SAF€RA launched its ninth joint call for transnational, collaborative research projects on Februay 5th, 2025. The call title is Advanced materials and technologies, robotics and AI to improve health, safety and sustainability, with two topics:

• Topic 1: Applications of advanced materials and advanced technologies to reduce worker exposure to SoC and SVHC

The call aims to explore the potential of advanced materials and technologies to improve health, safety and sustainability in industry.

In the context of European research , advanced materials, also named renewable replacement chemicals in the literature, are understood as materials that are rationally designed to have (i) new or enhanced properties, and/or (ii) targeted or enhanced structural features with the objective to achieve specific or improved functional performance. This includes both new emerging manufactured materials (high-tech materials), and materials that are manufactured from traditional materials (low tech materials). They might, for example, replace hazardous chemicals such as Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) or other chemical substances of concern (SoC , ) and substances of very high concern (SVHC), and therefore reduce the exposure of workers to these substances. 

Replacement with multifunctional green materials as well as digital advanced technologies such as AI, Internet of Things, industrial data, Big Data, blockchain, quantum computing perhaps spilling over into, advanced manufacturing, robotics, additive manufacturing and 3D printing, might help find new formulations or new processes that have fewer negative effects on the workforce.

The research needs to address both, the regulatory framework and policy development for renewable replacement materials and supporting technologies in occupational health and safety, extending to any technological development that can deliver on the aim.

• Topic 2: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in the context of health, safety and sustainability

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems  are increasingly important as a digital tool in the workplace, enhancing productivity and performance across various sectors. In OSH, AI has particularly valuable applications, such as reducing accidents, preventing fatalities and maximising near-miss reporting. However, integrating AI into safety-critical roles presents unique challenges. One key issue is the difficulty of validating and certifying “black box” deep learning models, especially those with self-evolving behaviour. These challenges limit the deployment of AI in safety-critical functions, where they must often meet stringent regulatory requirements.

The objective of the research call is to investigate the use and impact of “trustworthy” AI-based components in industrial safety applications and the health sector, focusing on how validation and certification issues impact AI adoption.