Newsroom

SITES Advances GREEN-MEM Through Secondment Activities at Selçuk University

Konya, Türkiye | July 2026

Sustainable Innovation Technology Services (SITES) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a secondment visit carried out by Leonardo Piccinetti, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), at Selçuk University, Türkiye, as part of the GREEN-MEM – Pioneering Membrane Solutions for a Sustainable Future project.

The secondment was conducted within Work Package 3 (WP3) and focused on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and stakeholder mapping, reinforcing SITES’ contribution to the project’s sustainability strategy and supporting the environmental assessment of next-generation membrane technologies.

During the visit, Leonardo Piccinetti worked closely with project researchers and consortium partners to exchange expertise on sustainability assessment methodologies, circular economy principles, stakeholder identification, and environmental performance evaluation. These collaborative activities contribute to establishing a robust framework for assessing the environmental impacts of innovative bio-based membrane technologies throughout their entire life cycle.

The secondment also provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen scientific cooperation between academic and industrial partners while supporting the knowledge-sharing objectives of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges programme. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the consortium continues to promote the exchange of expertise, innovative methodologies, and best practices that will contribute to the successful implementation of GREEN-MEM.

As an industrial beneficiary, SITES plays a key role in supporting the integration of sustainability assessment into the project by contributing expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), circular economy, stakeholder engagement, communication, and dissemination. These activities ensure that environmental considerations and stakeholder perspectives remain central throughout the development of innovative membrane solutions.

Beyond the technical work, the secondment further strengthened collaboration among consortium members and reinforced the international partnerships that underpin GREEN-MEM’s ambition to deliver sustainable, bio-based membrane technologies capable of addressing future environmental and industrial challenges.

SITES is proud to contribute to this international research collaboration and looks forward to continuing its active involvement throughout the project, supporting scientific excellence, sustainability, and innovation across Europe.

SITES Celebrates the Launch of GREEN-MEM at the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchanges Kick-off Meeting

21–22 July 2026 | Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye

Sustainable Innovation Technology Services (SITES) is delighted to announce its participation in the official Kick-off Meeting of GREEN-MEM – Pioneering Membrane Solutions for a Sustainable Future, marking the launch of an exciting new Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges project.

Hosted by Selçuk University in Konya, Türkiye, the two-day meeting brought together leading universities, research organisations, and industry partners from across Europe and beyond to begin a four-year collaborative journey dedicated to developing the next generation of sustainable membrane technologies.

Representing SITES, Leonardo Piccinetti, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), actively participated in the consortium discussions, contributing to the project’s strategic planning, implementation roadmap, sustainability objectives, and long-term collaboration framework. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for partners to align their expertise, establish strong working relationships, and define the scientific and operational foundations that will guide GREEN-MEM throughout its lifetime.

GREEN-MEM aims to revolutionise membrane technology by developing fully bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable membranes that replace conventional fossil-derived polymers and hazardous solvents with environmentally responsible alternatives. By combining green chemistry, green engineering, machine learning, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the project will deliver innovative solutions for water treatment, antimicrobial filtration, and advanced separation technologies while supporting Europe’s transition towards a circular and climate-neutral economy.

As an industrial beneficiary, SITES will play an important role by contributing its expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability assessment, circular economy, communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement. Through these activities, SITES will help ensure that environmental performance, circularity, and societal impact remain at the heart of GREEN-MEM’s research and innovation activities.

The Kick-off Meeting also fostered valuable exchanges between academic and industrial partners, strengthening the collaborative spirit that underpins the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme. Beyond technical discussions, the event created opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and establishing the foundations for future staff exchanges that will drive innovation throughout the project.

SITES is proud to be part of this outstanding international consortium and looks forward to contributing to GREEN-MEM’s ambition of delivering sustainable membrane technologies that support cleaner water, greener manufacturing processes, and a more resource-efficient future.

We thank Selçuk University for its excellent organisation and warm hospitality and look forward to an exciting four years of collaboration, scientific excellence, and innovation.

Funding Statement

Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges.

Acknowledgement

GREEN-MEM has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges, Grant Agreement No. 101299479.

SITES Celebrates the Launch of GREEN-MEM at the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchanges Kick-off Meeting

21–22 July 2026 | Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye

Sustainable Innovation Technology Services (SITES) is delighted to announce its participation in the official Kick-off Meeting of GREEN-MEM – Pioneering Membrane Solutions for a Sustainable Future, marking the launch of an exciting new Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges project.

