Applied catalysis is a strongly interdisciplinary field, encompassing chemistry, bioscience, and materials and engineering science, among others. It also has a large potential to address many areas of socio-economic activity as well as key European challenges, such as sustainability and energy. ACENET ERA-NET (Applied Catalysis ERA-NET) brings together ten national organisations responsible for funding national applied catalysis research. In spite of its importance, the fragmentation of catalysis research into many subdisciplines has blinded decision-makers to its advantages – ACENET ERANET wants to bring applied catalysis and related sustainable chemical research firmly to the fore.
Associated European Research and Technology Organisations
A modern, ever-changing society demands continued advancement. It is no surprise, therefore, that the field of research plays a key role in improving the daily lives of European citizens, and that it continues to do so at an impressive rate. Advances in research and technology span a broad spectrum of fields and organisations. Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) actively support the research activities of enterprises and academia, and have the momentum to propel the
economic development of an industrial society towards meeting the demands of the future.
The Aeronautics ERA-NET AirTN - Air Transport Net - is one of the key enablers for the prosperous development of aeronautics in Europe
Europe must be in a position to take full advantage of the predicted significant growth in air transport by 2020. A state-of-the-art air transport industry is a prerequisite for the EU to maintain its position as a world leader. In order to prepare for this, AirTN was created to establish synergies between aeronautic stakeholders both throughout Europe and third countries.
European Group for Coordination of Research Programmes on Organ Donation and Transplantation
Organ transplantation is a success story but organ shortage leaves people dying in all countries, with an important discrepancy between national rates. The severe shortage of donors across all organ categories remains a major public health issue the Member States of the European Union are faced with, at the same level as the other countries worldwide. Coordinated efforts were therefore needed to optimise existing strategies and techniques and to increase the availability of transplant material. In May 2010, the European Parliament passed legislation to make organ donations and transplants easier, both within and across national borders. About 60,000 European citizens are currently on a donation waiting list, hoping to receive an organ that could save their life. National or regional organisations must ensure that these patients have the highest possible chance of receiving an organ quickly and safely - and away from any kind of illegal trafficking. The directive establishes common EU quality and safety standards, and European governments will have two years to transpose these rules into their national legislation. This major policy step stems in part from the input of the ALLIANCE-O research project. For the first time, this consortium brought together agencies in charge of organ donations and transplants in seven EU Member States. They reviewed and compared practices, problems and solutions at all stages of the transplantation process, and published practical recommendations. In particular, they encouraged EU countries to develop shared structures, vocabulary and methods, as well as common frameworks for data collection, training and evaluation.
European Concerted Action to foster prevention and best response to Accidental Marine Pollution
We often think that oil spills at sea are unavoidable, but many disasters could be averted through better preventative measures and improved emergency responses. The AMPERA
ERA-NET is the first-ever attempt to link these two areas at an EU level. It creates a platform where governmental policy-makers and programme managers can meet to discuss all aspects of accidental marine pollution (AMP), and to implement EU-wide measures as required. By moving towards the coordination – and eventual integration – of national and regional AMP research programmes, the network will maximise the EU’s research output and make important contributions to the protection of Europe’s coastal ecosystems and economies.
Applied catalysis is a strongly interdisciplinary field, encompassing chemistry, bioscience, and materials and engineering science, among others. It also has a large potential to address many areas of socio-economic activity as well as key European challenges, such as sustainability and energy. ACENET ERA-NET (Applied Catalysis ERA-NET) brings together ten national organisations responsible for funding national applied catalysis research. In spite of its importance, the fragmentation of catalysis research into many subdisciplines has blinded decision-makers to its advantages – ACENET ERANET wants to bring applied catalysis and related sustainable chemical research firmly to the fore.
The Aeronautics ERA-NET AirTN - Air Transport Net - is one of the key enablers for the prosperous development of aeronautics in Europe
Europe must be in a position to take full advantage of the predicted significant growth in air transport by 2020. A state-of-the-art air transport industry is a prerequisite for the EU to maintain its position as a world leader. In order to prepare for this, AirTN was created to establish synergies between aeronautic stakeholders both throughout Europe and third countries.
European Group for Coordination of Research Programmes on Organ Donation and Transplantation
Organ transplantation is a success story but organ shortage leaves people dying in all countries, with an important discrepancy between national rates. The severe shortage of donors across all organ categories remains a major public health issue the Member States of the European Union are faced with, at the same level as the other countries worldwide. Coordinated efforts were therefore needed to optimise existing strategies and techniques and to increase the availability of transplant material. In May 2010, the European Parliament passed legislation to make organ donations and transplants easier, both within and across national borders. About 60,000 European citizens are currently on a donation waiting list, hoping to receive an organ that could save their life. National or regional organisations must ensure that these patients have the highest possible chance of receiving an organ quickly and safely - and away from any kind of illegal trafficking. The directive establishes common EU quality and safety standards, and European governments will have two years to transpose these rules into their national legislation. This major policy step stems in part from the input of the ALLIANCE-O research project. For the first time, this consortium brought together agencies in charge of organ donations and transplants in seven EU Member States. They reviewed and compared practices, problems and solutions at all stages of the transplantation process, and published practical recommendations. In particular, they encouraged EU countries to develop shared structures, vocabulary and methods, as well as common frameworks for data collection, training and evaluation.
