According to a recent report by the European Environment Agency, ODS consumption in 2015 was the lowest negative level since 2006. A significant contributing factor to the low consumption was a 12% decrease in imports compared to 2014. Moreover, destruction of controlled substances increased between 2014 and 2015. Stratospheric ozone absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet light so it does not reach the surface of the planet, helping prevent skin cancers and other problems such as damage to crops and marine phytoplankton. Some chemicals that harm the ozone layer, also known as ozone depleting substances (ODS), have been successfully substituted by greener chemicals in most parts of the world since the Montreal Protocol came into force in 1989. Within the European Union (EU), the phase-out of ODS use is established through the ODS Regulation. Companies are obliged to report data on production, import, export and destruction, which is used to calculate ‘consumption’, the key metric tracking progress under the Protocol.
Source: http://www.eea.europa.eu/
EuCheMS-ECTN Meeting and Closer Collaboration
EuCheMS and the European Chemistry Thematic Network Association (ECTN) met earlier this month to discuss, among other, chemistry, teaching, education, Eurolabels, and open data with the objective of strengthening their European collaboration. From now EuCheMS and ECTN will have a common administrative support structure, a synergy which will allow them to better collaborate in key common policy areas.
Source: http://www.euchems.eu/
Launch of Endocrine Active Substances Information System
The European Commission has recently launched the Endocrine Active Substances Information System (EASIS). This web-based application, developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), allows searching and collecting results from different scientific studies on chemicals related to endocrine activity, and aims to facilitate the creation of toxicity predicative models. The system currently contains data on 513 substances collected from over 9 thousand studies covering in vitro and in vivo assays in different species, including some human data. These are substances to be found in, for example, plant protection and biocidal products, industrial chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/
MEPs Call for More Safety Rules on Materials in Contact with Food
Only four out of 17 EU-listed Food Contact Materials (FCMs) are currently covered by specific safety measures foreseen in existing EU legislation: plastics, ceramics, regenerated cellulose and “active and intelligent” materials, while others have yet to be fully tested. EU-wide safety rules are needed for more materials in contact with food, such as those used in packaging, kitchen utensils and tableware, say Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in a non-binding resolution. According to the MEPs, given the prevalence of FCMs on the EU market and the risk that they could pose to human health, the EU Commission should prioritise the drawing up of specific EU measures for paper and board, varnishes and coatings, metals and alloys, printing inks and adhesives.
Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/
EuCheMS Responds to Public Consultation on the Joint Programming on Metrology Research
Earlier this month, EuCheMS has provided its input to the Public Consultation on the Joint Programming on Metrology Research (EMRP and EMPIR), a topic in which chemistry plays a major role. In its answer, EuCheMS highlighted that diversity in European metrology should be taken into consideration and that capacity building actions are needed. Metrology is the science of measurements, and it is a key support to our society and our daily lives. Metrology is needed to ensure quality and safety, it enables technological innovation and progress, we also need metrology for our trade, our health, and our energy supplies. Research in metrology is essential to remain competitive, to define measurements for new and emerging technologies, and to safeguard the quality in any measurement and its application.
Source: http://www.euchems.eu/
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016 was awarded jointly to Jean-Pierre Sauvage (University of Strasbourg, France), Sir J. Fraser Stoddart (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA), and Bernard L. Feringa (University of Groningen, the Netherlands) “for the design and synthesis of molecular machines”. 2016’s Nobel Laureates in Chemistry have taken molecular systems out of equilibrium’s stalemate and into energy-filled states in which their movements can be controlled. In terms of development, the molecular motor is at the same stage as the electric motor was in the 1830s, when scientists displayed various spinning cranks and wheels, unaware that they would lead to washing machines, fans and food processors. Molecular machines will most likely be used in the development of things such as new materials, sensors and energy storage systems.
EuCheMS is honoured to have had Bernard L. Feringa as a plenary speaker at the 6th EuCheMS Chemistry Congress in Seville last month, where he was given an award by the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh).
Source: http://www.euchems.eu/
Promoting Scientific Culture Among Young People
The 2016 edition of the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS2016) is taking place already next month, 15-20 September, in Brussels. EUCYS, where EuCheMS participates by delivering a special award for chemistry, is an initiative of the European Commission set up to promote the ideals of co-operation and interchange between young scientists. The Contest is the annual showcase of the best of European student scientific achievement. The young scientists also have the chance to meet others with similar abilities and interests and to be guided by some of the most prominent scientists in Europe.
Source: http://eucys2016.eu
European Commission appoints four new EIT Governing Board members
The European Commission recently appointed four new members to the Governing Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in Budapest.
The EIT Governing Board is the principal governing body of the EIT and is entrusted with the role of strategic leadership and the overall direction of the operational activities implemented by the EIT Headquarters. The Governing Board is independent and autonomous in its decision-making and is responsible for the selection, evaluation and support of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).
