Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GREENLand (TWINNING MICROPLASTIC-FREE ENVIRONMENT)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31
This project aims to address these disparities through preventive measures, innovations, and remediation plans. By enhancing knowledge and technologies for microplastic prevention, detection, and purification, the project will improve food and environmental safety. The overall objectives are:
- To develop science, innovation, and technology (SIT) roadmaps of microplastics in soil, freshwater, and microorganisms.
- To significantly improve education and administrative workflow by developing e-Tools.
- To improve the capability to compete for EU funding.
- To build capacity through the new generation of highly-skilled staff.
- To significantly improve dissemination, exploitation, and collaboration.
- To develop science, innovation, and technology (SIT) roadmaps of microplastics in soil, freshwater, and microorganisms.
- To significantly improve education and administrative workflow by developing e-Tools.
- To improve the capability to compete for EU funding.
- To build capacity through the new generation of highly-skilled staff.
- To significantly improve dissemination, exploitation, and collaboration.
WP1: Generating the SIT roadmaps with the new approaches for the purpose
of a microplastic-free environment
Task 1.1: In the first reporting period (RP1), it is planned to create the Scientific roadmap and this document has been created and corresponding deliverable D1.1 was submitted on time.
Task 1.2: The innovation roadmap is currently in development. Comprehensive analyses of EU and Serbian regulations related to microplastics in food, water, waste, and soil were conducted to explore new research directions.A detailed analysis of the soil quality results in the territory of Vojvodina was carried out to select a pilot area for the analysis of microplastics. Locations with the potential presence of microplastics have been mapped - Hot spots
WP2: Creating an efficient workflow
Task 2.1: In the process of digitalization we developed Cloud based system (CBS) for data storage and web communication and eLearning System (ELS). Corresponding deliverables D2.2 and D2.3 were delivered on time.
Task 2.2: Paperwork is replaced with a Document Management System (DMS). The data management plan was created and corresponding deliverable D2.1 was delivered on time.
Task 2.3: University Repository (UR) was established and corresponding deliverables D2.4 were delivered on time.
WP3: Staff exchange, education and networking
Task 3.1: In the RP1, it is planned to developa Human Resource Strategy (HRS) this document has been created, and the corresponding deliverable D3.1 was submitted on time.
Task 3.2: Knowledge transfer from AWI and UG, to researchers and non-research staff members of Educons University: 13 researchers exchanged between EDU and EU partners (AWI and UG) and 4 exchanges of non-research staff took place during the RP1.
Capacity building activities (workshops, summer/winter school, training courses) - 18 different education events of research, non-research and management staff at the University) were held in the first reporting period.
Task 3.3: In the RP1, Project Incubator Hub (PIH) is established. With the support of the PIH, EDU staff managed to submit 22 proposals for open calls under various EU-funded programmes such as Horizon Europe and ERASMUS+. Of these 22 submitted proposals, 3 were successfully evaluated, 7 were rejected, and the remaining ones are still under evaluation.
IP strategy has been created and the corresponding deliverable D3.3 was delivered on time.
WP4: Dissemination and outreach activities
Task 4.1: A Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication Plan (DEC PLAN) has been created. This document includes the visual identity of the project. The project site was created and it is regularly updated. The magazine E-zine covers the important results and activities of the project every month. Social media accounts were established and usually two posts per week are announced.
Task 4.2: We participated at a total of 29 local, regional, and international events so far (physical, online, hybrid), including several societal, scientific, and industrial public events, working groups, scientific conferences, etc. Appeared 4 times on National RTV Vojvodina and once on TV Novosadska in the programs: “Razglednice”, “Morning program” and in the news on Radio Television Vojvodina, as well as with an experienced well-known TV presenter Višeslav in the morning show on TV Novosadska. In this RP1, team published 7 journal papers, and 7 conference papers.
WP5: Project management
Task 5.1:A Kick-off meeting was organized on January 24th, 2023 in Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, and corresponding deliverable D5.1 was submitted on time. The first online meeting of the Project Supervisory Board (PSB) was held on Thursday, June 8, 2023. The second Project Supervisory Board meeting was held on December 12-14, 2023, at Bremerhaven in Germany.
Task 5.2: Internal communication channels, Microsoft Teams and Monday work management are established. Online meetings are arranged whenever necessary, as well as e-mail communication.
Task 5.3: In accordance with the GREENLand project proposal in the RP1 of the project, all nine deliverables have been submitted, and six milestones have been achieved.
of a microplastic-free environment
Task 1.1: In the first reporting period (RP1), it is planned to create the Scientific roadmap and this document has been created and corresponding deliverable D1.1 was submitted on time.
Task 1.2: The innovation roadmap is currently in development. Comprehensive analyses of EU and Serbian regulations related to microplastics in food, water, waste, and soil were conducted to explore new research directions.A detailed analysis of the soil quality results in the territory of Vojvodina was carried out to select a pilot area for the analysis of microplastics. Locations with the potential presence of microplastics have been mapped - Hot spots
WP2: Creating an efficient workflow
Task 2.1: In the process of digitalization we developed Cloud based system (CBS) for data storage and web communication and eLearning System (ELS). Corresponding deliverables D2.2 and D2.3 were delivered on time.
Task 2.2: Paperwork is replaced with a Document Management System (DMS). The data management plan was created and corresponding deliverable D2.1 was delivered on time.
