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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CySTEM (Cyprus Solar Thermal Energy Chair for the Eastern Mediterranean)

Teaser

Summary

The CyI Solar Thermal Energy Chair for the Eastern Mediterranean (CySTEM) project aims to consolidate and upgrade the already substantial activity at the Cyprus Institute (CyI) in Solar Energy, principally solar-thermal energy. This will be accomplished by attracting a cluster of outstanding researchers, led by a professor of international stature, to maximally utilize existing facilities and pursue a program of excellence in Cyprus, with local and regional focus in the region of Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME). The principal research focus will be on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies for electricity production, desalination, air conditioning and heating, either in isolation or in multi-generation modes.

Work performed

Tasks carried out during the reporting period (01 July 2015 until 30 Sep. 2016 - 15 months):

WP1â€“ Management and Coordination
Task 1.1-Project Management
Activities expected to be advanced: Project coordination; Project administrative support and logistics; Reporting; Mobilisation of relevant staff; Logistic support
All activities are carried out as needed.
Activities expected to be accomplished
1. Drafting of the First Annual Report (D1.1).
D1.1 was submitted and approved (Nov. 2016).

Task 1.2-Adapt Project Structures
Activities expected to be advanced: Integrate findings of review
All comments and findings during the Review (RV1; 15 November 2016) have been noted and are being integrated.
Activities expected to be accomplished
1. Activate Search and Evaluation committee (MS1; expected M1)
2. Integrate Research and innovation support unit (RIMS) into the CyI structure (MS2; expected M18)
All of these activities have been accomplished.
In overall, this Work Package is well on track.

WP2â€“ Recruitment
Task 2.1. - Recruitment of the ERA Chair.
Activities expected to be advanced
None
Activities expected to be accomplished
1. Preparation of application
2. Advertise position
3. Recruitment international workshop (MS5; expected M5)
4. Select and appoint ERA chair linked to Deliverable D2.1 -Report (expected M9)
5. ERA chair Appointment (MS6; expected M12)
Two colloquium organized in M10 (Dr Michael Geyer, Dr Manuel Blanco) on STE topics. The ERA Chair recruitment has a deviation of about 4 months for reasons previously discussed with EC; D2.1 was submitted and approved and official announcement of ERA chair Appointment was on 5th September 2016.
Task 2.2. - Support the ERA chair in recruitment of his/her research team
Activities expected to be advanced: Plan research group structure; Prepare job descriptions; Advertise position; Select and appoint members of scientific team
Activities are being carried out as needed.
Activities expected to be accomplished during the reporting period
None

Task 2.3. - Activating the Research and innovation support unit (RIMS)
Activities expected to be advanced
1. Prepare job descriptions
2. Advertise position
All of these activities are carried out as needed.
Activities expected to be accomplished
1. Recruit scientific coordinator (expected M1 to M3)
2. Define structure of wider RIMS (expected M12 to M15)
3. Recruit Administrative Assistant (expected M9-M12)
4. Activation of the complete RIMS (MS8; expected M15)
All of these activities have been accomplished. The MS8 is well advanced with the selection process very advanced; RIMS manager to be recruited in October 2016 (M16).
In overall, this WP is now well on track. Obviously the around 4 months deviation on the ERA chair recruitment will have an effect on other WP but with the already efficient working tools put in place within the existing team, we will be able to correct all deviations by September 2017.

WP3â€“ Infrastructure Upgrade
Task 3.1. - Define the list of equipment and infrastructure needs of the ERA chair in conjunction with the development of the scientific work programme under WP6
Activities expected to be advanced
None.
Activities expected to be accomplished
1. A preliminary procurement plan (table in attachment)
2. Infrastructure Procurement plan, D3.1 (expected M14)
3. Definition of equipment, hardware and infrastructure upgrades requested by ERA chair (MS9; expected M14)
The preliminary procurement plan has been carried. Activities 2. and 3. couldnâ€™t be achieved on time due to the delayed recruitment of the ERA Chair. Nonetheless, with the increased ERA Chair availability these activities have been taken under control. A D3.1 draft will be submitted within the Periodic Reporting due date (30th of November).
Task 3.2. -Procurement and acquisition of scientific equipment/other material resources and implementation of infrastructure changes required by ERA chair according to the scientific work prog

Final results

The recruitment process led to the recruitment of a high level researcher in the concentrating solar thermal field, Prof. Manuel J. Blanco. Evidence is already clear of the value that our new ERA Chair is bringing to the CyI.
1. Has been instrumental in the drafting of a TEAMING proposal.
2. Has engaged with the SET Plan Working Group on Concentrated Solar Power (STAGE-STE) representing the institute and providing input to the STE Implementation Plan.
3. Has started discussion with several research groups at the international level to increase the international collaboration of the institute.
4. Has contributed to the organization of the NESTER School 2016 and delivered two lecturers and a training session.
5. Has delivered a lecture at the Future Earth for the MENA region symposium that took place at CyI in November.