nir-vana innovation network

The Italian company has a team of senior experts in applied research in the field of biomonitoring methods by means of sensitive organisms, such as lichens, mosses and vascular plants, focusing on these main aspects:
- biodiversity of indicator species or group of species (functional diversity);
- bioaccumulation of air pollutants: potentially toxic elements, such as trace elements (e.g., Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and dioxins (PCDD), furans (PCDF), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs);
- data processing and modelling. High-level experience in statistical tools such as regressive and multivariate models, artificial intelligence algorithms, geostatistical tools for spatial analysis.
In the last 15 years, the SME has already provided its technical assistance to energy production companies, national and EU Universities and other research entities, or in the context of LIFE projects. They have experience in applying to LIFE and Horizon 2020.
In this field, they have also taken part to standard process at national and EU level, within the working groups of the Italian and European Standardization Centers (UNI and CEN).
The are looking for collaboration with research center and industry to enhance and apply its technologies.
They are looking for consortia applying for the Horizon Europe and LIFE calls to work under a research cooperation agreement.
As for Horizon Europe, the innovative tools and past experiences can contribute mainly to the objectives of the European Green Deal related to the Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, within the Pillar II, the SME can contribute to:
- Cluster 5 Climate, Energy and Mobility. Research area: climate action (Climate resilience and adaptation to climate change, Nature-based solutions).
- Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment. Research areas: Agriculture, forestry and rural areas, Environment.
As for LIFE programme, they can be involved in projects within sub-programmes ‘Nature and Biodiversity’ and ‘Climate change mitigation and adaptation’.

Advantages & innovations

The SME offers its innovative approach in the field of biodiversity monitoring and biomonitoring providing: - a science-based, quality-assured knowledge on natural resources to envision proper conservation and management actions. - representative, transparent and defensible environmental data and analyses. Research and application of the biomonitoring tools and biodiversity assessment to respond effectively to environmental problems and challenges requires a high-level and specific expertise and know-how that the team of the SME can offer. Further, the application of their methodological tools can also contribute to the specific request of: - The Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe; - The NEC Directive 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC in the context of national air pollution control programmes. Mainly regarding Article 9 monitoring air pollution impacts.

Stage of development

Prototype available for demonstration

Partner sought

The Italian SME is looking for research center and industry to apply and improve its technologies. More it search for a coordinator of a consortium that is planning to submit a proposal for Horizon Europe or LIFE calls focusing on topics such as the Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, Climate resilience and adaptation to climate change. The SME can play a role as partner or sub-contractor in charge of the process of design and standardisation of biomonitoring methods useful for the project aims (e.g., the individuation of new methods for monitoring climate change effects on indicator species or the development of new standard protocols to assess the bioaccumulation of targeted air pollutants). They can also perform the data processing by using ad hoc multivariate and modelling approaches. The SME needs a consortium with other partners to cooperate in the preparation of a successful proposal.