Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PRISMAS (PhD Research and Innovation in Synchrotron Methods and Applications in Sweden)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-01-01 al 2024-12-31
The PRISMAS programme aims to position Sweden as a leader in synchrotron expertise and promotes interdisciplinary research aligned with sustainability goals. It trains a diverse cohort of X-ray experts across different scientific disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to leverage facilities like the MAX IV synchrotron for societal challenges.
Objectives:
Educating Synchrotron Experts. PRISMAS develops Sweden’s synchrotron expertise through tailored PhD training, including university courses, summer schools, journal clubs, and mandatory secondments at MAX IV. The programme tracks student progress via Career Development Plans (CDPs). So far, five students have started their secondments.
Beamline (BL) scientists actively mentor students, co-supervise projects, and contribute to PRISMAS activities. Specialized summer schools provide hands-on beamline training, focusing on key synchrotron techniques and transferable skills.
Strengthening Synchrotron Research Networks. PRISMAS fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and international partners. A project call expanded participation to 8 Swedish universities, strengthening the research community. Industry collaborations, such as a water treatment project with Alfa Laval AB, demonstrate practical synchrotron applications. PRISMAS students act as ambassadors, ensuring Sweden’s leadership in synchrotron science.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation ensure the programme’s success in achieving its goals.
Objectives:
Educating Synchrotron Experts. PRISMAS develops Sweden’s synchrotron expertise through tailored PhD training, including university courses, summer schools, journal clubs, and mandatory secondments at MAX IV. The programme tracks student progress via Career Development Plans (CDPs). So far, five students have started their secondments.
Beamline (BL) scientists actively mentor students, co-supervise projects, and contribute to PRISMAS activities. Specialized summer schools provide hands-on beamline training, focusing on key synchrotron techniques and transferable skills.
Strengthening Synchrotron Research Networks. PRISMAS fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and international partners. A project call expanded participation to 8 Swedish universities, strengthening the research community. Industry collaborations, such as a water treatment project with Alfa Laval AB, demonstrate practical synchrotron applications. PRISMAS students act as ambassadors, ensuring Sweden’s leadership in synchrotron science.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation ensure the programme’s success in achieving its goals.
During the initial phase of the PRISMAS programme, the primary focus was on recruiting the PhD students. To support this, a robust management structure, reporting system, and strong collaboration among the eight implementing universities were established. Additionally, essential documentation, such as the applicants’ handbook or guidelines for reviewers including evaluation criteria, and more, was developed, along with a communication strategy and social media presence to attract candidates and later (in the following period) to disseminate results.
The recruitment and evaluation processes were carefully structured, involving external experts for review committees and collaboration with local HR personnel to streamline procedures. Three recruitment calls were conducted, resulting in 2,954 applications. Ultimately, 37 out of 40 positions were successfully filled, and 31 students—16 males and 15 females—have commenced their PhD studies in Sweden.
The training and education programme has also been developed. A Study Programme Committee designed the Career Development Plan, a key tool for tracking students' progress, particularly regarding PRISMAS goals and the mandatory secondment at MAX IV, while also guiding their career development. A process for yearly follow-up has also been established.
A journal club, launched in September 2024, holds monthly remote meetings where PRISMAS students present and discuss scientific publications, focusing on methods and techniques relevant to various research fields. Each session is led by two students, who also chair a related scientific discussion, giving them opportunities to develop further their skills while strengthening the established network.
Preparations for the first summer school to be held in June 2025, are underway. Additionally, a kick-off meeting in early 2023 brought together principal investigators from participating universities at MAX IV. The first PRISMAS Annual Meeting took place in Stockholm in June 2024, featuring student project presentations, scientific talks, industry insights, and programme updates, fostering valuable discussions and networking.
Following the ethics assessment conducted during the proposal stage, an independent ethics advisor has been appointed and a plan for annual review process of the ethical compliance across the programme has been agreed.
The recruitment and evaluation processes were carefully structured, involving external experts for review committees and collaboration with local HR personnel to streamline procedures. Three recruitment calls were conducted, resulting in 2,954 applications. Ultimately, 37 out of 40 positions were successfully filled, and 31 students—16 males and 15 females—have commenced their PhD studies in Sweden.
The training and education programme has also been developed. A Study Programme Committee designed the Career Development Plan, a key tool for tracking students' progress, particularly regarding PRISMAS goals and the mandatory secondment at MAX IV, while also guiding their career development. A process for yearly follow-up has also been established.
A journal club, launched in September 2024, holds monthly remote meetings where PRISMAS students present and discuss scientific publications, focusing on methods and techniques relevant to various research fields. Each session is led by two students, who also chair a related scientific discussion, giving them opportunities to develop further their skills while strengthening the established network.
Preparations for the first summer school to be held in June 2025, are underway. Additionally, a kick-off meeting in early 2023 brought together principal investigators from participating universities at MAX IV. The first PRISMAS Annual Meeting took place in Stockholm in June 2024, featuring student project presentations, scientific talks, industry insights, and programme updates, fostering valuable discussions and networking.
Following the ethics assessment conducted during the proposal stage, an independent ethics advisor has been appointed and a plan for annual review process of the ethical compliance across the programme has been agreed.
The PRISMAS programme drives scientific, economic, societal, and industrial impact by leveraging MAX IV infrastructure and through collaboration with eight Swedish universities. It advances synchrotron science through interdisciplinary research in sustainability, energy, and health, training future scientists with tools such as workshops, mentoring involving synchrotron beamline scientists, and journal clubs.
Scientific efforts include research on corrosion-resistant alloys, nanocellulose water treatment, and organic photovoltaics. The first peer-reviewed article from the programme; a 2024 Nature Communications study on cryoprotectants has been published. Collaborations with industry (e.g. AstraZeneca, Alfa Laval) translate research into real-world solutions.
The programme supports sustainability by investigating material reuse and renewable energy. Health-focused projects tackle cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, enhancing drug discovery and radiation therapy. Research on carotid plaques aids stroke prevention.
PRISMAS engages the public through outreach, ensuring synchrotron science benefits society. By fostering academic-industry collaboration, it strengthens Sweden’s competitiveness in high-tech sectors.
Scientific efforts include research on corrosion-resistant alloys, nanocellulose water treatment, and organic photovoltaics. The first peer-reviewed article from the programme; a 2024 Nature Communications study on cryoprotectants has been published. Collaborations with industry (e.g. AstraZeneca, Alfa Laval) translate research into real-world solutions.
The programme supports sustainability by investigating material reuse and renewable energy. Health-focused projects tackle cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, enhancing drug discovery and radiation therapy. Research on carotid plaques aids stroke prevention.
PRISMAS engages the public through outreach, ensuring synchrotron science benefits society. By fostering academic-industry collaboration, it strengthens Sweden’s competitiveness in high-tech sectors.