Hosted by Selçuk University in Konya, Türkiye, the two-day meeting brought together leading universities, research organisations, and industry partners from across Europe and beyond to begin a four-year collaborative journey dedicated to developing the next generation of sustainable membrane technologies.

Representing SITES, Leonardo Piccinetti, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), actively participated in the consortium discussions, contributing to the project’s strategic planning, implementation roadmap, sustainability objectives, and long-term collaboration framework. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for partners to align their expertise, establish strong working relationships, and define the scientific and operational foundations that will guide GREEN-MEM throughout its lifetime.

GREEN-MEM aims to revolutionise membrane technology by developing fully bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable membranes that replace conventional fossil-derived polymers and hazardous solvents with environmentally responsible alternatives. By combining green chemistry, green engineering, machine learning, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the project will deliver innovative solutions for water treatment, antimicrobial filtration, and advanced separation technologies while supporting Europe’s transition towards a circular and climate-neutral economy.

As an industrial beneficiary, SITES will play an important role by contributing its expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability assessment, circular economy, communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement. Through these activities, SITES will help ensure that environmental performance, circularity, and societal impact remain at the heart of GREEN-MEM’s research and innovation activities.

The Kick-off Meeting also fostered valuable exchanges between academic and industrial partners, strengthening the collaborative spirit that underpins the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme. Beyond technical discussions, the event created opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and establishing the foundations for future staff exchanges that will drive innovation throughout the project.

SITES is proud to be part of this outstanding international consortium and looks forward to contributing to GREEN-MEM’s ambition of delivering sustainable membrane technologies that support cleaner water, greener manufacturing processes, and a more resource-efficient future.

We thank Selçuk University for its excellent organisation and warm hospitality and look forward to an exciting four years of collaboration, scientific excellence, and innovation.

Funding Statement

Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges.

Acknowledgement

GREEN-MEM has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges, Grant Agreement No. 101299479.

Jenny Edward’s Contribution through the SITES Future Talents Programme

At Sustainable Innovation Technology Services (SITES), developing future research and innovation professionals is a core part of our mission. Through the SITES Future Talents Programme, students and early-career professionals gain practical experience while contributing to activities that support European research, innovation, and sustainability.

As part of the programme, Jenny Edward successfully developed and delivered a professional masterclass entitled “Social Network Analysis for Horizon Europe Proposal Writing.” The training introduced participants to the principles of Social Network Analysis (SNA) and demonstrated how network-based approaches can strengthen Horizon Europe proposals through evidence-based collaboration strategies and impact planning.

Building Practical Expertise

During her internship, Jenny expanded her knowledge across several areas of European research and innovation, including:

• Horizon Europe proposal development
• Social Network Analysis methodologies
• Research collaboration mapping
• Knowledge transfer and dissemination
• Innovation ecosystem analysis
• Scientific communication

The masterclass also explored the use of major European research data sources such as CORDIS, OpenAIRE, ORCID, Web of Science, and the Horizon Results Platform, illustrating how these resources can be combined to support proposal design and research collaboration.

From Theory to Practice

Rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts, the presentation demonstrated how Social Network Analysis can be integrated into Horizon Europe proposals to:

• identify collaboration patterns;
• strengthen consortium design;
• support stakeholder engagement;
• improve impact planning; and
• provide measurable evidence for research and innovation activities.

This practical approach reflects the objectives of the SITES Future Talents Programme: equipping participants with skills that can be applied directly to European research and innovation projects.

Investing in Future Talent

The SITES Future Talents Programme offers participants the opportunity to work within an international research and innovation environment while gaining experience in proposal development, communication, sustainability, and European project management.

Jenny’s contribution demonstrates how structured mentoring, practical experience, and interdisciplinary collaboration can help transform learning into real impact.

At SITES, we remain committed to supporting the next generation of professionals who will contribute to shaping Europe’s research and innovation landscape.

Explore Jenny’s presentation and discover more about the SITES Future Talents Programme.

🌐 https://www.sinnovations.org

Elena Borsari’s Journey Through the SITES Future Talents Programme

Developing the next generation of European research and innovation professionals is one of the core objectives of Sustainable Innovation Technology Services Ltd (SITES). Through the SITES Future Talents Programme, students and recent graduates are offered the opportunity to gain practical experience in international research environments while contributing to projects that address some of Europe’s most pressing sustainability and innovation challenges.

One inspiring example is the internship journey of Elena Borsari, whose experience demonstrates how structured mentoring, international collaboration, and hands-on project involvement can accelerate professional growth.

