TeamUP launches Europe-wide Laboratory Tests on technologies and training for CBRN-E safety
First Laboratory Tests conducted in Vienna
The TeamUP Project has launched its first series of Laboratory Tests, marking the start of a Europe-wide testing phase to strengthen emergency organisations’ preparedness and safety in response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRN-E) incidents.
CBRN-E scenarios represent some of the most complex operational challenges for emergency services. Effective preparedness requires validated procedures, specialised expertise, and interoperable technologies. TeamUP brings together researchers, technology developers, and end users to systematically test and evaluate innovative tools and training approaches that enhance the safety, coordination, and efficiency of first responders.
Launch of the Laboratory Tests 15–19 September 2025
The first three Laboratory Tests took place from 15–19 September 2025 in Belgium and Austria.
The Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) hosted Laboratory Test 1.2 (LT1.2) on 15–16 September in Brussels, where partners conducted tests of the Backpack LAMP Integrated Minilab and FET-LAMP Biosensor Systems. These biosensing solutions aim to enable the rapid, reliable, and portable detection of biological agents in the field and included compact optical and lab-on-chip devices for rapid pathogen detection, multiplex biosensors for identifying multiple agents, and spectroscopy-based tools for recognising viral fingerprints without labelling.
In Vienna, two test were conducted. From 17-19 September, Johanniter Österreich Ausbildung, und Forschung (JOAFG) hosted LT1.4 that evaluated a suite of interoperable technologies, including wearable devices and environmental sensors, a UAV-based platform, digital triage and worksite management tools, breath analysis and localization sensors, a fast deployable mass decontamination system with body pose estimation and monitoring, as well as an expert reasoning and data fusion engine, an incident management system, and augmented reality (AR) applications for both first responders and public awareness.
Also on 17 September, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted the LT1.5 testing the Mixed Reality (MR) Training and its integration with complementary tools, including the Digital Triage Tag in training mode, the Scenario Builder Tool, and mobile applications enabling communication between systems. The setup also incorporated breath analysis (BreathDraw device) to enhance the realism of training scenarios.
Together, these technologies support portable, interoperable, and data-driven solutions to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of CBRN-E response operation and initiated the series of Laboratory Tests across Europe.
Partners involved in the first three tests were project coordinator ICCS, UCL, AIT, JOAFG, CERTH, BIOX, EXUS, VESTA, VANOS, STWS, HMOD, SDMIS and ENSP.
The tests focused on technical components and operational workflows relevant to three key phases of CBRN-E response:
- Triage and health status assessment of affected individuals
- Search and Rescue and Decontamination prior to medical treatment
- Collaborative planning, joint operations and innovative training
All components were tested in controlled but operationally relevant conditions, with structured observation, performance logging, and data collection for subsequent analysis.
Enhancing safety through evidence-based validation
A central aim of TeamUP is to quantify and improve responder safety in high-risk environments. In many CBRN-E operations, first responders are exposed to hazards without sufficient situational or physiological awareness. The Laboratory Test campaign systematically examines how novel health monitoring, data fusion, and training support systems can mitigate these risks.
“We are pleased to launch the Laboratory Tests in Vienna as the starting point for a series of trials across Europe. Only by testing technologies and procedures under realistic conditions can we ensure that first responders and emergency personnel are as well prepared as possible for real incidents. This greatly enhances public safety,”
– Georg Aumayr, Head of Research at Johanniter (JOAFG), responsible for LT1.4.
A Europe-wide research effort for greater resilience
Each TeamUP Laboratory Test focuses on a specific technological or procedural domain. While not all systems are tested concurrently, the structured design ensures that interoperability and cross-domain integration are assessed across multiple sites.
Beyond technology validation, TeamUP also aims to support and update standardised operational procedures, further develop cross-organisational training methodologies, and evidence-based guidelines for CBRN-E response throughout Europe. The project’s integrated approach combines technical innovation with practical applicability to strengthen overall societal resilience.
Next steps
Following these Laboratory Tests, further trials are taking place across Europe. In Germany, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (FHG) and Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (H-BRS) are hosting tests focused on radiological and chemical detection systems. The activities include evaluation of a Beta-Gamma probe for radiological threat detection, as well as advanced chemical sensing technologies such as the DOVER airborne sensor, FemtoMachine gas calibration unit, and the RapID non-database explosives detector.
These Laboratory Tests will generate baseline technology performance data that will serve as the scientific foundation for a set of Usability Tests and a Small Scale Trials in the next stage of the project.