AcumenIST SRL is a Brussels-based technology consultancy which has a strong track record in materials-science and R&I-management, public and regulatory affairs, harmonisation & standardisation, and policy-assessment/-development. Since the beginning of 2025, AIST has expanded its geographical footprint to Germany with the opening of a German branch.
It provides PINK with targeted dissemination-, communication- and exploitation-management as well as streamlined secretariat support of the coordinator, thus widening the collaborative network of PINK (WP8-10 co-lead). As the Project Secretary, AIST is fundamental in shaping and executing an efficient project management structure. Under Work Packages 8 to 10, AIST supports the establishment and implementation of an agile and responsive coordination framework. This involves facilitating communication, organising meetings, and ensuring effective dissemination of knowledge among consortium partners.
AIST leads the development and operationalisation of the PINK Ethical Guideline. This ensures that high ethical standards, surpassing legal requirements, are maintained throughout the project. AIST’s efforts extend to sensitive data management, gender considerations, and stakeholder engagement, promoting responsible research and innovation practices.
AIST also plays a key role in monitoring, reporting, and administration. It supports both technical and financial monitoring by creating user-friendly reporting templates and ensuring compliance with European Commission (EC) requirements. These tasks are essential for maintaining transparency and the efficient administrative functioning of the project. In leading the design and ongoing refinement of the PINK Dissemination and Exploitation Plan under WPs 8 to 10, AIST undertakes strategic planning to foster stakeholder engagement, enhance visibility, and manage intellectual property. The aim is to ensure that scientific outputs are effectively aligned with industrial needs and regulatory pathways, thus enabling their valorisation and practical uptake.
AIST also takes the lead in defining the project’s corporate identity and communication infrastructure. It develops the visual identity of the project, including the logo, website, printed materials, and communication templates, ensuring consistent visibility and recognition. These efforts are maintained through regular updates and preparation of the necessary infrastructure for the project’s legacy beyond its active phase.
In addition to managerial and communication responsibilities, AIST plays a strategic role in fostering long-term sustainability through contributions to standardisation. It supports the creation of the PINK Business Plan and Roadmap to Standardisation, facilitating the collaborative development of multi-stakeholder business models, addressing licensing challenges, and aligning with European recommendations regarding intellectual property and standardisation best practices.
In essence, AIST serves as both the administrative and ethical backbone of the PINK project, as well as a key driver of its long-term impact and sustainability. However, AcumenIST’s role extends beyond individual work packages. Its influence is felt in the overarching governance of the project, where it supports the coordinator and the whole consortium in strategic decision-making processes. AcumenIST acts as the pulse-check of the project, measuring its relevance, amplifying its impact, and ensuring that scientific excellence is translated into tangible policy and market outcomes.
With a strong track record in knowledge brokering and science-policy interfacing, AcumenIST is not merely a participant in the PINK project: it actively shapes its direction and legacy. Through agile management, deep stakeholder understanding, and an unwavering commitment to open science, AcumenIST reinforces the project’s vision.
