Miniature medical devices have the potential to screen, monitor, diagnose and treat a range of body functions, conditions and diseases. But implanting these devices into the body requires safe, non-toxic materials. The biocompatible materials developed by the EU-funded BioWings project could open the door to a new era of medical innovation for EU citizens and the world.
With the right innovations, the circular economy can contribute to economic growth while meeting sustainability ambitions. The EU-funded ReCiPSS project demonstrates how manufacturing can achieve this by adopting product-service systems. Moving industry from linear to circular models offers new business opportunities, while minimising waste and environmental damage.
Next-generation renewable energy technologies can struggle to move from concept to the market. The EU-funded DTOceanPlus project developed a series of open-source software tools to reduce the risks and costs associated with ocean tech development. The tools are already giving a boost to developers across the sector, supporting the EU’s transition away from fossil fuels.
It was assumed that viruses spread as independent particles called virions. The EU-funded Vis-a-Vis project used social evolution concepts to study viral transmission, showing how viral particles compete and collaborate with one another. An improved understanding of virus-virus interactions paves the way for a new generation of treatments.
The energy crisis has highlighted the importance of greater heating efficiency. The EU-funded RELaTED project showed how lower temperatures in district heating systems combined with heat pumps can reduce costs while still keeping homes and commercial premises warm. The findings can boost sustainable energy production, reduce energy waste, and provide cost-effective heating to consumers.
Financial and business services have proven remarkedly resistant to change, partly due to powerful vested interests. The EU-funded CityNet project is one of the largest projects ever to map the way they have influenced and responded to worldwide events. The resulting Atlas of Finance shows how, where and when the impacts of financial services are felt.
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed too late for treatments to work. The EU-funded EARLYDETECT project developed innovative screening tools capable of detecting the disease early.
This will help patients receive the therapies they need sooner, before the disease spreads, saving the lives of citizens in the EU and beyond.
Bee populations face a number of threats, including pesticide use. With a third of global crop production dependent on pollinators, it is a troubling situation. The EU-funded PoshBee project provides evidence, tools and policy proposals to enhance bee health. The work supports more sustainable beekeeping and the continued competitiveness of European agriculture.
Migrants and fragile communities often feel ostracised from the societies in which they live. The EU-funded MEMEX project helped communities at risk of sociocultural exclusion tell their stories through augmented reality. Similar projects could help social integration across Europe.
Many heritage crafts are at risk of being lost to time as they are practised less. To preserve them, the EU-funded Mingei project digitised their creative processes and the final products. As well as safeguarding European culture, the project could boost local tourism.
