About
FERNS brings together leading research institutions across Europe to revolutionise the electronics industry from the ground up, embedding sustainability and circular economy principles at the heart of every innovation.
As electronic waste continues to grow into a global challenge, FERNS responds by training 15 doctoral researchers to pioneer change through eco-design, co-creation, sustainable material innovation, and green manufacturing technologies.
By uniting expertise across disciplines, FERNS fosters a new generation of researchers equipped to develop responsible, energy-efficient, and bio-based electronic systems. The project’s outcomes will influence a range of sectors — from health and fitness to smart agriculture and beyond — driving Europe’s transition toward a more sustainable and resilient electronics ecosystem.
Objectives
Integrate circularity and Safe & Sustainable by Design (SSbD) into electronic innovation.
Develop innovative, eco-friendly materials and processes for electronics.
Train a new generation of researchers with advanced industry and academic skills.
Promote social and economic acceptance of sustainable electronics.
Develop tools and capabilities to apply eco-design and evaluate circular design criteria as part of electronic products development process
Create novel models promoting societal co-creation, acceptance and appropriation of sustainable electronics
Develop novel sustainable materials and fabrication processes for realisation of “green” electronic modules
Develop hybrid printing integration processes for next generation sustainable electronics within selected application areas
Work creatively within an interdisciplinary and intersectoral environment to acquire a holistic perspective of the field of sustainable electronics
Outcomes
FERNS will deliver a new generation of researchers equipped to drive Europe’s transition toward circular and sustainable electronics. Through advanced training in eco-design, green materials, and responsible manufacturing, the project will generate innovative technologies and frameworks that reduce environmental impact across the electronics lifecycle. Graduates of FERNS will emerge as leaders capable of bridging science, engineering, and policy, contributing directly to the EU’s Green and Digital Transition and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for electronic systems.
