Ecomatters: Webinar SSbD
Webinar SSbD
February 24, 2026
Join Ecomatters and ARCHE Consulting for a 1-hour webinar: “Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) in research and innovation projects”
The Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework as developed by the Joint Research Center (JRC) has become a key part in many research and innovation calls and is shaping how safety and sustainability can be integrated into research and innovation. This webinar shows how to apply SSbD in practice to strengthen research proposals, support informed design choices, and meet evolving expectations.
Key insights of the webinar
- What is the SSbD framework and what has changed in the recent update?
Gain a clear, up-to-date understanding of the SSbD framework, including how the revised version (December 2025) strengthens its role as a practical, voluntary tool for guiding research and innovation in line with EU policy objectives. - Which types of innovation is it useful for and how it works?
Discover how SSbD supports chemicals, materials and product innovation by helping to screen innovative solutions in R&D phase, compare potential alternatives, making informed design choices and avoiding “regrettable substitution”. - How does it combine hazard screening with safety and sustainability assessment?
Learn how SSbD brings together hazard and exposure screening with life cycle and socio-economic assessments to identify hotspots, manage trade-offs, and steer safer, more sustainable outcomes across the value chain. - How can it be applied in a research or innovation project?
See how SSbD can be embedded in research and innovation projects (e.g., Horizon Europe) to structure work packages, support decision-making from early research to demonstration, and strengthen alignment with funding and policy expectations.
Why attend?
- Learn how to address safety and sustainability in a holistic manner, early in the research and innovation process.
- Learn from practitioners with extensive hands-on experience in supporting researchers and companies with safety and sustainability aspects.
- Increase your chances of success in Horizon Europe project calls by understanding how SSbD can strengthen proposal logic, credibility, and align with call requirements.
Who benefits from attending?
- Scientists and consultants preparing research proposals
- Sustainability, R&D and QSHE managers
- Anyone with an interest in safety and sustainability
Speakers
Eelco van IJken
Senior Sustainability Consultant Ecomatters
E eelco.vanijken@ecomatters.nl
T + 31 (0)6 24 93 73 50
Eelco has +10 years of experience advising organisations on applying sustainability frameworks and regulatory requirements. His expertise includes LCA project coordination, grant preparation and execution, ESPR preparatory studies, End-of-Waste assessments, and energy audits.
Sabine Navis
Senior Project Scientist ARCHE Consulting
E sabine.navis@arche-consulting.be
T +32 16 28 49 05
Sabine has +10 years of experience in chemical safety, environmental exposure and risk assessment in a European regulatory context, supporting researchers, companies, sector organisations and policy makers.