scholarly journals Energy Research Infrastructures in Europe and Beyond: Mapping an Unmapped Landscape

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 111-124
Author(s):  
Mikkel Stein Knudsen ◽  
Marianna Birmoser Ferreira-Aulu ◽  
Jari Kaivo-oja ◽  
Jyrki Luukkanen

European research and innovation policy highlights the importance of transnational scientific collaboration, International collaborations in science concentrates and magnifies resources for conducting research and foster innovation. Often, individual institutions, or even individual European countries, cannot provide the right capabilities by themselves. Joint facilities and Research Infrastructures (RIs) are therefore of high importance, and through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe nearly €5 bn EU funding is set aside for these institutions. Considering the large-scale funding and the perceived importance of RIs, a better understanding of their roles, functions, and usefulness is highly relevant to of European integration studies. While ‘Research Infrastructures’ has become a fixed terminology of EU-policy, conceptually defining RIs remain a matter of academic debate. We contribute to the “what is an RI?”-discussion by synthesizing existing literature and presenting novel empirical data from the energy domain mapping of the Horizon 2020-project Research Infrastructures in the International Landscape (RISCAPE). We provide insights into the process of mapping an hitherto largely unknown landscape of global Energy RIs. These insights touch upon both definitional issues relevant to the RI-field and methodological concerns for future landscape analyses. Finally, the article suggests that when it comes to energy research, RI-terminology might be misplaced as a catchall modern synonym for “gold standard world-class science”.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maren Brehme ◽  
Abel Marko ◽  
Santiago Aldaz ◽  
Guido Blöcher ◽  
Ernst Huenges

<p>Reasons for injectivity decline were investigated at different geothermal sites in Europe. Due to low injectivities, production rates have to be reduced and the site faces negative commercial implications. In addition to historical operation data, fluid and rock samples were investigated in the laboratory. Analysis and experiments focus on physical, chemical and biological processes and their interaction. Results show different processes being responsible for injection-triggered occlusion of flow pathways, e.g. fines migration, precipitation, micro-biological activity, aquifer properties, corrosion or O<sub>2</sub> inflow.</p><p>Lessons learned will be shown, from preparation of large-scale projects, from monitoring programmes towards sustainable operation.</p><p>Activities are taking place in the frame of the DESTRESS project. The DESTRESS project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 691728.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Corral ◽  

<p>The CAFE Project is a Marie S. Curie Innovative-Training-Network (ITN) project funded by the EU. The ultimate goal of the CAFE project is to contribute to the improvement of sub-seasonal predictability of extreme weather events. This will be addressed through a structured and cross-disciplinary program, training 12 early stage researchers who undertake their PhD theses. CAFE brings together a team of co-supervisors with complementary expertise in climate science, meteorology, statistics and nonlinear physics.</p><p>The CAFE team comprises ten beneficiaries (seven academic centres, one governmental agency, one intergovernmental agency and one company: ARIA, CRM, CSIC, ECMWF, MeteoFrance, MPIPKS, PIK, TUBAF, UPC, UR) and ten partner organizations (CEA and Munich Re, among them).</p><p>CAFE research is organized into three main lines: Atmospheric and oceanic processes, Analysis of extremes, and Tools for predictability, all focused on the sub-seasonal time scale. This includes the study of Rossby wave packets, Madden-Julian oscillation, Lagrangian coherent structures, ENSO-related extreme weather anomalies, cascades of extreme events, extreme precipitation, large-scale atmospheric flow patterns, and stochastic weather generators, among other topics.</p><p>Information about the CAFE project will be updated at:</p><p>http://www.cafes2se-itn.eu/</p><p>https://twitter.com/CAFE_S2SExtrem</p><p>This project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 813844.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-374
Author(s):  
Aleksy Goettel

The main goal of this study is to assess whether, and if so, how the tax policy is implemented in Poland in relation to informal partnerships. The justification for conducting research in this area is the growing number of such relationships and the demands formulated by the public on the principles of taxation of cohabitants. The study analyzes not only taxes on natural persons, but also the provisions governing the principles of tax liability. The research shows that while pro-family tax policy is implemented on a fairly large scale in Poland, it does not apply to cohabitants. In principle, cohabitants do not have the right to any preferential taxation rules, above all tax reliefs and exemptions. Moreover, the analysis of the research material clearly indicates that staying in cohabitation can even aggravate the situation of a cohabitant under tax law (which can be seen perfectly well on the example of a cohabitant's liability for his partner's taxes). On the basis of a critical analysis of the Polish tax law provisions, the general thesis has been formulated that the situation of cohabitants is affected by deep asymmetry, because on the one hand the legislator uses cohabitation to improve the allocation of public revenues, but on the other hand it does not include cohabitants with pro-family tax policy (although cohabitation is very similar to marriage). The study includes certain demands on the legislator, thanks to which it is possible to cover cohabitants by pro-family tax policy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 122 (1254) ◽  
pp. 1163-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Brouckaert ◽  
François Mirville ◽  
Kevin Phuah ◽  
Peter Taferner

