Gliomas are highly lethal brain tumours, which are challenging to treat because of their diffuse structure in the brain and inaccessibility to chemicals and traditional chemotherapy due to the existence of the blood-brain barrier. To overcome this, the GlioLight project team is developing novel light sources for ultra-short laser pulses for direct light therapy (USP-DLT), thus revolutionising glioma therapy. The underlying mechanism of DLT is direct stimulation of the reactive oxygen species production in brain tissue, among which the singlet oxygen (1O2) is most directly connected with tumour tissue elimination. To facilitate the translation of the GlioLighT results and clinical application of the USP-DLT, the team from VINS will join GlioLighT through the TOGETHER Hop On project and establish a numerical model that will correlate the in vivo 1O2 concentration with the parameters of light propagation through the brain, thus helping in the dosimetry and representing the step forward the personalised glioma treatment. Determining 1O2 concentration by measuring its photosensitiser-free phosphorescence in vivo is challenging because of its low 1O2 yield, short lifetime, and interference with a biological background. These problems are solved by evolving a new technology that uses time-correlated multiple photon counting (TCMPC) near-infrared photomultiplier tube (NIR-PMT) detection systems. Therefore, the aim of the TOGETHER project is to use TCMPC and collect the data for the numerical 3D model used for the USP-DLT dosimetry for treating glioma. VINS will establish an in vitro and in vivo mouse model, customise the TCMPC detection system, collect the data and develop a numerical model. Widening instruments will be exploited to boost the VINS team's excellence and strengthen its innovation capacity, and help increase GlioLighT's impact on widening countries.

Air quality still poses a challenge to health, ecosystems and climate in Europe, despite decades of positive developments. Since the adoption of the first EU legislation on ambient air, the process knowledge has increased, the remote and in-situ observing technologies have undergone major developments, and new potent ICT infrastructures have emerged. Low cost sensing technologies have enabled a paradigm shift in air quality monitoring, triggering new research needs and opportunities in order to underpin the new capabilities. VIDIS will develop strategic partnership of VINCA Institute (SR) with leading international counterparts known for research on low-cost sensing (ENEA (IT), NILU (NO), Queensland University (AU)). VIDIS will establish scientific collaboration and networking and generate new knowledge that will allow the society to meaningfully utilize the new technologies, e.g., the emerging democratized data collection. VINCA is recognized in atmospheric research and in-situ monitoring including low-cost technologies. In order to fully capitalize on and improve this expertise, there is a need to establish a strategic partnership with institutions excellent in areas VINCA has been pursuing. VIDIS will improve observing capabilities and develop quality systems needed to ensure meaningful data integration. It will develop artificial intelligence and machine learning methods allowing to integrate the new types of data into existing information systems. Building on methods and data collected from ongoing projects of all partners, VIDIS will establish collaborative research, education, training and dissemination activities, early stage researcher training and mobility, and support early stage researcher career development also in research administration and stakeholder contact. This will increase the innovation capacities of VINCA and partners, improve VINCA’s collaborative potential, and contribute to excellence of European research and innovation.

Intensive growth of both the telecommunication and electronic industry in recent years is occurring. With the spreading of electronic device usage in everyday life, the pollution caused by Electromagnetic Waves (EWs) is ubiquitous. EWs are predominantly emitted from cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, etc. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) demonstrates a strong negative impact on electrical devices and affects human health causing leukemia and brain tumors, and the danger of EMI is underlined for those with implanted active medical devices. Thus, textile fabric that can absorb EWs is in high demand in resolving such a life-threatening matter. Another arising problem with EWs is their effect on the working performance of electronic devices leading to untrusted signals and noise. To prevent degradation by unwanted currents and voltages, instrument obstruction, false results, and to reduce measuring time, materials able to neutralize EMI effects are highly needed. The GrInShield project will bring innovation in the field of shielding materials by exploring new nanomaterials as a protective barrier. The goal of this project is twofold: to increase significantly the scientific excellence of the consortium by addressing a scientific issue with potential economic/industrial impact: producing efficient shielding material based on nanotechnology materials for EMI protection; to improve the administrative skills of the coordinator institution from the widening country staff through collaboration with members of the consortium from FRA, GER, and SLO offices. By working with top-class partners, researchers from the widening country will improve scientific skills, work with cutting-edge instruments and gain frontier education, enhance project writing skills, and improve publication records, while the administration will become a competitive, dynamic and efficient instrument for preparation of international projects as well as their implementation.