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UCAM Catholic University of Murcia
Research

UCAM to Lead Sustainable Transformation of Europe’s Chemical Industry

The university coordinates 22 entities from 10 countries in the EU-funded ‘GreenChem’ project, backed by nearly €5 million to boost sector competitiveness

Presentation of the GreenChem project at UCAM HiTech.
Presentation of the GreenChem project at UCAM HiTech.
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Improving technical and digital skills for students and professionals, aligning education with the real-world needs of an industry in ecological transition, and fostering the transfer of applied knowledge to the productive sector are the core pillars of the Erasmus+ project ‘Network of Centres of Vocational Excellence in Green and Digital Chemistry’ (GreenChem).

With a budget of €4,994,711 from the European Union, the project brings together 23 entities—including training centers, private companies, and public bodies—from Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia, Finland, Turkey, and Ukraine. Under the coordination of UCAM, this consortium will create Europe's largest network of excellence centers focused on training, innovation, and sustainable chemistry.

Closing the Gap Between Classroom and Industry

During the kick-off meeting held at UCAM HiTech, regional authorities and lead researcher José Antonio Gabaldón highlighted the project as an international milestone. The goal is to bridge the gap between academic training and the practical demands of the chemical industry.

Key actions include:

  • Modernizing Strategic Infrastructure: Enhancing facilities such as the polymer recycling pilot plant in Cartagena.
  • Zero Environmental Impact: Ensuring future professionals are trained to operate within a sustainable, circular economy framework.
  • Digital Integration: Embedding advanced digitalization into vocational and university curricula.

A Strategic Alliance for Innovation

GreenChem is designed as both an educational roadmap and a model for applied research. By creating new training programs and improving chemical process safety, the project aims to reduce waste and hazardous substances while increasing industrial efficiency.

The leadership team at UCAM includes researchers José Antonio Gabaldón, Estrella Núñez, Nuria Vela, and María Isabel Vasallo from the International Projects Office. This alliance between academia and industry is set to drive employability and strengthen the competitiveness of a sector vital to the European economy.

Key Partners

The consortium features a diverse range of international organizations, including:

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GreenChem
Erasmus+
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