During middle Triassic, the area of western Paleotethys, specifically the Alpine-Dinaride-Carpathian System, experienced intensive magmatic activity along the carbonate platform margins. Accordingly, understanding the volcano-sedimentary successions is key knowledge to unveil the geodynamics. This project will, therefore, focus on area encompasses the mountain range of NW Croatia (Ivanščica Mt., Strahinjščica Mt., Kuna gora Mt., Desinić gora Mt., Ravna gora Mt., Žumberačka gora Mt.). The focus of this proposal is volcanic/volcaniclastic rocks interstratified within middle Triassic marine sedimentary sequences. We aim to study the volcano-sedimentary associations from the perspective of various geological sub-disciplines following a modern approach where we will integrate mineralogical, petrological, geochemical, paleontological, sedimentological, isotopic and structural data to illuminate the tectonic history of the area. Data will be acquired using multiple analytical methods and techniques along with the radiometric dating. Processing and synthesis of results will shed light on genesis, characterization and crystallization time of primary magmas. It will furthermore enable reconstruction of the geotectonic setting of the formation of the volcanic rocks and will provide insights into physico-chemical conditions of post-consolidation weathering and diagenetic processes. Sedimentological analyses will be performed in order to define depositional environments of volcano-sedimentary deposits, whereas biostratigraphic and isotopic data will constrain stratigraphic span of volcanic activity. Results will enable new inferences on the occurrences as well as modes, conditions, and time of formation of volcano-sedimentary successions. Such approach will eventually lead to chronological reconstruction of tectono-magmatic evolution during the inception of Mesozoic, which will serve as the framework for a new petrogenetic and sedimentological model for the middle Triassic.

MiningBrines offers an innovative training program to address Europe's strategic need for sustainable access to critical raw materials (CRM), energy gases (EG) and renewable energies. 19 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will receive interdisciplinary training in geosciences, biogeochemistry, artificial intelligence (AI), and socio-economic analysis, equipping them with advanced skills in reservoir modeling, machine learning and biogeochemical processes. DCs will develop intuitive fluid chemistry modeling workflows and innovative multi-criteria intelligent decision support tools, preparing them to drive innovation in geothermal brine mining while collaborating with academic and industrial partners. MiningBrines introduces novel techniques to maximize geothermal multi-resource recovery while minimizing environmental impact. Key innovations include microbial-driven CRM recovery, customized modeling workflows, scalable AI models, and decision support tools that consider technological, economic, and societal aspects. These advances aim to reduce the environmental footprint of resource extraction and align with the sustainability goals of the EU Green Deal. MiningBrines supports the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act by combining CRM and EG recovery with renewable energy production and circular economy principles, reducing Europe's import dependency and strengthening resilience. In addition, MiningBrines emphasizes collaborative education to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of transforming geothermal multi-resources into a key driver of Europe's green transition. The impact of MiningBrines goes beyond scientific advances, fostering a skilled workforce for academic and industrial sectors, while establishing Europe as a global leader in sustainable resource management. MiningBrines promotes public awareness of the multiple benefits of geothermal energy, setting a standard for green industrial practices and long-term strategic autonomy.

The Danube River Basin (DRB) faces significant challenges associated with river sediments. In the 2021 update of the Danube River Basin Management Plan, sediment balance alteration emerged as a new sub-topic within the existing Significant Water Management Issue titled "Hydromorphological alterations." Additionally, sectors like industry, urban sewage, and agriculture call for sediment quality evaluations throughout the DRB. However, the absence of standard sediment monitoring limits our understanding of risks. Addressing the sediment mismanagement in the DRB, the iNNO SED project aims to establish the Danube Sediment ‘Lighthouse’ Knowledge Centre. This centre will: • Introduce a set of innovative methods for monitoring and modelling sediment quantity and quality, thereby deepening our knowledge of sediment processes. • Provide innovative sediment management practices to improve sediment continuity and quality in DRB sections facing with sediment-related issues. • Showcase co-created innovative measures through demonstration activities, while also evaluating their socio-economic and environmental aspects. • Empower the public with innovative knowledge transfer methodologies. • Collaborate with five Associated Regions, transferring the iNNO SED solutions to other river basins. To accomplish these goals, iNNO SED will leverage the achievements and key contributors of the DanubeSediment and SIMONA initiatives. Moreover, it will engage relevant stakeholders of sediment management, such as ICPDR, policy makers, river managers, hydropower plant managers, waterway authorities, national parks, environmental agencies, SMEs, and more. iNNO SED will represent a pioneering approach to sediment management in large international river basins. This approach sets an example for other major global river systems like the Amazon, Mekong, or Niger. In doing so, it aligns with the Mission's objective of intensifying the European Union's competitiveness.