SMARTINCS: Self-healing, Multifunctional, Advanced Repair Technologies IN Cementitious Systems

Concrete is one of the most reliable construction materials, yet it can deteriorate over time, necessitating increased investments in maintenance or intensive repair. Innovative self-healing materials and strategies can offer a solution that also minimizes waste production. The EU-funded SMARTINCS project aims to train a new generation of creative and entrepreneurial early-stage researchers (ESRs) in preventing the deterioration of new concrete infrastructure using innovative self-healing strategies. Additionally, it will train them in advanced repair technologies for existing concrete infrastructure.

The project brings together the expertise of research institutes pioneering in smart cementitious materials, strengthened by leading companies along the SMARTINCS value chain, as well as certification and pre-standardization agencies. They will train 15 ESRs to respond to the clear demand to implement new life-cycle thinking and durability-based approaches to the design of concrete structures, minimizing the use of resources and production of waste in line with Europe’s Circular Economy strategy. ESRs will also receive extensive entrepreneurial training, including the development of dedicated business models. This comprehensive approach will promote the adoption of self-healing technologies in design codes and service life models, thereby improving European innovation capacity and sustainability. The project also emphasizes achieving gender balance among supervisors and trainers, encouraging female scientists to pursue leadership roles in technology and engineering.