November 6, 2025
Sampling deep-sea coral and their associated fauna from the Bay of Biscay
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October 16, 2025
Cefas conducted a targeted flounder survey in autumn of 2025, collecting biological and chemical samples to assess the impact of CECs in the River Mersey and Liverpool Bay.
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October 14, 2025
A new case study will assess the presence and biological effects of CECs at the Oostende dredge disposal site, where dredging may act as a vector for these unregulated substances.
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October 14, 2025
In summer 2025, an international team of researchers conducted a collaborative experiment to study how the deep-sea coral Lophelia pertusa and bivalve Acesta excavata respond to environmental stressors, including Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs). This work aims to improve understanding of deep-sea ecosystem vulnerability and enhance environmental risk assessments.
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October 14, 2025
In September 2025, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research conducted sampling in the Saronikos Gulf to investigate the presence and effects of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) as part of the CONTRAST project. Using caged mussels for biomarker and chemical analysis, the study aims to understand how emerging pollutants impact marine life and inform future environmental protection strategies.
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October 14, 2025
Ms. Nikolopoulou and Mr. Tsamparis recently took part in the 3rd Marine Spatial Planning Cooperation Workshop in Beijing, engaging with over 300 international experts and decision-makers. Their presentations highlighted research on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) within the EU-funded CONTRAST project, contributing to meaningful scientific exchange and policy dialogue.
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October 8, 2025
The Oslofjord case study will take place between Sept and November 2025. The integrated assessment framework (IAF) is now being applied to evaluate the impact of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) on marine life. Mussels and fish from selected sites are being tested for chemical concentrations and biological effects. Sediment samples will also undergo forensic ecotoxicology and biodiversity assessments to identify toxic compounds and their effects on local ecosystems.
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October 14, 2025
We’re proud to share that the CONTRAST project has been officially endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), under the CoastPredict program. This recognition supports our mission to improve monitoring of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and their effects on marine ecosystems across Europe.
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September 30, 2025
The CONTRAST project is now officially listed in the European Directory of Marine Environmental Research Projects (EDMERP), a key platform for enhancing transparency and collaboration in marine science. This milestone supports our commitment to FAIR data principles and ensures CONTRAST findings are easily accessible via EMODnet for researchers and policymakers across Europe.
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September 30, 2025
This July, CONTRAST researchers conducted a field experiment in Murcia, Spain, focusing on the biological effects of emerging contaminants in marine ecosystems. Using mussels as bioindicators, the team applied advanced analytical techniques to study changes in metabolism, gene expression, and cellular health—contributing to improved environmental risk assessment across Europe.
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September 30, 2025
At EGU 2025, CONTRAST researchers presented new modeling work on the fate of emerging contaminants in the Oslofjord, focusing on six widely used substances. The study revealed how seasonal dynamics and chemical properties influence contaminant behavior in water and sediments, highlighting the need for long-term modeling to support effective environmental management.
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September 10, 2025
The CONTRAST project is now part of the EU’s immersive Mission Ocean platform, showcasing smart monitoring and restoration efforts across Europe’s waters.
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October 1, 2025
On June 10, CIENS hosted a breakfast webinar with MET and NIVA, highlighting tools and strategies to monitor and manage marine pollution, including recent oil spill events along the Trøndelag coast. CONTRAST researcher Samantha Martins presented how the project contributes to tracking harmful substances and improving environmental response through advanced simulation and monitoring techniques.
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May 28, 2025
New post-doctoral position working on CONTRAST at Ifremer!
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September 10, 2025
Two CONTRAST researchers will present their marine science research at the Café Scientifique on May 20 in Athens, Greece.
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October 1, 2025
The article published in Environmental Pollution investigates the combined effects of citalopram, bezafibrate, and polyethylene microplastics on oxidative stress biomarkers in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). It highlights neurotoxic and transcriptomic responses, showing that microplastics modulate pharmaceutical-induced effects even without significant bioaccumulation. Congratulations to all authors—especially our CONTRAST colleagues Víctor M. León and Juan Antonio Campillo—on this important contribution.
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October 1, 2025
CONTRAST has joined the newly formed Marine Shield Cluster, an initiative led by the EU project iMERMAID to unite efforts in monitoring, preventing, and remediating water pollution. Alongside CONTRAST and iMERMAID, the cluster includes DIGI4ECO, REMEDIES, SUNBIO, and MOBILES—promising exciting collaborations ahead.
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October 1, 2025
CONTRAST marked its first year of operations with a strong start, building its identity, recruiting researchers, and establishing key governance bodies including a Stakeholder Committee and Scientific Advisory Board. The project delivered several important results, such as a priority list of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), a deep-sea exploration plan, and extensive sample collection through collaboration with TREC. With workshops, conference presentations, and exciting initiatives like the upcoming educational site A New Formula and the first CONTRAST Science Café, 2025 promises even more momentum.
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October 1, 2025
Charlotte Langeland Nakken has joined CONTRAST at the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen to develop proteomics methods for sediment communities and individual organisms - welcome to the team!
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October 1, 2025
From 23–24 October, NIVA was hosting the CONTRAST Analytics Workshop in Oslo, where researchers and lab technicians are harmonising methods to analyse chemical concentrations of CECs in European seas.
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October 23, 2024
CONTRAST had a workshop to explore methods for studying biological effects and biodiversity in fish.
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October 1, 2025
Aourell Mauffret and Nicolas Briant presented CONTRAST research at the TREC Symposium in Heidelberg, highlighting integrated effects assessment and land-sea connectivity through metal concentration studies.
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September 25, 2024
We are thrilled to introduce Lygia Nogueira as the newest member of our team at the CONTRAST Project! 🎉
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September 25, 2024
Ifremer is recruiting a post-doctoral reseracher to work on the CONTRAST project!
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July 11, 2024
Our colleagues represented CONTRAST at three conferences in April and May.
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May 13, 2024
IMR is hiring a post-doc to work on CONTRAST.
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April 10, 2024
We are hiring a Postdoctoral researcher in chemical risk assessment!
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April 10, 2024
The CONTRAST research project has begun and we have launched our website!
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