Highlights from the FURIOUS project’s M18 meeting

The FURIOUS project team held on 26 and 27 November 2024 a productive two-day meeting to assess its progress and outline the path forward as it approaches the midpoint of the project timeline. Below, we summarize the key discussions and outcomes from the agenda-packed event.

Day 1: setting the stage and focusing on key work packages

The meeting commenced with a comprehensive general overview of the project’s achievements and challenges up to month 18 (M18). Discussions included the first reporting period (RP1), which will take place in February 2025, and expected milestones, providing a clear picture of the project's trajectory. WP10 on Project Management also featured prominently in this session, emphasizing effective coordination strategies to address any hurdles.

The afternoon session delved into WP2: Synthesis of Eco-Designed Polymers. This segment highlighted advancements in creating sustainable polymer solutions and concluded with a general discussion and action list for the period from M18 to M24.

In the late afternoon, attention shifted to WP7: Circular by Design Concepts. The presentation underscored the importance of integrating circular economy principles into the project’s innovative solutions. The session concluded with actionable steps to drive progress over the next six months.

The first day wrapped up with a lab visit, offering participants a firsthand look at ongoing experimental efforts. The day ended on a high note with a convivial social dinner, fostering team spirit and informal networking.

Day 2: diving deep into technical work packages

The second day began with a series of technical presentations:

• WP3: Characterization of Furan-Based Polyesters This session explored key findings in understanding the properties of eco-friendly polyesters, laying the groundwork for further innovation.
• WP4: Furan-Based Thermoplastics for Electronic and Biomedical Packaging The focus here was on developing advanced materials tailored for specific high-demand sectors.
• WP5: Furan-Based Thermoplastics for Automotive Applications The team shared progress on creating sustainable alternatives for the automotive industry, a critical area for reducing fossil-based plastic dependency.

Mid-morning discussions transitioned to WP6: Furan-Based Thermoplastics for Underwater Sensors and Robots. This segment showcased novel approaches to leveraging furan-based materials in specialized underwater applications.

Later, WP8 focused on Safety, Sustainability, and Economic Assessments, ensuring that the project’s outputs align with broader environmental and economic goals.

Finally, WP9 covered Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Activities. This session highlighted the importance of effectively sharing the project’s findings and ensuring their uptake by relevant stakeholders.

Closing and looking ahead

The meeting concluded with closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways and action points for the next six months. The discussions and collaborative spirit demonstrated during this meeting position the FURIOUS project for continued success as it advances its mission to develop high-performance, bio-based polymers.