Europe gets electro safe
Electromagnetic research and development (R&D) in Europe is set to get a boost with the launch of the one-of-a-kind platform known as Phéline. With key support from the EU, this new, industry-led European Technology Platform (ETP) will help define priorities, action plans and deadlines for electromagnetic research. New ways of improving electronic technologies to make sure they are safe and meet public health standards will be explored. Novel electronic technologies continue to penetrate the market, delivering a steady stream of new products and services to make life easier and simpler. For many of us, electronic technologies, such as mobile phones, have become an essential part of our daily life, improving the way we do business and the quality of our life outside working hours. But how safe are they? The truth is that, in some cases, they may not be very safe at all. In fact, electronic technologies can be responsible for the release of potentially harmful electromagnetic fields across homes, workplaces, and even entire cities. Phéline represents a way to better coordinate electromagnetic R&D in Europe for the delivery of better industry solutions. The platform combines the scientific expertise and technical infrastructure inherent in three French organisations: Floralis, the Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), and University Joseph Fourier (UJF). Under this collaboration, Floralis provides the commercial acumen and industrial expertise, while CSTB and UJF contribute the multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technological resources. Ultimately, the goal for the platform members is to improve the quality of materials and equipment that make up electronic technologies in order to ensure that emissions remain at acceptable safety levels and meet European public health standards. In addition to the provision of technical expertise and consultancy services relating to quality standards, Phéline will conduct feasibility and monitoring studies (e.g. determining if equipment is ready to be integrated into a specific environment and to be exposed to humans), R&D on sensors, systems and software, RFID (radio frequency identification) applications, and training sessions. It will also act as a communication point between networks, local government and residents. Its services will cover a range of applications linked to the use and development of new technologies including materials (e.g. insulation and windows etc), devices (e.g. aerials, and electronic), and equipment (e.g. mobile phones and household white goods). Phéline was inaugurated on 21 May 2010, and operates from the main site at St Martin d'Heres, near Grenoble, in France. The platform is the first building block in France's Integra project, the objective of which is to develop better ways of improving the quality of everyday life using innovative, sustainable technology. As an ETP, Phéline is expected to contribute to Europe's future growth and competitiveness. These platforms play an important role in ensuring that research funding is focused on areas with a significant degree of industrial relevance, fostering new technology-based public goods and services and even technological breakthroughs. Rather than 'own' ETPs, the role of the European Commission (on behalf of the EU) is to observe and guide activity (where necessary) conducted by these industry-led platforms.
Countries
France