Learning Through Real European Projects

Throughout her internship, Elena became actively involved in the daily activities of SITES, supporting proposal writing, business development, project implementation, and participation in European information days, thematic webinars, conferences, and meetings with international stakeholders. Her experience also included contributing to logistics and project activities while gaining first-hand exposure to the European research and innovation ecosystem.

Building Knowledge Across Emerging Research Areas

Working within an international and multicultural team, Elena expanded her understanding of several strategic areas that shape European research and innovation priorities, including:

• Bioeconomy
• Circular Economy
• Blue Economy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Critical Raw Materials
• Sustainability strategies
• European project development

These experiences enabled her to better understand how interdisciplinary collaboration supports innovation and addresses global societal challenges.

Developing Professional Skills

Beyond technical knowledge, the internship provided significant opportunities for personal and professional development.

Throughout the programme, Elena strengthened her communication skills, gained confidence in expressing ideas, adapted to an international working environment, and developed a deeper understanding of proposal writing, project coordination, and leadership within European collaborative projects.

A Journey That Continued

Recognising her commitment and contribution, SITES extended Elena’s internship, allowing her to continue supporting the organisation remotely while pursuing further academic opportunities.

This extension reflects SITES’ commitment to recognising talent, encouraging continuous learning, and building long-term professional relationships with future research and innovation professionals.

The Value of the SITES Future Talents Programme

At SITES, internships are designed to provide more than workplace experience. They create opportunities to contribute to real European research and innovation activities, collaborate with international partners, and develop the practical skills needed to build successful careers in project management, sustainability, communication, and innovation.

Reflecting on her experience, Elena shared:

“The feeling of belonging somewhere, and not just working for someone, was the key to these past months.”

This sentiment captures the philosophy behind the SITES Future Talents Programme: creating an environment where emerging professionals are empowered to learn, contribute, and become part of a collaborative community working towards sustainable innovation.

As SITES continues to support European research and innovation, investing in future talent remains central to its mission of connecting knowledge, collaboration, and real-world impact.

Communication recommendation: I suggest publishing this as part of a recurring series titled “SITES Future Talents Stories” rather than as a standalone internship announcement. Over time, this can become a strong employer-branding asset, showcasing the professional journeys of interns, trainees, and early-career researchers who grow within SITES. It aligns well with your goal of positioning SITES as a leading European research and innovation consultancy.

Looking Ahead

At SITES, investing in future talent is an investment in the future of European research and innovation. Through the SITES Future Talents Programme, we continue to provide students and recent graduates with opportunities to contribute to real-world projects, collaborate with international experts, and develop the skills needed to drive sustainable innovation.

We thank Elena for her dedication, enthusiasm, and valuable contribution to our team, and we wish her every success in the next stage of her academic and professional journey.

🌐 Discover more about SITES:
https://sinnovations.org

SITES Launches New Masterclass on Social Network Analysis for Horizon Europe Proposal Writing

At Sustainable Innovation Technology Services Ltd (SITES), we believe that successful Horizon Europe proposals begin long before the writing process. They start with building the right partnerships, understanding collaboration ecosystems, and making evidence-based strategic decisions.

To support researchers, innovators, universities, SMEs, and project managers across Europe, SITES is launching a new online masterclass:

Social Network Analysis (SNA) for Horizon Europe Proposal Writing

Hosted by Jeny Edward Christopher, Research & Innovation Consultant at SITES and Master’s researcher in Management of Information Systems & Digital Innovation at the University of Chester, this practical session introduces participants to one of the most valuable methodologies for designing stronger research consortia.

Participants will discover how Social Network Analysis can transform proposal preparation by helping to:

• Identify influential research partners
• Analyse collaboration networks across Europe
• Strengthen consortium design
• Support evidence-based proposal development
• Integrate network analysis into Excellence, Impact and Implementation sections
• Use practical tools such as Gephi, NetworkX and CORDIS datasets

Rather than relying on assumptions, participants will learn how to use research evidence and collaboration data to make strategic partnership decisions.

The masterclass combines theory with practical demonstrations and real Horizon Europe examples, providing immediately applicable techniques for research proposal development.

Meet the Expert

Jeny Edward Christopher combines academic research with practical innovation consulting at SITES, contributing to Horizon Europe initiatives, proposal development, collaborative research methodologies, and innovation management.

Her expertise bridges research, digital innovation, and real-world proposal development, making this masterclass particularly valuable for researchers and organisations seeking to increase the competitiveness of their European project proposals.

📅 Date: 6 July 2026

🕥 Time: 10:30 (GMT+1)

We look forward to welcoming researchers and innovators from across Europe to another SITES knowledge-sharing initiative supporting excellence in European research and innovation.