Greece benefits from better environmental and climate research
NCSRD is the largest multidisciplinary research centre in Greece, with critical mass in expertise and infrastructure in fields such as energy and the environment. The Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety (INRASTES) is one of five institutes responsible for coordinating its research activities. The EU-funded project ENTEC (Enhancing the capacity for environmental technology and climate research) worked to strengthen the Institute's research and development (R&D) potential at EU, national and regional levels. To achieve its aims, the project recruited 16 leading scientists who specialise in environmental and climate research. In an effort to reverse the brain drain, priority was given to scientists of Greek origin who had left the country. In parallel, 12 research priorities were identified. ENTEC also modernised existing experimental and computational equipment and infrastructure at INRASTES. New equipment has been procured, leading to two long-term stations at international level, three analytical labs with new computer facilities, and one integrated Climate Change Risk Management (CCRM) central infrastructure facility. In addition, senior scientific staff was hired for the facilities. Strategic partnerships and collaboration initiatives were sought through secondments between INRASTES and leading research organisations and networks in atmospheric and climate research within Greece and the European Research Area (ERA). By continuing to increase visibility and expand R&D cooperation, ENTEC helped transform the Institute into a strategic R&D centre for integrated new environmental technologies and climate research. Long-term outcomes will be of benefit to south-east Europe and the Mediterranean, two regions expected to be hit hard by the effects of regional climate change.
Keywords
Climate research, environment, INRASTES, ENTEC, environmental technology
