increase the value of Earth Observation data for scientific work and future emerging applications.

Equally, space data obtained for specific purposes can subsequently reveal novel scientific insights which were not specifically intended or expected at the time of space sensor launch. Explorer missions, e.g. at ESA, generate new remote sensing opportunities.

In order to fuel this cycle of discovery, and further enhance scientific, operational and commercial exploitation of collected space data related to Earth (now or in the near future), new upstream data products and analysis methods suitable for subsequent integration into applications (such as for instance conducted in the calls of the Horizon 2020 societal challenges, or service product lines) should be generated.

In this context space data (i.e. remotely-sensed data as well as in-space located measurements, gravity data, magnetic data, GNSS signals) could be relevant to a wide variety of Earth-related topics (relevant to earth environment, atmosphere, agriculture, land use, risk, emergency management, security, cultural heritage and archaeology etc.), thereby widening the data scope beyond conventional EO images.

44

At a glance

Acronym: URBANFLUXES

Title: URBan ANthrpogenic heat FLUX from Earth observation Satellites

Call: H2020-EO-2014

Topic: Industrial Leadership

Instrument: Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies


End date: 31/12/2017

Duration: 36 months

Total Cost: € 2,687,446.25



Project Coordinator: FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY HELLAS, EL

URBANFLUXES

URBan ANthrpogenic heat FLUX from Earth observation Satellites

Abstract

The main goal of the proposed project URBANFLUXES (URBan ANthrpogenic heat FLUX from Earth observation Satellites) is to investigate the potential of Earth Observation (EO) to retrieve anthropogenic heat fluxes. The main research question addresses whether EO is able to provide reliable estimates of anthropogenic heat flux spatiotemporal distribution, at local and city scales. URBANFLUXES will investigate the potential of EO to retrieve the anthropogenic heat flux, as a key component in the urban energy budget and by developing a method capable of deriving it from space. The objective is to develop a method that could be used operationally in the near future, when observations with adequate temporal resolution become available. URBANFLUXES EO-based approach will be easily transferable to any urban area and capable of providing anthropogenic heat flux benchmark data for different applications, including climate models to assess the implication of the anthropogenic heat on the Earth system; building energy models to characterize buildings-to-atmosphere/soil/water heat exchange pathways; and decision support systems for urban sustainable planning and mapping of emissions related to energy consumption. URBANFLUXES is therefore expected to prepare the ground for further innovative exploitation of European space data in scientific activities (Earth system modelling and climate change studies in cities) and future and emerging applications (sustainable urban planning) by exploiting the improved data quality, coverage and revisit times of the Copernicus Sentinels data. The Copernicus observations have the potential to reveal novel scientific insights, related to monitoring the anthropogenic heat flux in cities, at both local and regional scales, generating new EO opportunities. The URBANFLUXES products will therefore support both sustainable planning strategies to improve the quality of life in cities and Earth system models to provide more robust climate simulations.

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1 FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY HELLAS EL

2 DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV DE

3 UNIVERSITE PAUL SABATIER TOULOUSE III FR

4 THE UNIVERSITY OF READING UK

5 UNIVERSITAT BASEL CH

6 GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET SE

7 GEO-K SRL IT



URBANFLUXES


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EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Director-General for Research and Innovation

Directorate F – Bioeconomy

Unit F.4 – Marine Resources

European Commission

Building COV2 - 9th floor

B-1049 Brussels

Contact Person: Paola Reale

E-mail: [email protected]

Horizon 2020 website: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/

Bioeconomy website: https://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy

mailto:[email protected]

https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/

https://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy

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marine litter projects funded under fp7 and horizon 2020 · under the programme “cooperation”,...

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