Final Report Summary - SAFE EMF (Upgrading the research capacities for safety and health effects of human exposure to electromagnetic fields)
Numerous EMF sources have become the focus of health concerns, including power lines, and most recently mobile phones and base stations of existing and emerging wireless technologies. The project's general aim was to support the safe integration of mobile and wireless technology in FYROM and wider in Western Balkan countries and to enable highest EU quality level research on possible adverse effects on brain functions due to exposure to radiofrequency EMF.
The main objective of the SAFE EMF project was to upgrade the research capacity of the Centre for Electromagnetic Compatibility at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, in terms of equipment, methodologies, and human potential, to approach the standards of high quality EU research centres for health effects of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
As part of the project it successfully promoted networking and cooperation on a regional and global level: firstly, networking between Western Balkan countries institutions who share the similar general situation; and secondly, with highly competent EU institutions. This increased the potential of the scientists of the Centre to participate in joint EU research projects (such as EMF-NET, COST281) and in the next European Framework Program. The services and resources developed in the centre will also serve to provide a centre of expertise in the region.
In order to successfully carry out the project, the research capacity needed to be upgraded. In order to acquire knowledge about the choice of generic equipment and technical characteristics for measurements, two visits to two EU networking partner laboratories were performed. Consultations with experts were also conducted. Armed with this new found knowledge, the best available supplier for the chosen equipment was selected.
SAFE-EMF has provided documents describing the necessary EU standards, and supportive regulations at the national level with practical implementation and roadmap that will help Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning to initiate and support the legislative process. Due to the similar situation in the region (Kosovo and Serbia and Montenegro) the support of the legislative process will also have a regional impact.
The main objective of the SAFE EMF project was to upgrade the research capacity of the Centre for Electromagnetic Compatibility at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, in terms of equipment, methodologies, and human potential, to approach the standards of high quality EU research centres for health effects of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
As part of the project it successfully promoted networking and cooperation on a regional and global level: firstly, networking between Western Balkan countries institutions who share the similar general situation; and secondly, with highly competent EU institutions. This increased the potential of the scientists of the Centre to participate in joint EU research projects (such as EMF-NET, COST281) and in the next European Framework Program. The services and resources developed in the centre will also serve to provide a centre of expertise in the region.
In order to successfully carry out the project, the research capacity needed to be upgraded. In order to acquire knowledge about the choice of generic equipment and technical characteristics for measurements, two visits to two EU networking partner laboratories were performed. Consultations with experts were also conducted. Armed with this new found knowledge, the best available supplier for the chosen equipment was selected.
SAFE-EMF has provided documents describing the necessary EU standards, and supportive regulations at the national level with practical implementation and roadmap that will help Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning to initiate and support the legislative process. Due to the similar situation in the region (Kosovo and Serbia and Montenegro) the support of the legislative process will also have a regional impact.