Source: http://eit.europa.eu/
The Impact of ERC Funding
An independent pilot study, released at the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) last month, demonstrates that bottom -up research funded by the European Research Council (ERC) has already had major impacts. Over 70% of projects evaluated in the report have made scientific breakthroughs or major advances. The study concludes that the ERC invests in truly high-risk/high-gain research and that it also contributes significantly to the economy and society at large. The Report also states that the ERC grants also have a very positive effect on researchers’ careers.
Source: https://erc.europa.eu/
Bratislava Declaration of Young Researchers
The Bratislava Declaration of Young Researchers was presented at a press conference in Slovakia on 19 July following an informal meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council of research and innovation ministers. A declaration calling on the European Commission to “radically reorganise funding streams” for young researchers has been welcomed by the research commissioner Carlos Moedas. The declaration calls on the Commission to create “sustainable and effective” funding streams for early-career researchers, regardless of their age and including students, to autonomously pursue their research ideas. “Would any of our current systems have funded a young Einstein or a Marie Sklodowska-Curie?” the declaration asks.
Source: https://danube-inco.net/
More Clean-Energy Innovation is Needed
The use of fossil fuels across the European Union continues to decline due in part to increased consumption of renewable energy sources like wind, solar and biomass, according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report, which assesses progress on the use of renewable energy, found that clean energy technologies, where chemistry plays a major role, are an important driving force in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in creating employment in Europe. Among other points, the report states that public funding in research and development of new renewable energy sources has increased between 2005 and 2013 but at a slower pace than before, posing a risk of missing the break-through technologies of tomorrow. The International Energy Agency has recommended the tripling of current public research and development spending on clean-energy innovation.
Source: http://www.eea.europa.eu/
State of Play of Raw Materials in the EU
Last month, the European Commission published a Raw Materials Scoreboard that assesses the status of the EU’s raw material sector, pinpoints the challenges and opportunities linked to it and highlights the importance of raw materials to the EU economy, including to its jobs and growth. The EU economy requires a wide variety of raw materials and not all of them are naturally available in Europe. The EU is highly dependent on imports of certain raw materials, including metals, certain minerals and natural rubber. The rising demand for raw materials, the concentration of the world’s supply and global price volatility have significant consequences for the EU’s security of supply. As mentioned at the EuCheMS-European Parliament Workshop on raw materials, an answer to this issue will surely include the creation of innovative eco-friendly substitute materials by chemistry.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/
Dieselgate: Hearings and Draft Report
Last month, Members of European Parliament unanimously approved an interim report, summarising the committee’s activities so far and outlining its work programme for the second half of its one-year mandate. The report is to be debated by Parliament as a whole on 13 September in Strasbourg. The MEPs also conducted hearings where constructors stated that the EU needs a common definition of “normal car use” and that diesel engine NOx emissions are the price paid to hit lower CO2 targets. The hearings took place at the Committee of Inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS), whose work will be resumed after the summer break.
Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/
The Most Innovative in the EU?
The European Commission has recently released a report with the 2016 results of the European Innovation Scoreboard, the Regional Innovation Scoreboard and the Innobarometer. According to this report, Sweden is once more the EU innovation leader, followed by Denmark, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. Regarding the fastest growing innovators, these are Latvia, Malta, Lithuania, the Netherlands and the UK. The report highlights that the key driver of becoming an innovation leader is to adopt a balanced innovation system combining an appropriate level of public and private investment, effective innovation partnerships among companies and with academia, as well as a strong educational basis and excellent research.
Source: http://europa.eu/
R&I Challenges and Developments Across the EU
The European Commission’s Research and Innovation Observatory (RIO) has published the second edition of the RIO country reports, which assess the evolution of national research and innovation systems and identify key challenges.
These country reports provide a wealth of knowledge by detailing the policy developments in the R&I area at national level, analysing the level of public and private funding for R&D, assessing the quality of the science base and the level of implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) priorities, describing the framework conditions for research and innovation (R&I) and the links between industry and academia.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/
H2020 Priorities for 2017
Later in July, the European Commission confirmed the calls and other actions of the second year of the two-year work programmes setting out Horizon 2020 funding opportunities for 2017. The Work Programme for 2017 will have a stronger focus on Open Science, making open research data the default setting for H2020 projects; it will also focus on circular economy; personalised medicine; and on pan-European research infrastructures
The calls and other actions under the current work programme updates have a budget of €8.5 billion.
Source: http://europa.eu/
A Roadmap on Catalysis for Europe
The European Cluster on Catalysis has recently published the Roadmap on Catalysis for Europe, a roadmap to which EuCheMS as well as two of its Members, ENMIX and ERIC, contributed.
The European Cluster on Catalysis was launched by the European Commission and gathers EU-founded projects in the field of catalysis, organisations and institutions as well as industrial and other relevant stakeholders in catalysis at EU level.
The term catalysis encompasses in this particular framework different typologies and declinations of catalysis: heterogeneous, homogeneous, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, biocatalysis and others as well as the corresponding technologies, such as CO2 utilisation, artificial photosynthesis, biogenic materials, water technologies.
