Strategic partnerships to unlock the potential of automotive powertrain technologies for green mobility
The Aerosol and Particle Technology Laboratory (APTL) is part of the Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CPERI) in Greece. The latter is one of the institutes of the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH). The EU-funded APT-STEP(opens in new window) (Unlocking APTL's scientific and technological research potential in green mobility) project sought to further develop APTL's capacity in the area of clean automotive powertrain technologies and green mobility. Three experienced researchers were recruited. They participated in networking events, conferences and seminars, and contributed to APTL’s research projects and funding proposals. The fellows took part in the exchange of know-how and experience through 16 visits with 4 European research and industrial partners / secondments. The secondments helped to promote APTL's experience and capabilities, exchange know-how in the areas of automotive powertrain technologies, advanced materials, health effects assessment of vehicle exhaust, establish new measurement protocols concerning non-exhaust emissions and secure funding for four new research projects. In the framework of the project APTL organised laboratory’s intellectual property (IP), set up an IP inventory and delivered a strategic IP development plan. The plan presents 21 short- and long-term actions for better management of IP assets, and identifies 22 new research opportunities and 5 new scientific areas. Two workshops targeting research and industry stakeholders were organised to encourage future research exchange and collaboration aimed at innovation and exploitation of research outcomes. In all, 158 participants exchanged knowledge and experiences, and discussed potential cooperation. Several communication and dissemination actions were implemented concerning APTL's upgraded research and innovation capacity. These included participation in 19 international and national dissemination and networking events, as well as 16 international scientific events. In addition, 46 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings broadened the field of green mobility. A chassis dynamometer was procured to serve as a load unit for exhaust emission, mileage accumulation, and research and development testing on vehicles. By boosting APTL's research and innovation capacity thanks to APT-STEP, new powertrain technologies will be developed to tackle the significant air quality issues that Greece's Central Macedonia region faces.
