ECAMM

European structured research area for CAtalytic and Magnetic nanoMaterials

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objective of the proposal is to support the creation of a European structured research area for catalytic and magnetic nanomaterials by integrating two DISs (ERIC and EIMM) operating in the fields of catalysts and nanomagnetism, and their plan to expand current activities in order to (1) obtain a larger coverage of industrial technologies/sectors and (2) extend the involvement to the activities of the relevant industrial partners. The aim is to create a realistic basis to achieve financial sustainability of the two DISs which will keep their own individual personality, but share knowledge and expertise, structure, equipment and other resources, to offer a broader and cost-effective range of services to companies, and in the long-term the vision is to provide new competences (deriving from the integrated collaboration) to new industrial sectors such as materials for nanomedicine, health care and diagnostics, to ICT, environment protection, and nanomaterials’ risk. Functional to this objective are also the possibilities a) to realize efficient synergies to reduce the management costs of the DISs, and to be more cost-effective for a structuring effect inside ERA, b) create a larger critical mass, and a broader spectrum of expertise and equipment, c) improve the attractiveness towards young researchers through a combination of high-profile science and educational activities in their favor, and d) enhance the visibility and develop more efficient politics for incorporating new partners in order to progressively expand the actual core partners. Reaching the objectives, implementing these activities will thus result in 1) an improved coordination in both research and innovation, through the management and cultural synergies between the two DISs (ERIC and EIMM); 2) a more robust critical mass of the durable integrated structure; 3) a boosted dynamism of research, technological development and innovation in the field(s); and 4) an improved structuring of the European Research Area.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

With cooperation that maintains independence, scientists are extending the industrial sectors covered by virtual institutes in magnetic nanomaterials and catalysis. Sustainable funding and a continually expanding partnership are among the project's ambitious goals.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The use of magnetic nanomaterials as highly selective and active catalysts is a growing field of research. The magnetic nanocomposite catalysts are a green alternative to many other routes and they can be recovered and recycled thanks to their magnetic properties.

Recognising the importance of integrating research on magnetic materials and catalysis, the EU is funding the project 'European structured research area for catalytic and magnetic nanomaterials' (http://www.ecamm.eu/ (ECAMM)). The goal is to foster innovation for industry and rapid exploitation of research and development outcomes building on the synergy of the two individual areas.

The plan involves uniting and providing a sustainable funding scheme for two virtual institutes created by previous EU financing of two networks of excellence. The European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC) and the European Institute of Molecular Magnetism (EIMM) were created by the previous EU-funded projects. The synergy is expected to expand the range of services offered to industry while helping to reduce management costs, facilitate sharing of equipment and expertise, and support active incorporation of new partners.

A critical review at the end of the second project year confirmed that progress in establishing self-sustainability and an active and lasting role of the institutes within the European Research Area (ERA) surpassed initial objectives. However, it was achieved with activities primarily outside the realm of the originally outlined action plan. The activities foreseen included preparation of science and technology transfer, expansion to other industrial sectors, provision of services to companies and creation of a business club.

While the planned mechanisms may have long-term impact, ECAMM is re-evaluating the role of the European economic crisis and the less-than-expected interest on the part of the contacted companies in order to develop mechanisms that will succeed in expanding the partner network.

The project team fully expects to establish the financial sustainability of ERIC and EIMM in the ERA and support integration and effective interaction. This will foster innovation in both areas and create new competencies for greater impact on industrial sectors from chemistry and electronics to nanomedicine, energy and the environment.