Task 2.3: University Repository (UR) was established and corresponding deliverables D2.4 were delivered on time.
WP3: Staff exchange, education and networking
Task 3.1: In the RP1, it is planned to developa Human Resource Strategy (HRS) this document has been created, and the corresponding deliverable D3.1 was submitted on time.
Task 3.2: Knowledge transfer from AWI and UG, to researchers and non-research staff members of Educons University: 13 researchers exchanged between EDU and EU partners (AWI and UG) and 4 exchanges of non-research staff took place during the RP1.
Capacity building activities (workshops, summer/winter school, training courses) - 18 different education events of research, non-research and management staff at the University) were held in the first reporting period.
Task 3.3: In the RP1, Project Incubator Hub (PIH) is established. With the support of the PIH, EDU staff managed to submit 22 proposals for open calls under various EU-funded programmes such as Horizon Europe and ERASMUS+. Of these 22 submitted proposals, 3 were successfully evaluated, 7 were rejected, and the remaining ones are still under evaluation.
IP strategy has been created and the corresponding deliverable D3.3 was delivered on time.
WP4: Dissemination and outreach activities
Task 4.1: A Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication Plan (DEC PLAN) has been created. This document includes the visual identity of the project. The project site was created and it is regularly updated. The magazine E-zine covers the important results and activities of the project every month. Social media accounts were established and usually two posts per week are announced.
Task 4.2: We participated at a total of 29 local, regional, and international events so far (physical, online, hybrid), including several societal, scientific, and industrial public events, working groups, scientific conferences, etc. Appeared 4 times on National RTV Vojvodina and once on TV Novosadska in the programs: “Razglednice”, “Morning program” and in the news on Radio Television Vojvodina, as well as with an experienced well-known TV presenter Višeslav in the morning show on TV Novosadska. In this RP1, team published 7 journal papers, and 7 conference papers.
WP5: Project management
Task 5.1:A Kick-off meeting was organized on January 24th, 2023 in Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, and corresponding deliverable D5.1 was submitted on time. The first online meeting of the Project Supervisory Board (PSB) was held on Thursday, June 8, 2023. The second Project Supervisory Board meeting was held on December 12-14, 2023, at Bremerhaven in Germany.
Task 5.2: Internal communication channels, Microsoft Teams and Monday work management are established. Online meetings are arranged whenever necessary, as well as e-mail communication.
Task 5.3: In accordance with the GREENLand project proposal in the RP1 of the project, all nine deliverables have been submitted, and six milestones have been achieved.
1. Standardized methodologies: Developing standardized methodologies for sampling, extraction, and analysis is crucial in microplastic research. The current variability in methods makes data comparison challenging. Establish standardized protocols for analyzing microplastics in soil and water, improving result reliability and comparability, and enabling robust estimates of microplastic prevalence and impact.
2. Understanding sources and pathways: Identifying the primary sources and pathways of microplastics into the environment is essential. Developing the Microplastics Resistance Index to assess the impact of different factors on microplastic risks and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
3. Long-term monitoring programs: Implementing long-term monitoring programs will provide data on temporal trends and spatial distribution of microplastics. These programs will help track changes over time, identify accumulation hotspots, and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Development of a National Strategy on Microplastics for Serbia, involving multiple organizations and partners to reduce microplastic pollution.
4. Risk assessment and management: Comprehensive risk assessments are needed to evaluate the impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and human health. This includes understanding the ecological consequences and contaminant transfer through food webs. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) tools for determine the environmental impact of microplastics, focusing on the concept of waste as a resource.
5. Public awareness and engagement: Public engagement and awareness about microplastic pollution are crucial for driving behavioral changes and supporting policies to reduce plastic waste. The project will publish results in open-access scientific journals and present them at conferences and through local media and social networks to educate the public on reducing microplastic pollution.
6. Technological innovation: Advancements in analytical techniques and monitoring technologies will enhance the detection and characterization of microplastics. New analytical methods and novel materials to reduce microplastic pollution, leveraging knowledge from partners like NUIG and AWI.
2. Understanding sources and pathways: Identifying the primary sources and pathways of microplastics into the environment is essential. Developing the Microplastics Resistance Index to assess the impact of different factors on microplastic risks and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
3. Long-term monitoring programs: Implementing long-term monitoring programs will provide data on temporal trends and spatial distribution of microplastics. These programs will help track changes over time, identify accumulation hotspots, and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Development of a National Strategy on Microplastics for Serbia, involving multiple organizations and partners to reduce microplastic pollution.
4. Risk assessment and management: Comprehensive risk assessments are needed to evaluate the impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and human health. This includes understanding the ecological consequences and contaminant transfer through food webs. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) tools for determine the environmental impact of microplastics, focusing on the concept of waste as a resource.
5. Public awareness and engagement: Public engagement and awareness about microplastic pollution are crucial for driving behavioral changes and supporting policies to reduce plastic waste. The project will publish results in open-access scientific journals and present them at conferences and through local media and social networks to educate the public on reducing microplastic pollution.
6. Technological innovation: Advancements in analytical techniques and monitoring technologies will enhance the detection and characterization of microplastics. New analytical methods and novel materials to reduce microplastic pollution, leveraging knowledge from partners like NUIG and AWI.