The transformation of European cities into sustainable, resilient spaces requires innovative solutions in many areas – from renewable energy and green technologies to inclusive urban design. Three COST Actions demonstrate how targeted research networks can accelerate this urban evolution through collaborative scientific discovery and practical implementation.

These Actions have catalysed breakthroughs in critical areas: advancing clean energy technologies essential for decarbonising cities, developing sustainable industrial processes that support the circular economy, and creating smart urban environments that improve the quality of life for residents of all ages. Bringing together diverse expertise, from materials scientists and chemical engineers to urban planners and social researchers, these Actions exemplify COST’s ability to address complex urban challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Powering the future, splitting water, and sparking change

The COST Action Computational materials sciences for efficient water splitting with nanocrystals from abundant elements (CompNanoEnergy) focused on the development of advanced materials to harness solar energy and produce hydrogen, a clean and renewable fuel. This initiative brought together scientists from different disciplines to apply a range of cutting-edge computational modelling techniques to predict the behaviour of atoms and molecules, and later integrated machine learning to accelerate research.

The primary goal of CompNanoEnergy was to design nanocatalysts, tiny materials that speed up chemical reactions, for solar-to-hydrogen conversion. By studying these materials at multiple scales, from atomic structures to practical applications, the Action advanced the understanding of how to improve their efficiency.

The results were shared widely through review articles and training schools, which enabled CompNanoEnergy’s young scientists to master emerging topics such as machine learning and apply them to renewable energy challenges.

The Action’s success extended to securing a COST Innovators Grant, which led to the NanoCatML project, which uses machine learning to identify patterns in complex data sets, accelerating the discovery of higher-performing nanocatalysts.

These innovations are crucial for Europe to meet its sustainable energy goals and strengthen its industrial competitiveness globally. As Chair of the Action, Prof. Maytal Caspary Toroker of TECHNION – Israel Institute of Technology, explains:

“Our united network has advanced the understanding of the challenges in multi-scale modelling and provided realistic models meant for industry consideration. These efforts could have a real impact on industry and society”.

CompNanoEnergy research also produced practical results. Improved materials, such as transition metal oxides, perovskites (medium-hard oxide minerals), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), demonstrated their significant potential. For example, one discovery showed that selectively modifying MOFs increased hydrogen production efficiency by 500%. This strategy will allow materials engineering to transform environmental technologies and energy production.

The collaborations within CompNanoEnergy and NanoCatML directly support the EU Mission on Smart Cities, which seeks to create sustainable and efficient urban energy systems. By enabling the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and advancing solar-driven catalytic processes, the research contributes to the development of greener, more sustainable cities.

Reflecting on the Actions’ impact, Prof. Toroker concludes:

“The seeds of collaboration planted in our Action are expected to grow into impactful joint projects, fostering a sustainable future for Europe and beyond.”

The COST Action Green Chemical Engineering Network towards upscaling sustainable processes (GREENERING) has made remarkable progress in promoting green chemistry by bringing together academia, industry and policymakers. These efforts are closely aligned with the EU’s sustainability goals for a greener economy.

GREENERING has built an active community of over 500 participants, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Chair Dr Ana Rita Duarte from the New University of Lisbon highlighted the achievement: “A functional, proactive community for the development and implementation of green processes has been created.”

The networking and training activities of the Action have had a far-reaching impact. Two international conferences and seven ‘GREENERING Bubbles’ workshops trained more than 55 industry professionals in green strategies and engaged more than 35 companies. Three entrepreneurship courses equipped 60 young researchers to bring green innovations to market. Training schools and short-term scientific missions provided hands-on experience in sustainable technologies, while educational videos reached a global audience of over 17,000 viewers, raising awareness of green chemistry principles.

Innovation and entrepreneurship

GREENERING has also delivered significant research and innovation results. With 52 patents and 36 publications, the Action provided practical tools such as the GREENERING Expert Database, which connects stakeholders with 100 global green technology experts. Pilot-scale projects demonstrated how laboratory research can be translated into real industrial solutions. Open days further strengthened the links between academia and industry by enabling researchers to understand industry needs and tailor their efforts accordingly.

