A research project supported by the European Commission under the Fifth Framework Programme and contributing to the implementation of the Key Action "Sustainable management and quality of water" within the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (CORDIS server or Europa server)

      CEMERA -  is an interdisciplinary research group dealing with broadly understood environmental protection issues. In its projects it considers both general problems relating to Nature as well as the effect of the environment (contaminated and pure) on the life quality of humans and their health. The combining of research activity with education - as well as promotion - will allow the dissemination of the most recent achievements of science and technology, which in turn will entail better social understanding of activities regarding protection of the environment. Such action currently raises numerous doubts and sometimes even social opposition. The overcoming of increasing problems related to the introduction of new regulations compatible with EU guidelines in view of the approaching access to the EU will result in long-term consequences going far beyond the scope of the project.

      The activity of the Centre is closely linked with European research areas through networking, scientific exchange and twinning. The priorities embrace: targeting the potential of the Centre at activities connected with the 5th FP - and 6th FP; strengthening of existing ties based on twinning with units from EU countries (Germany, Sweden, UK, Greece), NAS (Bulgaria, Cyprus) and Ukraine; participation in the preparation of applications for EU research grants; promotion of modern methods of environmental monitoring and complex environmental risk assessment; education pertaining to the management of hazardous wastes in accordance with EU guidelines; introduction of environment management methods; encouraging young researchers from EU countries and NAS to accept research training at the centre in the field of biomonitoring, protection of the environment and nature conservation; creation of a market demand for expert opinions aimed at substantially reducing environmental impact.  The project consists of 8 work packages: Biomonitoring - development and promotion of new non-invasive methods; Speciation analysis as modern tool for environmental risk assessment; Management of sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plant - new technologies; Landfill leakage - biological and chemical treatment technologies; Health risk connected with quality of food; Postgraduate studies and summer school; Promotion and dissemination; Coordination.

      The CEMERA interdisciplinary research teams (ecologists, microbiologists, hydrogeologist analytical chemists - inorganic and organic chemistry) allowed a complex approach to environmental protection problems and the assessment of environmental risk. The developing of a CEMERA at the Faculty of Biology of Warsaw University with international range embracing both countries of the EC and candidate countries will create a new quality as regards scientific exchange and the development of research. Creation of Network of Excellence in 6^thFP is taking into account.