European Concerted Action to foster prevention and best response to Accidental Marine Pollution
We often think that oil spills at sea are unavoidable, but many disasters could be averted through better preventative measures and improved emergency responses. The AMPERA
ERA-NET is the first-ever attempt to link these two areas at an EU level. It creates a platform where governmental policy-makers and programme managers can meet to discuss all aspects of accidental marine pollution (AMP), and to implement EU-wide measures as required. By moving towards the coordination – and eventual integration – of national and regional AMP research programmes, the network will maximise the EU’s research output and make important contributions to the protection of Europe’s coastal ecosystems and economies.
Towards sustainable integration of animal welfare in food production
Concern over animal welfare is now a subject of mainstream public debate, with many consumers deliberately buying ‘animal-friendly’ foods. However, public attitudes differ significantly between Member States. The Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has recognised the
need for an ERA-NET to coordinate animal welfare research across Europe and provide a forum in which policy-makers and programme managers can build consensus based on hard evidence. In preparation for an ERA-NET proposal, the ministry is analysing the priorities, funding and content of relevant national research programmes in order to develop the network’s objectives and structure.
Future collaboration between programmes will enhance their cost-effectiveness and quality, and
ensure Europe’s leadership in ethical food production.
Associated European Research and Technology Organisations
A modern, ever-changing society demands continued advancement. It is no surprise, therefore, that the field of research plays a key role in improving the daily lives of European citizens, and that it continues to do so at an impressive rate. Advances in research and technology span a broad spectrum of fields and organisations. Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) actively support the research activities of enterprises and academia, and have the momentum to propel the
economic development of an industrial society towards meeting the demands of the future.
The Aeronautics ERA-NET AirTN - Air Transport Net - is one of the key enablers for the prosperous development of aeronautics in Europe
Europe must be in a position to take full advantage of the predicted significant growth in air transport by 2020. A state-of-the-art air transport industry is a prerequisite for the EU to maintain its position as a world leader. In order to prepare for this, AirTN was created to establish synergies between aeronautic stakeholders both throughout Europe and third countries.
Coordination of Agricultural Research in the Mediterranean
Along with its rich, diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, the Mediterranean is known for its cuisine. Olives, figs, citrus and grapes represent only a sample of this region’s cornucopia. When it comes to agriculture and food production, countries in the Mediterranean share in common their climate, vegetation and unique biodiversity. By the same token, they also share a threat to the preservation of biodiversity and use of natural resources. As such, ARIMNet (Coordination of Agricultural Research in the Mediterranean) has taken strategic measures in support of the region’s
sustainable development.
Implementation of Astroparticle Physics European Coordination
People are increasingly interested in understanding more about such fundamental questions such as “What is dark matter?", “What is the origin of cosmic rays?” or “What is the nature of gravity?”. Astroparticle physics aims to answer these very questions through scientific research. Europe's astroparticle physics community has released details of its 'Magnificent Seven': major research infrastructures that will hopefully help scientists answer key questions about the nature of the universe. The seven infrastructures are listed in a new 'European strategy for astroparticle physics' produced by the ASPERA project which brings together 18 national funding agencies responsible for astroparticle physics in 13 European countries.
ASPERA will promote the cooperation and coordination in this field - the first ever attempt at a uniting body. The total cost of these seven infrastructures is estimated to be at least EUR 1 billion, meaning international cooperation is crucial for their construction and maintenance. Over the coming years, the ASPERA project partners will work to build consortia of funding agencies from both inside and outside Europe to turn these ambitious plans into a reality.
Multilateral Call for Research Projects within the Joint Baltic Sea Research Programme
The Baltic Sea is home to one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Key research funding organisations from the eight EU Member States, along with the Russian Federation, have teamed up
to work on the ERA-NET Plus project, BONUS+ (Multilateral Call for Research Projects within the Joint Baltic Sea Research Programme), to focus on the sea’s future prosperity. Their goal is to
introduce an ecosystem-based approach to environmental management. Once introduced, this will be a major first for the region, and is intended to contribute to long-term sustainable development in the
region – an achievement in environmental protection, and an asset for each country that benefits from the resources of the Baltic Sea and its surrounds