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Home  >  public/about_us/mission       Mission of the NORMAN Network The need for action Emerging pollutants are the object of increasing concern among scientists, regulators and the public. Emerging substances can be defined as substances that are currently not included in routine monitoring programmes at the European level and which may be candidates for future regulation, depending on research on their (eco)toxicity, potential health effects, public perception and on monitoring data regarding their occurrence in the various environmental compartments. Emerging pollutants often originate from consumer products and by-products used every day in homes and farms, or by business and industry. Government, regulatory bodies and industry need the most relevant and reliable scientific evidence when making policy decisions in the field of environmental protection. The major objectives Stakeholder needs will be better met if these three objectives are achieved: Improve the exchange of information on the substances currently being identified as emerging pollutants, in order to identify what information is currently missing or required in terms of monitoring and assessment of their associated risks. Harmonise the methods used for the analysis of their occurrence in the environment and for the assessment of their effects, in order to make it possible for the decision-making authorities to compare and interpret the data. Ensure that, as soon as an emerging substance is identified as a pollutant of concern – thereby requiring regular monitoring – there should be sufficient capability across the EU for measuring it at the routine level. The key actions The major objectives will most efficiently be achieved by: Inventorying and assessing the quality of the available information on emerging substances (their occurrence, fate and transport and their effects) as a first step for prioritisation of the most relevant emerging contaminants; Assessing and further developing validated analytical procedures for characterisation of contaminated waters, soils, sediments and biota by emerging substances; Developing specific techniques for evaluating the mode of action, the effects and risks associated to emerging substances; Developing reference materials, standards and inter-laboratory studies; Providing guidance to laboratories and other bodies (planners, regulators, universities, etc); Organising events for exchange of information among scientists, managers and policy-makers and development of a common understanding on priority topics. The role of the NORMAN network NORMAN partners already provide a vast quantity of scientific results for the European research area and are involved in large European Integrated Projects, thereby providing new methodologies for time- and cost-effective Europe-wide assessment of environmental status. NORMAN’s purpose, rather than simply passively collating information, is to focus the efforts of all participants in this field, in Europe and in the wider world. Its ultimate aim is to increase their capabilities, responsiveness and efficiency to the point at which they become, collectively, the global one-stop shop for all issues raised by emerging substances. The NORMAN partners have developed this first Joint Programme of Activities (JPA) for 2009-2011, which addresses some of the highest priority topics in the field of emerging substances and aims to meet the objectives listed above.

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