Open Topic on advanced protective gear optimized for CBRN-E (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) environments and new generation of smart protective equipment for disaster responders

Expected Outcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes:

• Developed of advanced protective gear specifically designed for optimal performance in Chemical or Biological or Radiological, and Nuclear or Explosives (CBRN-E) environments;

• Created innovative smart protective equipment for disaster responders, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency;

• Improvement of protective solutions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of disaster responders operating in hazardous and high-risk environments.

Scope:

This topic aims to advance the development of protective gear specifically designed for optimal performance in specificities of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRN-E) environments, along with the creation of a new generation of smart protective equipment for disaster responders. Projects should focus on the use of innovative materials, technologies, and design features that enhance the protective capabilities of gear used in high-risk, hazardous environments, ensuring the safety and well-being of disaster responders with an inclusive and user-centric approach. The integration of advanced technologies will be crucial to enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the equipment.

Projects should conduct a stakeholder or market analysis and a roadmap or plan for uptake of the developed methodologies, findings, and technologies to the industry, the research and innovation community, and/or the relevant authorities. The current response capacities of the European Civil Protection Pool[1] and the rescEU strategic reserve[2] should be taken into account in the roadmap to ensure needs-based approach.

Proposals should build upon existing research outputs, specifically under other Horizon Europe Cluster 4, and technologies to create smart, adaptive protective solutions that respond dynamically to evolving threats in CBRN-E scenarios. This includes the incorporation of features similar to automated hazard detection, environmental monitoring, and advanced communication systems to provide real-time situational awareness. The new gear should meet rigorous safety standards while improving the comfort, mobility, and usability of responders, enabling better performance and faster decision-making in demanding environments.

Proposals should focus on providing comprehensive solutions that combine robust protection, operational support, and data-driven insights, ensuring a holistic approach to safety. Collaboration between research institutions, manufacturers, and end-users will be essential to ensure that the resulting products meet the practical requirements of practitioners in the field. The Preparedness Union Strategy is a key document in this regard. Analysing the capacity gaps of the UCPM[3] as well as finding synergies with the rescEU strategic reserve and projects from operational grants, such as the Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness (KAPP)[4], is recommended.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 7-8 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.

[1] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/media/ecpp-capacities-brochure

[2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en

[3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0286

[4] Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP) - European Commission - https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/funding-evaluations/financing-civil-protection/cp-calls-proposals/knowledge-action-prevention-and-preparedness-kapp-0_en