About the Project
Call ID
HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS-03
Duration
06.2025 – 06.2028 (36 Months)
Total Budget
Partners
Countries
Duration
What Do We Do?
SPARKUP is an initiative aimed at strengthening the Southern Central and Eastern European (CEE) region’s capacity to respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) threats. Motivated by rising security risks and regional geopolitical tensions, the project focuses on enhancing research and innovation (R&I) capabilities through cross-sectoral collaboration. SPARKUP fosters talent development, career mobility, and workforce adaptability by bridging academic and non-academic sectors.
Through targeted upskilling programmes, personalised career support, and real-world secondment opportunities, the project empowers a new generation of CBRNE experts while contributing to a more integrated and resilient European Research Area.
Project Objectives
Enhance the entrepreneurial and leadership skills of ERA talents
Implement a comprehensive training programme that diversifies scientific and technological expertise, enhances practical field experience, and builds soft skills and societal awareness aligned with industry needs.
1
Increase R&I capacities of academic partners
Strengthen institutional capabilities by assessing existing competencies, forming joint working groups, and promoting knowledge transfers to improve collaboration and access to cutting-edge R&I infrastructure.
2
Establish the CBRNE Center of Excellence at UCPS
Position UCPS as a regional leader by defining a robust governance model, upgrading infrastructure, expanding capacities, and launching a dedicated R&I Support Office to drive innovation and talent development.
3
Maximise project impact, visibility, and sustainability
Ensure broad dissemination of results, actively engage stakeholders, and promote long-term collaboration by creating a CBRNE Cluster and its Community of Experts.
4
Impact
Enhanced Employability
Better career prospects for ERA Talents in the CBRNE industry.
Increased Interoperability
Stronger knowledge transfer between academia and industry.
Boosted R&I
Strengthened R&I capacities in CBRNE for more robust solutions.
Global Impact and Sustainability
Broadened international reach and lasting project outcomes.
