SMARTEnvi project seeks to develop, pilot and test innovative digital tools, training methods, and materials for reducing hazards to our environment and water resources by rehabilitating open dumps. The intellectual outputs of the project, namely smart decision tool for rehabilitation of open dumps, competence tool, multilingual e-learning-platform, learning modules, and smart guidance manual, will help develop competences in various sustainability-relevant sectors so that target groups will be able to deal effectively with rehabilitation of open dumps. The target group includes engineers and other technical personnel in relevant sectors, decision-makers, and researchers. The project will also provide testing of innovative practices to prepare the target groups to become true factors of change.Solid waste created by people especially in urban areas is a significant problem all over the world that governments are obliged to solve. The disposal of large amounts of these solid wastes from multiple sources generates a high economic and environmental burden to local governments. If not disposed properly, solid waste cause environmental problems and affects human life adversely. Today, the most commonly used method for the disposal of solid waste is the landfill method. However, before the landfill applications, solid waste were disposed randomly to any area outside the city by open dumping. Even in the countries which started to use the landfill method, abandoned open dump sites continue to danger the environment and human health. There are three significant and vital problems in the open dumps: 1) CH4 gas, a greenhouse gas that’s 28 times more potent than CO2, generated from biodegradable solid wastes in anaerobic conditions. The CH4 is explosive when present in the range of 5–15% by volume in air, and becomes flammable when this rate is higher than 15 %. 2) Leachate and the change in soil properties. Leachate is caused by infiltration of rainwater into the solid wastes as well as by the water content of the solid wastes themselves. Change in the soil properties accelerate the magnitude and speed of the leachates which may contain many organic and inorganic pollutants. This leachate percolates through the soil and reaches the groundwater resulting in a substantial risk to local groundwater resources and to the natural environment. 3) Structural stability in open dump sites. Due to the abovementioned vital problems, open dump sites that are no longer in use need to be rehabilitated and the existing ones should be improved. The European Union has a directive on landfill of wastes (No: 1999/31 / EC), which defines the limitations and procedures to be taken in order to prevent or minimize the threats to the environment. Within the scope of this project, it is planned to produce outputs for target groups on the rehabilitation of open dumping sites which are forgotten and/or ignored after the establishment of a landfill, but still exist as a potential hazard. In many countries that are members or candidates of the European Union, open dumps still represent environmental problems. The partners of this project come together because open dumps represent an environmental hazard in their countries and there is substantial need for decision tools incorporating new technologies, up to date modern training tools and materials, and methodologies. The partnership consists of universities, private organizations, and municipalities with high reputations in their respective fields which got together according to requirements of the project and experience of the partners. There are nine formal partners and six associated partners from five different countries in the proposed project: the applicant Gebze Technical University, Pamukkale University, and Denizli Metropolitan Municipality, from Turkey; Training 2000 and Municipality of Fano from Italy; Silesian University of Technology from Poland; Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and Research and Development Biointech from Bulgaria; and Universitatea Petrol-Gaze din Ploiesti from Romania. Associated partners comprises of professional organizations like chamber of civil and environmental engineers, network of municipalities, private organizations, and societies. All consortium members have necessary experiences which fulfill different tasks foreseen in the project. Because the problem is a common problem in the countries of partners, the solution requires transnational cooperation and sharing the resources and developing results applicable to this international problem.In addition to above mentioned contribution, the SMARTEnvi project may support to creation of new job opportunities by providing up-skilling or re-skilling of those affected from adverse employment conditions via its products such as smart decision tools incorporating new technologies, up to date modern training tools and materials, and methodologies.

The AQUABIOPRO-FIT main objective is to promote efficient utilisation of European aquaculture, fisheries and agriculture side streams in feeds and nutritional supplement products promoting fitness and health. To this end, we will develop side stream biomass processing technologies to up-concentrate nutrients and bioactives maintaining product quality and minimising waste. The safety, bioactivity and acceptance of the developed ingredients and products will be documented through cell, animal, taste panel and intervention studies with humans, namely athletes and patient groups. Technical, marketing, economic and environmental studies will complement the documentation portfolio of the AQUABIOPRO-FIT concepts and products. The developed knowledge and principles will be further systematised in net-based training modules, which will follow the intellectual property rights of the developed methods and products. Information material will be created for educating the public and raise awareness of the importance of circular economy and promote acceptance for side stream bio-based products in end markets.

