Modern technologies in enhancing situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Perspective of European Commission call in 2022

Abstract

Objective: The research objective is to indicate current priorities of the European Commission in funding modern technologies that enhance situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Methods: We analysed strategic documents of the European Union informing CBRN safety and security Horizon 2020 program priorities and the proposal which won the call HORIZON-CL3-2022-DRS-01-08. This process allowed us to indicate patterns reflecting European Union’s priorities in funding development of modern technologies to enhance both the awareness and the preparedness. Results: Investigation of 7 fundamental documents gave strategic background for applying modern technologies that enhance situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Relevant directions were reflected in the call for proposals named Disaster-Resilient Society 2022. Only one proposal was selected for funding and it now forms the basis for CHIMERA project (the full project title is: Comprehensive Hazard Identification, and Monitoring systEm for uRban Areas). The project’s mission is to provide a technological improvement in the CBRN domain complying with European legislation and boosting the capabilities of end-users with novel detection, identification, and monitoring functionalities at relatively high TRL. Discussion: As CHIMERA project describes directly many of issues addressed in the call for proposals, the current directions reflect strategic assumptions for ensuring safety and security in Europe. The project also uniquely concerns CBRN response capability gaps identified by International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation. Success story of CHIMERA proposal may serve as a reference in developing new technologies in a project formula in the future.