MULTIPART PROJECT: IMPROVING HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

MultiPart Project: Improving Health and Environment

The innovative research project MultiPart: A Novel Multi-Participatory Research Approach to Improve Health and Well-being in Anthropogenically Disturbed Environments officially started on January 1, 2024, with its kick-off meeting held on January 31. The proejct is funded by the Slovenian Reserch and Innovation Agency – ARIS. The project brings together experts from various disciplines and local communities to address complex environmental and health challenges in Slovenia.

MultiPart Project Goals

MultiPart is designed as a participatory research approach that unites scientists, local residents, industry, NGOs, and policymakers. It focuses on the lower Soča River region, particularly the Salonit Anhovo area, where concerns about the health and environmental impacts of the cement industry have been debated for decades.

The main objectives of the project include:
✔ Establishing a participatory research platform to improve collaboration between scientists, industry, citizens, and policymakers.
✔ Developing innovative methods for assessing air quality and identifying pollution sources using advanced analytical techniques.
✔ Conducting human biomonitoring with local community involvement to assess exposure to environmental pollutants.
✔ Identifying health risks, including stress and other impacts on physical and mental well-being.
✔ Proposing recommendations and mitigation measures to reduce the negative effects of cement production and improve the quality of life for local residents.

Who is Involved?

The project is led by the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) in collaboration with:

• Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU)
• Salonit Anhovo d.d.
• Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana (UL-MF)
• Institute for Environmental Solutions (IOS)
• Aerosol d.o.o.
• MEIS d.o.o.
• Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School (MPŠ)
• Institute of Environment and Health

In addition to academic and industrial partners, NGOs, municipalities, and local residents are actively participating in the project.

Long-standing Challenges and New Hope

For decades, the residents of Anhovo and the wider lower Soča region have faced environmental and health concerns related to cement production and the past asbestos industry. For the first time, MultiPart is involving the local community as an equal partner in the research process, aiming to create solutions based on trust, scientific evidence, and inclusive decision-making.

"The MultiPart project introduces a new paradigm of scientific research in Slovenia," emphasized Prof. Dr. Milena Horvat, project coordinator from the Jožef Stefan Institute. "We are combining multidisciplinary research with active local participation to co-create sustainable solutions for health and the environment."

More Information

For further details about the MultiPart project contact milena.horvat@ijs.si

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