"The future challenges and possible environmentally related competitive advantages are linked to the two generic technologies - Biotechnology and ICT. They are reducing and preventing the negative impacts of humans technology on environment and health, and ensure the potential of future sustainable development. In this context discussions about the environmental aspects of biotechnology and ICT and how they are shaped in interaction with HE trends is performed. This is also important as ICT technology is seriously embedded into many new biotechnological processes, products, etc. This outlined the project objectives to develop HE prospects for integrated environmental and innovation training in relation to interaction of biotechnology and digital technology areas. The objectives pursued and the innovative education offered will be focused on target groups in the following directions:- to define the applications of digital technologies in biotechnology- to create, using ICT, a virtual space and educational content, enriched with visual elements and simulations- to apply EQF/NQF/HE principles for qualification development ensuring technical competence and skills of target groups- to show the innovative character of digital technologies and their effect on green industryThe project partnership is created with understanding for the HEs needs to shift educational policy from “knowledge” to “competence” and for introduction of LOs and ECTS within the Biotechnology & ICT education for green technologies development. It unifies EU partners from BG, GR, DE, IT, FR and comprises three HEIs, two SMEs with core activity in fostering quality standards in educational and Biotech management, and two R&D Centers having core expertise in implementation of sustainable scientific, educational and social practices.The project methodology is based on System Development Life Cycle concept, which divides the project lifetime into four Phases and seven Tasks/Activities: Arrangement of project management & administration; Project start up; Methodological framework & work plan; Intellectual Outputs production; Approbation of project deliverables; Performance of Dissemination & Use; Assurance of durable effect of project.During the project life cycle the following results will be developed:I) A comprehensive digital educational platform comprising Intellectual Outputs in the frame of Biotechnology and ICT, designed as LOs:O1: The Drivers of Digital technology and ICT in HE: A Case Study, examining the contribution of contemporary learning technologies to the institutional modernization.O2: Open Content Platform, an innovative tool using blended learning approach for a self-paced, free source of online education in the field of ICT for green Biotechnology.O3: Learning Area & Reference Model which will be focused on the development of the training programme and formulation of LOs/BLPs.O4: Guide ""Teaching and learning in HE"" designed for academic professionals and offering both the essentials of effective HE teaching and guidelines how to use the project web platform.O5: Students Smart Kit elaborated for BSc/MSc students and describing strategies for effective learning and the opportunities in the project.O6: Science for Educational Resources comprising latest innovations in the field of ICT for green Biotechnology and encompassing case studies, presentations, videos, visualizations, 3D-educational images, etc.The programme will be realized through actions assigning the following results:II) Results for project management & administration: derived during project conceptual design; complementing the Intellectual Outputs; processing multiplier events; assisting training programme piloting; related to project D linked with Digit-BioTech sustainability provision.III) Results dedicated on the MEs performance and popularization of all project deliverables.IV) Results related with the organisation of TPMs.The expected impact of Digit-BioTech project is directly connected with the innovative achievements anticipated by it. The generic innovations that outline prospects for durable impact are focused on:- Development of innovative training materials and practical teaching and guidance tools oriented towards project targets- LO-based educational approach - offered in a blended mode and contributing to introduction of a training approach leading towards qualification- Amalgamation of a virtual space and educational content thus implementing digital strategies in HE trainingThe potential of long-term benefits from the Digit-BioTech project is grounded on the envisaged possibilities for:- Implementation of project outputs into national educational systems at formal institutions and in-company training departments- Capacity development of HEIs to support and build up employability- Mobilizing science and technology and foster capacity for innovation- Improving the social, economic, and environmental sustainability."

