EU-funded training network aims to light up European research
New organic materials capable of absorbing and emitting near infrared (NIR) light can be used to make new products - sensors, detectors and solar cells - that will help make Europe more energy sustainable and competitive. Such products have huge potential in sectors such as healthcare and telecommunications. In order to develop and commercialise these materials and products however, Europe needs cutting edge chemists, physicists and material scientists. This is why achieving Smart Growth through investing in education, research and innovation is a key priority of the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU's framework to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy. One means of making this a reality is to provide support for Europe's young research scientists, and the research network OSNIRO (Organic Semiconductors for NIR Optoelectronics) aims to achieve exactly this. The focus of OSNIRO - one of several so-called Innovative Training Networks (ITNs) - is to develop new materials in the manufacture of large, flexible photovoltaic cells and sensors, along with a new generation of printable photo-detectors. Over the next four years, 15 young scientists will carry out research at their host institutions, but in an international context. These doctorate candidates will work together across borders and disciplines. Another factor that makes OSNIRO unique is its emphasis not only on research but on other skills that today's academic must learn to master. These include academic writing and presenting, getting funding and managing public relations. For example, each young researcher will be asked to attend at least one international conference per year for presenting his scientific results, and will play an active role in outreach activities, such as writing press releases, teaching at summer schools and organising exhibitions at local science days. The consortium behind the project has already carried out some exploratory work on a new generation of novel NIR-absorbing copolymers and their application in organic solar cells. Other potential applications include information processing and night-vision readable displays. Diving into a PhD and/ or committing to a career in research are never easy options. New graduates must often contend with fixed-term employment contracts, unpaid overtime and huge competitive pressure. Europe however desperately needs high calibre graduates in order to fully recover from the economic crisis, and therefore needs to make research attractive. This is why OSNIRO is such an important initiative. The first joint advanced OSNIRO training session was held at the University of Wuppertal, in Germany, from 9 to 11 April. Taken together, the training elements, networking opportunities and international collaboration made possible through the OSNIRO network will help to shape a new generation of researchers with a broad, multidisciplinary background. Indeed, by providing support and guidance to young researchers, the network will also help to maintain Europe's cutting edge in science and boost the economy.For more information, please visit: OSNIRO http://osniro.eu/ Project factsheet:
Countries
Germany