ABSTRACTThe Clean Sky Joint Undertaking is currently managing two large-scale research and innovation programmes under FP7 and Horizon 2020 to contribute to the strengthening of the European aeronautical sector ensuring global leadership and competitiveness. This paper describes the research and demonstration programmes in Clean Sky (2008–2017) and Clean Sky 2 (2014–2024) related to propulsion technologies for the next-generation aircraft. The bulk of this work is addressed in Clean Sky 1 under the “Sustainable And Green Engines” (SAGE) programme and under the “ENGINES” programme in Clean Sky 2. The High-Level Objectives are described for each engine architecture as well as the targets in terms of CO2 and noise reduction versus a year 2000 reference unless stated otherwise. An overview of the new engine concepts that would satisfy the ACARE objectives is presented, including the main technologies which are to be developed to ensure the successful demonstration of each of those new engine concepts.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olha Nikolenko ◽  
Cedric Morana ◽  
Bernard Taminiau ◽  
Alberto V. Borges ◽  
Tanguy Robert ◽  
...  

<p>Increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere threatens the existence of many ecosystems and their inhabitants. Agricultural activities contribute up to 70 % of total anthropogenic emission of nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O), one of the GHGs, which is characterized with the highest global warming potential and contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. Our study presents the results obtained from the recent field and lab activities carried out in order to obtain better insight into the factors that define the presence of N<sub>2</sub>O in groundwater. Previous large scale investigations, performed in the Hesbaye chalk aquifer in Eastern Belgium, suggested that the concentration of N<sub>2</sub>O in the aquifer depends on different, possibly overlapping biochemical processes such as nitrification, denitrification and/or nitrifier-denitrification. This study explored the occurrence of biochemical stratification in the same aquifer and its impact on N<sub>2</sub>O production and consumption mechanisms. For this purpose low flow sampling technique was applied at different depth intervals to obtain better insight into the extent of oxic and anoxic zones and variability of concentrations of GHGs along the vertical profile. Collected groundwater samples were analyzed for the range of hydrochemical parameters as well as NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>, N<sub>2</sub>O, H<sub>2</sub>O and B isotopes signatures and N<sub>2</sub>O isotopomers. Afterwards, rates of nitrification and denitrification processes were estimated based on short-term incubations of collected groundwater amended with NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> compounds labeled with heavy <sup>15</sup>N isotope. In addition, in order to characterize the dynamics of ongoing biogeochemical processes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for detection of the activity-specific enzymes in the aquifer were performed. Such studies help to clarify which conditions are more prone to the accumulation of high concentrations of GHGs in aquifers and better constrain models which estimate local and regional GHGs budgets.</p><p>Acknowledgments</p><p>This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation  programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 675120.</p>