The global emergency of COVID 19 pandemic requires a response through science and technology means, wherein nanotechnology approaches may contribute with advanced solutions. They can address the many clinical and healthcare challenges that have arisen from the coronavirus activity, the fight against the disease, and the ongoing mitigation strategies. The COVID 19 crisis has accelerated as well the need to digitally transform education and training systems. In Higher Education (HE), there is a need for strengthening the capacity to provide high quality, inclusive digital education and to realize an immediate impact of the new knowledge for combating the coronavirus pandemic. To address these needs, the project “Digital University Aula in Nanotechnology education to fight COVID 19 – Nano-Code” will develop an innovative educational programme, based on ICT and EQF/NQFs/HE strategic system for organization of an education process. It will improve the professional performance of HE tutors/graduates and encourage implementation of relevant quality standards in nanotech area. The objectives pursued by the project are:- To study the peculiarities of specific resources and define the applications of digital technologies in teaching/learning nanotechnology.- To create a virtual space (Digital University Aula) and educational content that offer individual solutions adapted to challenges and real situations at local level.- To apply EQF/NQF/HE principles for competence development of the target groups.- To show the innovative character of nanotechnology and its impact on COVID 19 combating through digital education.Nano-Code project consortium is created on the basis of mutual agreement and understanding for the HE needs to shift educational policy from traditional to digital environment and tools, operating through EQF/NQFs/ECTS instruments. It unifies 6 partners from 4 countries: Bulgaria (P1–P3), Germany (P4), Greece (P5) and Turkey (P6) and comprises 2 Universities (P1, P6), 2 R&D Centers (P2, P4), 1 NGO (P5), and 1 SME (P3). The project is structured in 4 phases comprising ordered work in terms of Activities (A) performance and technical, human and financial resources involvement.Ph1. Preparation (A1–2): Managerial and administrative arrangements and project commencement;Ph2. Implementation (A3–4): Methodology and work plan issue; Intellectual Outputs elaboration;Ph3. Follow-up (A5–6): Results evaluation, appraisal and verification; Dissemination & Use performance;Ph4. Sustainability (A7): Sustainability and impact: post-project sustainable actions organization.The methodology to be used in the project activities involves application of good managerial practice and methods for:- Administration: distribution of project tasks by time, type of activity and partners- Quality management: launch of objectives and processes required to deliver the desired results- Implementation: processes used to complete the work defined in the management plan- Monitoring & evaluation: managing and tracking the project activities- Dissemination & use (D&U): studying and evaluation of the project’s influence potential on target groups/sectors/users- Financial control: documentation and reporting to avoid financial conflicts and violations of contractual obligations. Nano-Code results will be elaborated in compliance with project development and will be defined by the outflow of the project phases:Ph1: Quality Management Plan, Project Communication Plan, D&U Plan and relevant supporting tools.Ph2: Intellectual Outputs O1: Nano-Code Digital University Aula design and establishment; O2: Digital competence concept: mapping advanced digital skills and knowledge; O3: Nano-Code innovative model for digital higher education; O4: Nano-Code digitally enhanced curriculum; O5: Fast Digital Organizer for teaching/learning on demand of HE tutors/graduates.Ph3: Follow-up & sustainability: Internal/external project assessment; Multiplier Events (E1–E6) performance.D&U and impact provision: dissemination checklist; publication of D&U materials.The envisaged Nano-Code impact will be realized among core players and wide audience at national/EU level. The innovative digitally enhanced curriculum in “Nanotechnology to fight COVID 19” creates prospects for targets-focused impact. Its structuring and operation within the established Digital University Aula through a Learning Outcomes-based model will contribute to the introduction of a competence-grounded approach to teaching/learning and assessment. The project will develop innovative educational materials and address a theme of particular EC interest: Nanotechnology vs. COVID 19. Potential longer term benefits are anticipated through implementation of project outputs into national HE systems and in-company training units; promotion of HEIs capacity to support and build up employability; mobilizing education, science and technology to realize positive effect in COVID 19 combat.