Description of the project

EMBRACE (Pan-European Management of Biological toxin incidents through standaRdisAtion initiatives for Crisis response Enhancement) is a forward-thinking initiative under the Horizon Europe programme, addressing the critical need for enhanced crisis management strategies tailored to biological toxin incidents.

Recognising the unique complexities of biotoxin crises, the project seeks to fill gaps in current protocols derived from broader Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) frameworks.

Over its 36-month duration, EMBRACE aims to revolutionise Europe's biotoxin incident response capabilities by integrating advanced scientific knowledge, innovative technologies, robust operational approaches, and a wide network of stakeholders.

EMBRACE represents a strategic blend of scientific rigour, technological innovation and collaborative effort underscored by a commitment to sustainability. Its outcomes are poised to not only enhance crisis management capabilities but also contribute to a safer and more resilient Europe in the face of evolving biothreats.

Core Mission

Central to EMBRACE's mission is the consolidation of clinical and scientific expertise to inform and refine response measures. The project will explore biotoxins not previously studied in similar contexts, leveraging cutting-edge research to develop risk-based recommendations for personal protective equipment, novel decontaminants and diagnostic tools.

Groundbreaking efforts include in vitro studies to identify biomarkers of human exposure alongside the design of portable biosensors and field diagnostic devices. These advances will empower first responders with real-time actionable data during biothreat scenarios.

Cross-Border Collaboration

The project also emphasises interoperability across borders and sectors, aiming for seamless integration of solutions through a comprehensive standardisation strategy. EMBRACE will engage with existing networks to establish a vibrant knowledge-sharing community culminating in the formation of a Biotoxin Task Force. This task force will serve as a sustainable resource for expertise, guiding both project partners and the broader community in responding to biotoxin-related incidents.

Lasting Impact

To ensure lasting impact, EMBRACE is developing a biotoxin reference and stakeholder hub, a centralised platform designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and provide access to distributed expertise. This hub will support the dissemination and valorisation of project outputs, paving the way for successful commercialisation of innovative solutions and fostering a legacy of preparedness and resilience.