TwiNSol-CECs is an EU-funded twinning action that strengthened the research excellence of the Faculty of Technology Novi Sad (TFNS) at the University of Novi Sad through close partnership with Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and NOVA University Lisbon (UNL). The action reduces the regional R&I gap by transferring advanced analytical and treatment know-how and embedding TFNS more deeply in European research networks.
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are a fast-evolving set of chemicals (for example pharmaceuticals, PFAS and current-use pesticides) that can reach rivers and wastewater through everyday use. Many occur at trace levels and are not routinely monitored, while conventional wastewater treatment is often not designed to remove them efficiently. Evidence has been particularly fragmented in parts of the Western Balkans, where advanced infrastructure and monitoring coverage have been limited. By upgrading equipment, harmonizing methods and strengthening analytical skills, the project increased TFNS’s ability to generate decision-ready evidence and experimentally supported mitigation options aligned with Europe’s Zero Pollution ambition.
A key outcome is TFNS’s 2024–2028 scientific strategy (“Road Map: Be part of a solution for the CECs pollution”), accompanied by an Action Plan and a Quality Assurance System with measurable KPIs. The Road Map guided planning and monitoring across work packages and advanced five directions: proposal-writing and transversal skills; higher-impact research and visibility; stronger involvement of young researchers; strengthened institutional research support (RMAU); and structured stakeholder engagement.
In the 2nd reporting period, joint work intensified through targeted meetings, trainings and short-term scientific exchanges. TFNS operationalized upgraded chromatography/HRMS and membrane-related equipment, harmonized analytical protocols and QA/QC approaches with partners, and improved data-processing routines. Scientific work combined wide-range monitoring of CECs in water matrices with evaluation of advanced removal/treatment solutions (membranes, biomaterials/biosorption and advanced oxidation/catalytic routes).
