Horizon Magazine

Silent danger: researchers tackle chemicals that threaten health and fertility

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Researchers are working to identify and raise awareness of the health dangers posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday products. © New Africa, Shutterstock.com

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are everywhere – from plastics to cosmetics – silently affecting our reproductive health. EU-funded researchers are shedding light on the risks and developing better tests to protect future generations. By Vittoria D’Alessio Professor Majorie van Duursen, a Dutch environmental health expert and toxicologist, has her sights set on improving women’s health. Her principal … Read more

Science for all: Europe’s gender equality awards in research herald more progress ahead

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Winners of this year’s Gender Equality Champions award met with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, who thanked them for driving institutional change in EU research. © Instruct-ERIC, 2025

Four research institutions were named EU Gender Equality Champions for creating more inclusive and gender-equal research environments. With measures such as boosting parental support and mentoring, or tackling systemic barriers, they are paving the way for even more equality in the future. By Helen Massy-Beresford Helping young parents go to research events with their partner … Read more

Self-driving vehicles: the road to cheaper, sustainable urban transport in Europe

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EU-funded researchers aim to improve public transport with the use of driverless vehicles, like the SUVs in the photo. © Ruter As / Spoon, Nikolas Gostad, 2025

The future of urban mobility is near. EU-backed trials of driverless cars in public transport could make Europe’s city centres affordable, cleaner, safer, more efficient, inclusive and fair. By Gareth Willmer In Groruddalen, a large urban valley in north-eastern Oslo, Norway, the groundwork is being laid for an important shift in city transport. Five self-driving … Read more

From fava beans to future foods: researchers turn to plant-based proteins for a healthier planet

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EU-funded researchers are looking for alternative sources of protein to balance the environmental impact of meat production. © pbd Studio, Shutterstock.com

Crops like chickpeas, fava beans, lentils and quinoa could help make Europe’s food systems more environmentally friendly and sustainable. By Michael Allen On Marianne Mulhall’s organic dairy farm in southeast Ireland, the winter wheat crop is looking better than usual. By spring, it is often a bit yellow and withered, a sign that it is … Read more

AI-powered robots help tackle Europe’s growing e-waste problem

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To tackle a growing amount of electronic waste, researchers have created robots to make recycling smarter, greener and more efficient. © Stokkete, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers have developed adaptable robots that could transform the way we recycle electronic waste, benefiting both the environment and the economy. By Kaja Šeruga Just outside the historic German town of Goslar, a sprawling industrial complex receives an endless stream of discarded electronics. On arrival, this electronic waste is laboriously prepared for recycling. Electrocycling … Read more