Source: http://www.euchems.eu/
EuCheMS General Assembly Meetings
EuCheMS 2016 General Assembly will take place on 10 – 11 September 2016 in Sevilla, Spain, and will be followed by a meeting of the Chairs of EuCheMS Professional Networks, and meetings of EuCheMS´ Executive Board. The General Assembly, the governing body of EuCheMS composed of representatives from each of the Member Societies and Supporting Members, meets annually and defines the general policy of EuCheMS.
Source: http://www.euchems.eu/
Ready for the Biggest Chemistry Event in Europe?
Pack both your lab goggles and sunglasses, the 6th European Chemistry Congress (ECC6) is taking place already next month in Seville, Spain. One of the biggest gatherings of chemistry in the world, ECC6 will present and discuss the newest scientific ideas while looking into how can these have a positive impact in our lives. With a rich scientific programme, counting, for instance, with plenary lectures from Nobel Prizes, ECC6 is not only for chemists, as it will also open its doors to the general public, schools, friends and families with – among other – theatre sessions showcasing the relevance of chemistry to society. Make sure you follow us on twitter and facebook for all the latest ECC6 updates!
Source: http://euchems-seville2016.eu
ERC Awards 44 Proof of Concept Grants
Earlier this month, the European Research Council (ERC) announced the names of 44 of its grant holders who will receive top-up funding to explore commercial or innovation potential of the results of their ERC-funded research. These Proof of Concept grants, worth €150,000 each, can be used, for example, to establish intellectual property rights, investigate business opportunities or conduct technical validation. Among other selected projects, one aims to design a new vaccine strategy for RNA viruses, like Ebola, dengue and Zika. The budget of the overall 2016 Proof of Concept competition is €20 million. In the first round of the competition 141 ERC grant holders applied.
Source: https://erc.europa.eu/
Knowing More About Citizen Science
The survey on data management in Citizen Science projects was set up as an open call via Citizen Science associations, European Commission departments and other organisations and projects. The rich set of results gives insights into how citizen science projects currently operate, namely the fact that most of the responding projects, 84%, were mostly in the area of environmental research. According to the JRC, the survey has started a global conversation about citizen science data management. Its analysis of the results calls for best practices to be promoted, along with greater collaboration between projects and fields, and suggests topics for further investigation.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/
Commission Presents Scientific Criteria to Identify Endocrine Disruptors
Following consecutive delays and repeated pressure from the European Parliament, the European Commission has presented last month the criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the field of plant protection products and biocides. The Commission proposes to the Council and the European Parliament to adopt a strong science-based approach to the identification of endocrine disruptors and to endorse the widely accepted WHO definition. The WHO defines an endocrine disruptor as “an exogenous substance or mixture that alters function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations”. The criteria also specify that the identification should make use of all relevant scientific evidence, use a weight of an evidence-based approach, and apply a robust systematic review.
Source: http://europa.eu/
Survey on Antimicrobial Resistance
As part of its wider strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the European Commission has published a Special Eurobarometer survey, showing a decrease of 6% in the consumption of antibiotics but at the same time a persistent lack of awareness on their effects. The survey clearly demonstrates that there exists a direct link between better information and lower consumption. The Commissions’ Action Plan on AMR (2011-2016) is currently being evaluated and will, together with the Eurobarometer results, feed into the ongoing work to identify value added EU Action in the fight against AMR as from next year and beyond, among other by giving a stronger push to innovation and research for the development of new antibiotics. European Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis stated that he would like the EU to be “the best practice region in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), giving a stronger push to research for the development of new antibiotics, as well as alternatives to antimicrobials.” This shows that the Commission shares EuCheMS concerns presented earlier this year at a STOA-EuCheMS workshop on AMR.
Source: http://europa.eu/
Air Quality Legislation: MEPs Strike Deal with Council
Plans for more ambitious national caps on emissions of key pollutants by 2030 were informally agreed by MEPs and the Dutch Presidency of the Council last month. The proposal sets out the national emission reduction commitments for the main pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), ammonia (NH3), and fine particulates (less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter). The agreement on air pollution, which causes about 400,000 premature deaths in the EU per year, now needs to be endorsed by the Environment Committee and Parliament as a whole.
Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/
OECD Report on the Economic Consequences of Outdoor Air Pollution
The report, published in June, is part of the “Costs of Inaction and Resource scarcity: consequences for Long-term Economic growth” (CIRCLE) project, which seeks to take into account the feedbacks from environmental pressures and resource scarcity to the economy.
One of the conclusions of this report, which counted with the collaboration of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), was that the projected increase in concentrations of PM2.5 and ozone will lead to substantial effects on the economy. For instance, healthcare costs related to global air pollution are projected to increase from USD 21 billion in 2015 to USD 176 billion in 2060.Also, by 2060, the annual number of lost working days, which affect labour productivity, are projected to reach 3.7 billion (currently around 1.2 billion) at the global level.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/