The concept behind ADVOCATE is that the sustainable implementation of ISR for contaminated land and groundwater within Europe can only be achieved by close 
integration of the various scientific,technical, environmental and socio-economic aspects (e.g. fundamental process understanding, performance assessment, 
engineering design and cost-benefits) that affect decision-making, management strategies and technology application across different scales. This challenge 
is addressed in ADVOCATE, through interdisciplinary analysis, by combining the approaches, concepts and techniques of the analytical sciences, environmental 
science, social sciences, economics, applied mathematics and environmental engineering in the structure and content of the training programme. The research 
training includes state-of-the-art analytical methods (e.g. tracer tests, stable isotope analysis, molecular microbial techniques, advanced modelling) 
and management-oriented aspects (e.g.  
performance assessment and decision support tools, sustainability frameworks) developed in different disciplines, and applied within and between projects. 
The formal training programme delivers units covering the multiple disciplines required by this ITN and integrates these by demonstrating the practical 
application of theory within research undertaken by each fellow. The project has 18 academic and industry partners, with expertise in groundwater remediation 
issues, ranging from pore-scale processes to field-scale application, as well as technology development, water management/treatment,  
regulation and policy. The industry partners represent the spectrum of business sectors within this field. It therefore provides an innovative training 
concept that links key research issues and technology development/application for ISR to the needs of relevant practitioners and end-users in the field. 
The key scientific objectives are given below.   
  
The main scientific objectives of ADVOCATE are to :  
1. Research innovative processes and techniques for the sustainable remediation of  
contaminants in situ.  
2. Develop process-level understanding and appraise technology concepts at laboratory  
scale through to field-scale application.  
3. Develop relevant performance assessment methods and tools for engineering design of  
sustainable in situ remediation processes and technology.  
4. Develop a decision-making framework for the use of in situ remediation in the  
sustainable development of groundwater resources.