EU roadmap for materials science research
Materials science, or understanding the relationship between structure and properties of materials, forms the basis of innovative products and processes. In order to support future policy development and strengthen European leadership in this domain, European researchers initiated the ‘Foresight action for knowledge based multifunctional materials technology’ (SMART) project. SMART researchers sought to create a European roadmap for highly relevant materials research and development (R&D) using a combination of traditional forecast and innovative foresight methodology. Investigators conducted literature screening using statistical classification of scientific publications to assess publication activity and its impact. Together with foresight studies, the assessments identified a focus on specific materials research related to energy, safety and improving quality of life. In particular, researchers elucidated high temperature-resistant materials related to fusion technology, gas separation membranes for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage (CCS), power generation and combustion processes, energy efficient buildings/materials and fuel cells as important areas for energy-related materials science research. Safety materials should focus on personal protection, industrial safety and protection of the civil infrastructure via smart materials, polymers and nano-structured materials. Improving the quality of human life will require new biomaterials for medical applications, electronic materials, textiles and packaging materials.