Dr Duarte highlighted this collaboration: “A vibrant network has been created for the exchange of knowledge and expertise from university to industry.”

A key focus of GREENERING was to empower researchers to be entrepreneurial. Courses and workshops helped participants refine business ideas and turn them into market-ready solutions. For example, a 2023 event in Portugal brought together 25 young researchers to pitch innovative green processes. Dr Duarte described the wider impact:

“Providing the necessary tools to pave the way to the market strengthens Europe’s leadership in green and sustainable industries.” Dr Ana Rita Duarte, Chair of GREENERING

The legacy of GREENERING will continue through its enduring tools and initiatives. The GREENERING International Conference, to be held at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi in 2025, will bring together stakeholders from around the world while raising a new generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs and scientists.

The International Interdisciplinary Network on Smart Healthy Age-friendly Environments (NET4Age-Friendly) addressed the challenge of creating supportive environments for people of all ages. It focused on older adults and people in vulnerable situations by promoting social inclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical solutions. The Action’s primary achievement was developing the Reference Framework for Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (SHAFE), a guide for integrating digital tools, integrated care models, and sustainable solutions into everyday life. As Chair, Carina Dantas from SHINE 2Europe highlighted: “We want to promote communities where people can learn, grow, work, socialise and enjoy healthy lives, benefiting from digital innovation and adaptable support models.” The Action fostered collaboration among stakeholders using the ‘quintuple helix’ model, which brings together academia, industry, government, civil society, and environmental organisations. One key outcome was the SIRENE project, which introduced a framework for integrating social innovation in the Development of smart built environments. At the Action’s final event in Brussels in October 2024, NET4Age-Friendly showcased how SHAFE could scale across EU regions and ecosystems to drive local and regional change. SHAFE also gained global recognition as a best practice for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, selected by the United Nations.

“We want to promote communities where people can learn, grow, work, socialise and enjoy healthy lives, benefiting from digital innovation and adaptable support models.” Ms Carina Dantas, Chair of NET4Age-Friendly

Turning Concepts into Action

NET4Age-Friendly moved beyond theoretical work to implement practical, inclusive solutions. At the New European Bauhaus Festival, participants collaborated to design solutions for a fictional family, the Garcias, addressing mobility and mental health challenges. This initiative demonstrated how SHAFE principles could solve real-world issues through innovative design and technology. The event’s findings were captured in a White Paper published in April 2024, providing policymakers and developers with a roadmap for creating inclusive, health-promoting neighbourhoods. Willeke van Staalduinen, Vice-Chair explained:

“This roadmap aligns policies and strategies to promote ecological, health-promoting environments.”

The Action also prioritised training and knowledge-sharing, equipping young researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders with the tools to create age-friendly environments. Workshops and schools helped transfer critical expertise, empowering participants to foster intergenerational well-being.

Young researchers played a vital role, participating in hands-on activities like the ‘Garcia Family’ workshop. The final event included a dedicated session to train these researchers to implement SHAFE concepts in their communities, ensuring the Action’s vision will continue to grow.

The SHAFE Foundation, co-founded by the Action Chair and Vice-Chair, will carry forward NET4Age-Friendly’s mission. This organisation will continue advancing SHAFE principles through research, policy development, and mentoring, expanding its reach across Europe and beyond through local pilot projects. Summarising this vision, Carina Dantas noted:

“Many countries are addressing healthy ageing and digital transformation, but holistic approaches like SHAFE are still rare. Our goal is to connect fragmented efforts into sustainable networks.”

NET4Age-Friendly laid a solid foundation for creating inclusive, age-friendly communities while promoting sustainability and well-being for all generations.

Additional information

Read more about Computational materials sciences for efficient water splitting with nanocrystals from abundant elements (CompNanoEnergy)

Read more about Machine learning from computational materials science data for modelling nanocrystal catalysts (NanoCatML)

Read more about Green Chemical Engineering Network towards upscaling sustainable processes (GREENERING)

Read more about International Interdisciplinary Network on Smart Healthy Age-friendly Environments (NET4AGE-FRIENDLY)