The Hub for Ethical R&D (RO) (HERD) is a SME with research experience in essential domains such as Water Management, Medicine, Health and Wellbeing, Agriculture, Social Sciences and Technological Innovation (i.e. Robotics, Electrospinning, GNSS). The research team has taken part in more than 10 successful transnational and intercontinental projects over the past 5 years. The most noteworthy are: LEDSOL (LEAP-RE), CAREPATH (Horizon 2020), PerHeart (ERA PerMed), RENEW and ACESO (THCS). The team’s expertise stems from actively participating as members of medical ethical commissions; creating and implementing clinical test protocols; developing mechanical and water treatment prototypes; performing field tests and gathering samples; and researching the impact of the developed solutions.
Topic 1. Integrated Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Water Management
Topic 2. Nature-Based Approaches for Resilient Water Management at Hydrological and Hydrogeological System Scale
Topic 3. Smart, Secure and Adaptive Water Infrastructures for Sustainable Water Management
As mentioned above, the HERD team has experience in transnational projects. We can offer support in planning and writing proposals, impact analysis and dissemination activities. Scientific writing is one of our strongest points, having several already published articles. Regarding water-related projects, the HERD team has participated in designing and developing the LEDSOL water disinfection unit; thus, we have the necessary knowledge to work with mechanical engineering design software (such as VariCAD) to develop 3D modelling of prototypes. We can also build the prototypes, based on the previously agreed-on specifications. The HERD team excels in solving issues that inevitably emerge in development, especially the transformation of digital and theoretical plans into a physical device. For this purpose, we employ 3D design and printing using a variety of plastic materials. Having medical expertise, we can analyse the organoleptic properties of water and identify main bacteriological agents harmful for human consumption. Furthermore, we can determine the safe parameters for potable water and the necessary filter and treatment methods. HERD has a social science department, specialised in end-user feedback regarding products, services or applications. Our colleagues also have expertise in determining the impact of certain events and desired changes on local populations. The methods employed vary from questionnaires and interviews to observation and secondary data analysis.
water management, ethics, agriculture, prototyping, health, social sciences
THCS Annual Conference, held in Bilbao, Spain, on 9 and 10 November 2026.