ChIRS provides scientific, regulatory, and economic expertise to address chemical risks and ensure compliance with global legislation, promoting both safety and sustainability. Its multicultural learning environment encourages innovation through the exploration of alternative chemicals and processes, while preparing graduates to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
The consortium brings together the University of the Algarve and the University of Lisbon (Portugal), the University of Barcelona (Spain), the University of Bologna (Italy), and the University of Gdańsk (Poland). A broad network of associated partners — including research centers, industry associations, companies, and academic institutions — offers access to research facilities, internships, and professional connections.
A wide selection of courses enables students to design personalized study paths aligned with their interests and career ambitions. All courses are taught in English and hosted each year by a different partner university. In the second year, students move to another consortium country to complete internships, research activities, and their master’s thesis.
Upon graduation, students receive a joint master’s degree awarded by all five universities.
Students will acquire expertise in:
- Chemical legislation and compliance
Mandatory and voluntary regional, national and international regulations governing the production, use, and disposal of chemical substances, and methods for assessing compliance.
- Innovation in chemical design and processes
Application of Green Chemistry principles to the development of new substances, production processes, and intended uses.
- Assessment and prediction of chemical properties
Evaluation and prediction of environmental, toxicological, and ecotoxicological effects, along with physical and chemical hazards, including the use of modelling tools.
- Risk and impact assessment
Prediction and evaluation of risks, environmental fate and transformations, environmental impacts, social impacts and their perception throughout the life cycle of chemical substances.
- End‑of‑life strategies and circular economy
Issues related to disposal, reuse, and recycling of chemical substances, and assessment of their influence on global and climate change.
- Economic and managerial skills
Economic evaluation, business planning, intellectual property protection, product and process quality management, and implementation of best practices.
