Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent one of the most significant challenges facing modern healthcare systems. In the European Union alone, it is estimated that more than 4 million patients annually acquire at least one HAI during hospitalization, with the problem affecting on average 80,000 individuals per day – approximately 1 in every 18 hospitalized patients. The consequences are severe: not only in terms of health and social impact, but also economically – HAIs lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and higher mortality risks. Moreover, the situation is further exacerbated by the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance, which significantly limits the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions.
In response to these challenges, European health and environmental strategies are placing increasing emphasis on preventing infections at their source, including through the design of hospital environments that support the safety of both patients and healthcare personnel. It is estimated that factors related to hospital architecture, equipment, and indoor microclimate account for approximately 20% of all HAIs, making the physical environment a critical area for intervention.
The HumanIC project was launched to address the urgent need to redefine how hospital ventilation and air-conditioning systems are designed and operated. Instead of focusing solely on environmental parameters at the room scale, the project proposes a human-centred approach to indoor climate – referred to as the 'human-centric climate' (HCC). This concept pertains to the microenvironment in the immediate vicinity of the patient or healthcare worker, taking into account local airflow patterns, thermal comfort, and the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens.
The main objectives of the HumanIC project are:
• To reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections by at least 30% through optimization of local airflow patterns in human-centric climate (HCC) zones, particularly in relation to specific medical procedures;
• To improve thermal comfort for patients and staff, while enhancing the energy efficiency of HVAC systems across different hospital environments (operating rooms, isolation rooms, patient wards);
• To develop new research and technological tools, including physical and numerical models, predictive algorithms, real-time control systems, and design guidelines – all tailored to the actual needs of healthcare environments.
The project also provides doctoral training for 11 doctoral candidates, who are conducting their research across several EU countries within a coordinated and collaborative programme. These efforts aim not only to deliver scientific and technological innovations but also to prepare a new generation of experts capable of implementing human-centric strategies in hospital climate design and operation.
The project will deliver a comprehensive set of practical tools, models, and recommendations, enabling: the design of HVAC systems that incorporate local microclimatic conditions around patients and staff (HCC); integration with digital technologies (sensors, control algorithms, monitoring platforms); real-time assessment of pathogen transmission risk; optimisation of energy use and improved comfort for healthcare users. These outcomes are expected to have a substantial impact on EU policy in areas such as public health, building energy performance, and sustainable infrastructure. HumanIC also directly supports the goals of the European Green Deal and the digital transformation of the healthcare sector.
HumanIC is an interdisciplinary and international initiative, implemented by a consortium comprising eight leading academic institutions, three clinical partners, and six industrial partners from the HVAC and environmental technology sectors and European federation of HVAC association. The project commenced on 1 January 2024 and will run until 31 December 2027.