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Balamurali ◽  
S Zeemering ◽  
MF Sinner ◽  
R Wakili ◽  
S Hatem ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): TRAIN-HEART Innovative Training Network, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 813716) Characterizing Atrial fibrillation by Translating its Causes into Health Modifiers in the Elderly (CATCH ME), funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (under the grant agreement no. 633196) Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with heart failure (HF) and stroke. Clinical and experimental data from previous studies suggest gender differences in mechanisms and phenotypes of AF: women may have more atrial fibrosis, worse outcomes after catheter ablation, and some women carry a higher risk for thromboembolic complications than men. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are still poorly understood. Methods Gender-based transcriptional patterns were assessed using paired-end, directional RNA sequencing data generated from atrial tissue biopsies in 199 patients either in sinus rhythm or with paroxysmal or persistent AF as part of the CATCH-ME project. Transcript counts were compared between genders separately in the left and right atria using the DESeq2 package in R. The models were adjusted for potential sources of confounding (age, atrial fibrillation status, heart failure status and sequencing batch). Interaction models were implemented using DESeq2 to compare gender*morbidity interactions for persistent AF and HF. Significance was assessed using likelihood ratio tests comparing models with and without the interaction terms. Results with an adjusted P-value  0.05 were considered significant and utilized for subsequent downstream assessments. Differentially expressed (DE) genes were tested for enrichment of gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways using the WebGestalt toolkit. Results Transcriptome-wide profiling across the cohort identified 33 sex-differentiated genes in the left atria and 51 in the right atrial samples, with 21 of these showing bilateral differences. Interestingly, 36 (44%) of the results from these analyses were comprised of non-coding transcripts, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), antisense RNAs and pseudogenes. GO and pathway enrichment analyses for these genes revealed their involvement in critical pathways such as the complement and coagulation cascades and RNA transport.  Interaction analyses between gender and AF identified two genes (MPP2 & GNAS-AS1) that were differentially transcribed in the right atria and one gene (MYL2) that was DE in the left atria by gender in persistent AF samples. A similar analysis comparing gender*HF morbidity also revealed evidence of DE. Four transcripts (HLA-DQB1-AS1, EIF1AY, UTY and ZFY-AS1) showed gender-specific differences in expression by HF status in left atria, while HLA-DQB1-AS1 was differentially regulated by gender and HF status in right atrial samples. Conclusions These RNA-seq analyses provide novel insights into gender-related differences in the transcriptional landscape of right and left adult human atrial appendages. Moreover, interaction analyses identified three genes DE in female atria in persistent AF and four DE genes in female atria in heart failure, providing a molecular anchor for the observed differences in atrial diseases phenotypes between men and women.


Author(s):  
Tetyana Marchenko

The aim of the article is to study some aspects of the participation of Ukraine in the European innovation programmes, particularly in the Framework programme for research and technological development and to consider factors that contribute to the attractiveness of these programmes for Ukraine and possible risks associated with the implementation of EU policies in the field of science in Ukrainian reality. The methodological basis of research constitute the historical and logical and systematic approaches in the study of patterns of innovation development in the context of economic growth and increase competitiveness. Actuality of this theme is explained by the creation of the global information society, the incipience of the new technological production method and by wide development of innovative cooperation between countries. Such collaboration, as a rule, promotes comprehensive expansion of trade, mutual investing in national production complexes, wide integration. The results of the analysis. Basic features, components and the role of European framework programme for research and innovation “Horizon 2020” for European Research Area’s creating were analyzed. Ukraine’s involvement in the process of international scientific and technical integration and economic component of Ukraine's participation in European framework programme for research and innovation “Horizon 2020” were investigated. The main priorities of national innovation policy were defined and measures concerning Ukraine’s innovative potential activation and improvement through participation in European innovative programmes were proposed. International innovative programs will promote adaptation of the country to the EU norms and standards, increase mobility of Ukrainian experts, researchers and educators in the European space, speed up European integration. Full participation in the Framework Programme “Horizon 2020” projects would attract countries to the advanced technology of its scientific potential, additional financing of the Ukrainian research organizations and institutions involved in joint projects. Scientific novelty of the research results consists of predicting a possible increase innovation potential of the economy of Ukraine based on the study of international innovation programmes as a factor of integration of Ukraine into the EU. The practical significance of the results consists of importance of theoretical propositions, conclusions and recommendations for practical application of these results in the learning process, the development and improvement of certain legislative acts of Ukraine and to justify special measures for government agencies to address the problems associated with the innovative development of Ukraine. Conclusions and directions of further researches. The practical result of international cooperation Ukraine should be achievement standards of innovative progress inherent in the developed world. These standards are primarily related to the rationalization of energy consumption and using natural resources, technology standards, legal protection of intellectual property, international quality standards, certification of products and services. With appropriate adaptation in Ukraine, it is possible to use the EU strategic instruments, in particular the "open method of coordination", which will enable Ukraine to study the experience of other countries, as well as exchange of innovative practices. In the future, it is worth exploring the ways of adaptation and implementation of EU strategic tools in Ukraine, which will provide the basis for the implementation of the programme initiatives of the “Europe 2020” Strategy.


