Governance

Work Package 1 (WP1) ensures the successful delivery of EMBRACE through effective coordination of administrative, financial, technical and operational tasks. It ensures compliance with grant agreements, ethical guidelines and legal standards, including the creation of a Quality Management Plan (QMP) and Data Management Plan (DMP). Key actions include establishing a central project management hub, coordinating meetings and reporting, managing risks and overseeing ethical issues through a dedicated Ethics Board. A sustainable governance structure will also be developed, minimising travel and prioritising climate-friendly practices.

Work Package 2 (WP2) focuses on enhancing Europe’s preparedness for biotoxin incidents. A Biotoxin Task Force (BTF) will be established to provide expertise and identify gaps in current civil protection mechanisms. The work will involve creating operational concepts for biotoxin response, conducting risk assessments and developing new training materials for responders. A comprehensive survey and workshops with experts and responders will shape the training modules, which will incorporate advanced virtual and augmented reality technologies to improve learning outcomes.

Work Package 3 (WP3) aims to enhance the detection and forensic analysis of biotoxins. It will develop and test innovative sampling devices, such as wipe and aerosol samplers, and refine forensic chain-of-custody protocols. New procedures for laboratory analysis will be established, including attribution analysis to trace biotoxin origins. Portable detection devices like the DMA instrument and pBDi biosensor will be further developed and validated using real-world samples in controlled environments.

Work Package 4 (WP4) addresses the risks of biotoxin exposure through several actions. A risk assessment framework for responders will be developed and tested in field trials. The usability and effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be evaluated, including its impact on responder performance and stress. Forensic sampling guidelines will ensure legally compliant evidence collection. Biomarkers of exposure will be identified through advanced in vitro studies, supporting the development of diagnostic tools. Innovative decontaminants and methods will be tested for their safety and environmental impact.

Work Package 5 (WP5) ensures the safety and efficiency of responders during biotoxin incidents. It will establish a system for tracking affected individuals, from initial symptoms to treatment outcomes, and an automated alert system to identify and notify authorities of potential biotoxin threats. This escalation pathway will integrate casualty data and suggest contamination sources. Additionally, the well-being of responders will be enhanced through a Human Durability Index (HDI), which combines physical, toxicological and thermal stress measurements. Advanced wearable sensors will be deployed to monitor stress in real time.

Work Package 6 (WP6) evaluates EMBRACE innovations through comprehensive table-top (TTX) and field-based (FTX) trials. A biotoxin incident scenario will test tools, protocols and interoperability across emergency response sectors. Trials will assess biotoxin detection, PPE, decontamination methods, patient transport procedures and responder stress monitoring. Outcomes will guide the development of a reproducible trial toolbox, including templates and guidelines for planning and conducting biotoxin exercises tailored to various scenarios.

Work Package 6 (WP6) creates the EMBRACE BRSH, a dynamic platform that consolidates biotoxin-related knowledge and stakeholder resources. The hub will integrate data from EMBRACE and trusted external sources, ensuring secure access for authorised users. It will include modules for training materials, scientific publications, regulatory frameworks and a stakeholder directory. Links to existing platforms like the CBRN Toolbox and European disaster resilience networks will be established, supporting seamless data exchange and collaboration. The BRSH will serve as a central hub for ongoing knowledge sharing and innovation.

Work Package 8 (WP8) ensures the long-term impact and visibility of EMBRACE outcomes. It will promote project achievements through a robust communication strategy, including the “Guide to Surviving a Biotoxin Event” for public awareness and a media briefing pack for journalists. The BRSH will play a key role in disseminating findings and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. WP8 will also drive standardisation efforts, identifying gaps in biotoxin incident protocols and liaising with standards committees. A detailed valorisation strategy will ensure intellectual property protection, market readiness and sustainability beyond the project’s lifespan.