The SPARKUP project has been successfully granted funding under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS-03 call (ERA Talents). The project is coordinated by Dr. Gvozden Tasić from the Vinča Nuclear Research Institute and includes the University of Rome Tor Vergata - Master CBRNe - CBRNe Gate as a partner.
SPARKUP addresses the increasing risks posed by CBRNe threats, with a particular focus on the Southern CEE region, which faces heightened challenges due to ongoing geopolitical instabilities. The project aims to bridge gaps in the European Research Area (ERA) by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening research and innovation capabilities, and enhancing the mobility of professionals across academic and non-academic sectors.
The initiative will be developed in cooperation with public, private, and military entities from Serbia, Hungary, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Professor Andrea Malizia will serve as the Principal Investigator for the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Objectives and Structure
SPARKUP is designed to enhance talent development and career opportunities in the field of CBRNe research and innovation. The project is structured around three key pillars:
1. Comprehensive talent development and circulation – Facilitating collaboration between academia and industry through targeted training programs.
2. Sustainable talent management and R&I capabilities – Strengthening the leading CBRNe research institutions in the region through knowledge exchange and shared infrastructure.
3. Establishment of a Center of Excellence – Positioning the UCPS as a key institution for talent development, cross-sectoral collaboration, and research support in the Southern CEE region.
Through these efforts, SPARKUP seeks to advance research excellence, improve employability in the sector, and ensure that Europe retains and develops top talent to address the evolving challenges of CBRNe threats. The project is set to begin in summer 2025.
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