2018 ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
OLESIA OTRADNOVA ◽  
OLEKSANDR DMYTRUK ◽  
OLENA MOTUZENKO

The article aims to provide a survey of the current situation with human rights of senior people in Ukraine, based on the legal analysis and sociological overview. The questionnaire for the overview was built to show the level of seniors’ knowledge about their rights and possible ways of protection, level seniors’ human rights infringement and awareness about possible remedies in case of infringement. The sample of the sociological overview includes 1 379 persons. The interviews were done by students under the supervision of the authors of this paper in the framework of GRAGE Horizon 2020 project. Sample analysis and calibration resulted in 1 159 valid respondents’ forms. The Gender structure of the responses constitutes 39 % women and 61 % men. The group includes people from 60 years old and older, including long-livers (90+). Seven main questions were put to the interviewed: Do you know which rights and benefits do older persons have in Ukraine? Do you know any NGOs or societies, which deal with older person’s rights protection? Do you meet information about older person’s rights in newspapers or TV programs? Have you ever been discriminated on the basis of your age (in the sphere of employment, credits, insurance etc.)? Have you ever experienced physical or psychological violence because of your age (from your relatives, social workers, and other people)? Which rights of older persons are the most violated? Do you know where to appeal in your city in case of your (as older person) rights are violated? The results of such analysis are represented in diagrams and show the real picture of seniors’ rights protection in Ukraine and proper ways of its improvement. Two main rights of elderly which are the subject of violation are the right to proper material support (low level of pensions) and the right to medical care (low level of healthcare support). But one of the main problems of seniors’ rights protection in Ukraine is the low level of elderly knowledge about their rights, ways of protection and possible remedies in the case of infringement. The authors provide their view on the reforming approaches to increase the life level of elderly in Ukraine based on the current development of European practice and achievements of GRAGE Horizon 2020 project. This work was supported by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation Programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie (grant no. 645706 (Project GRAGE). This paper reflects only the authors’ view and the REA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.


2020 ◽  
Vol 208 ◽  
pp. 08025
Author(s):  
Elena Rodionova ◽  
Zhanna Kuzminykh ◽  
Ekaterina Gamova

The authors present the results of their research into the European Union’s innovation policy and the framework programmes for research and innovation as a key tool for ensuring sustainable development in Europe. The study has found that the EU innovation policy has a strong focus on achieving the goals of the economic, social and environmentaldimensions of the sustainable development agenda. Besides, attaining certain innovation indicators itself is a target of sustainable development. The current Horizon 2020Programme and the future Horizon Europe Programme are clearly aligned with the EU’s sustainable development strategic documents. As one of the leaders in the practical implementation of this concept, the European Union is setting standards and directions for further action for other countries and regions while remaining open to cooperative research and projects.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Piessens ◽  
Renata Barros ◽  
Katrijn Dirix ◽  
Jef Deckers ◽  
Johan ten Veen ◽  
...  

<p>A structural framework is a well-defined concept, being used primarily to add structural understanding to a geological model. Within GeoConnect³d, a new approach is used, i.e. the structural framework concept is modified to become the leading model, in which geological maps and models can be inserted and related to. This structural framework is being developed and implemented for two areas of interest - Roer-to-Rhine in northwest Europe and Pannonian Basin in eastern Europe - and will soon be implemented in two pilot areas, Ireland and Bavaria. The organisation of information is strongly linked to different scales of visualisation, starting from the pan-European view (1:15,000,000) with the possibility to zoom in to the scale of local geological models and maps in these four areas.</p><p>The GeoConnect³d structural framework reorganises geological information in terms of geological limits and geological units. Limits are defined as broadly planar structures that separate a given geological unit from its neighbouring units, e.g. faults (limits) that define a graben (unit), or an unconformity (limit) that defines a basin (unit). Therefore, the key relationship between these two structural framework elements is that units are defined by limits i.e. all units must be bounded by limits. It is important to note that this relationship is not necessarily mutual: not all limits have to be unit-defining.</p><p>A first test of the structural framework methodology was carried out in the Netherlands and Belgium for the Roer Valley graben, as the faults in this area were already modelled in a cross-boundary project (H3O-Roer Valley Graben). Displaying different elements according to scale of visualisation coupled with vocabulary information (definition, grouping and semantic relations between elements, etc.) following the SKOS-system proved a powerful tool to display geological information in an understandable way and improve insights in large-scale geological structures crossing national borders. Additionally, links with other GeoERA projects such as HIKE and its fault database are being successfully established. We consider the outcomes of this test promising to fulfil one of the main goals of GeoConnect³d, i.e. preparing and disclosing geological information in an understandable way for stakeholders. We also consider this as the way forward towards pan-European integration and harmonisation of geological information, where the ultimate challenge is to correlate or otherwise link information from different geological domains and of different scales.</p><p>This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 731166.</p>


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