Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

ACTION TOWARDS LABORATORIES ENHANCEMENT AND KNOW-HOW EXCHANGE FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH ON GEOSYSTEM

Final Report Summary - ATLAB (ACTION TOWARDS LABORATORIES ENHANCEMENT AND KNOW-HOW EXCHANGE FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH ON GEOSYSTEM)

Executive Summary:
The ATLAB Project coordinated by M. Lewandowski and managed by M.A. Kusiak created the ATLAB Centre, the core unit of the Institute of Geological Sciences Polish Academy of Sciences (ING PAN). It provides the most of international publications and citations in the field of isotope geochemistry. The ATLAB Centre consists of 4 flag ING PAN laboratories: Quaternary Geochronology Laboratory, Stable Isotope Laboratory (now, as a follow up the ATLAB project, these two laboratories have been merged into one unit), Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, and Clay Minerals Laboratory. Eleven parts of new equipment were purchased, among them: high efficiency and low background gamma spectrometer, mass spectrometer with gas chromatograph, clean laboratory system for sample preparation and TGA-MS-IR system with humidity controller.
In order to fully use the potential of the ATLAB Centre and successfully participate and shape the ERA, an overall performance of the ATLAB Centre needed to be improved to achieve the level comparable to that of the very best institutions in Europe. Such an improvement led to extensive collaboration with 12 European partners: ATOMKI, Hungary (K.P. Krajewski, M.A. Kusiak – polar research), AWI, Germany (J. Tyszka – palaeo/climate modelling), Birbeck College, UK (K. Szeroczynska – reconstruction of water reservoir), CGB, Norway (H. Hercman – climate & environmental change), GFZ, Germany (M.A. Kusiak, E. Slaby, K. Szeroczynska – nano-processes in extraterrestial material, U-Pb geochronology & climate change), LPGN-CNRS, France (D. Mege – Mars), Royal Holloway, UK (R. Anczkiewicz – mammoths migration in Europe), SUBATECH, France (J. Srodon – molecular modelling), TPCI-NHRF, Greece (A. Derkowski – clay minerals), Univ. of Goettingen, Germany (J. Srodon – U-Th/He thermochronology), Univ. of Tuebingen, Germany (J. Tyszka – stable isotopes in fossil bones), Utrecht Univ., Netherlands (J. Tyszka – bio-proxies in marine paleo/ecosystem).
Within a frame of the project 9 external researchers were employed. Of this group, two persons, who transferred from industrial jobs in the US (A. Derkowski) and UK (S. Mazur), continue employment at the ING PAN after ATLAB project terminated.
However, science is not the only beneficiary of the REGPOT funds. Promotion and dissemination activities in the ATLAB project have an important influence on the social and economic development in the regional scale. During the ATLAB project, we published 7 movies on youtube channel, took part in European Researcher’s Nights and Museum Nights and prepared geo-obile exhibition. Popularization of Earth Sciences contributes to better understanding among stakeholders about the importance of geological research and necessity for increased financial support. Various publications and promotion via mass media was conducted (e.g. in “Rzeczpospolita”, “Gazeta Wyborcza”, Polish Radio, etc.) Last, but not least, it was an extraordinary experience for the whole staff of the Institute of Geological Sciences that made them a solid and a well recognized team at the European scientific market.

Project Context and Objectives:
The key idea of the ATLAB Centre is to form a well-equipped, multi-profile research unit, specializing in the development and application of isotope geochemistry techniques as tools for innovative investigations that link modern geology, terrestrial environment and technology.

The main strategic objectives of the ATLAB project are as follows:
• progress in research quality
• better integration in ERA
• enhancement of human capital
• upgrading of equipment
• dissemination and promotion activities
• support of innovation and fostering cooperation with industry
• support of the regional socio-economic development

The ATLAB Centre is the core unit of ING PAN, providing most of the international publications and citations, which assure top ranking of the Institute among the Earth Science institutions of Poland. All the funds allocated to the ATLAB Centre in last years (the biggest investments in Polish Earth sciences ever made), were directed towards the improvement of infrastructure, technological quality and equipment. This effort resulted in enhancement and diversification of the research potential, improvement of analytical capabilities and implementation of new research methods.
The ATLAB Centre today is the leading Polish research center of the isotope geochemistry: a very difficult and expensive but universal technique of Earth sciences, capable of tracing and explaining natural processes of all kinds and quickly expanding its very diverse applications beyond Earth sciences. Clear strategy of development was implemented and the priority research fields were defined based on the synergy achieved among ATLAB’s laboratories and the research staff. This strategy is aimed at enlarging our knowledge of the surrounding world, serving society and contributing to technological innovations, priorities and the trends in modern geosciences:
• geosystem modelling
• climate change
• environment and health
• water and wastes
• natural resources
• technical applications
• Earth among planets

The general concept of the ATLAB Project leads to five main objectives, which were relevant to the Work Programme of Capacities, Part 4, Research Potential (topic REGPOT-2011-1):

Objective 1: enhancement of human capacity of the ATLAB Centre in Earth sciences by the exchange of know-how and experience, organization of twinning activities, workshops, conferences as well as recruitment of experienced researchers.

The objective was targeted by following activities:

1. WP2: Employment of experienced researchers in Earth sciences. During the ATLAB project, nine researchers were employed for the total of 198 months as follow:
1.1. At the Krakow Research Center 6 researchers, two of got permanent positions at the ING PAN
1.2. At the Warszawa Research Center 2 researchers
1.3. At the Wrocław Research Center 1 researcher who is staying at the ING PAN after project has terminated

2. WP4: Exchange of know-how through twinning activities with partnering organizations. To establish a long term collaboration with 12 leading European research institutions active at the research areas complementary to those of the ATLAB Centre through outgoing visits of the ATLAB researchers as well as incoming visits from the partnering organizations to the ING PAN, 43 outgoing and 37 incoming visits were organized.

3. WP5: Enhancing expertise through workshops and conferences. To increase the transfer of knowledge as well as to develop research cooperation resulting in increased submission of research projects, ATLAB researchers had an opportunity to take a part in the international scientific conferences and short term training events. Thirteen researchers participated in 21 European conferences and 8 researchers took part in 8 conferences organized outside Europe.

Objective 2: improvement of the existing technical capacity of the ATLAB laboratories by upgrading, development and acquisition of research equipment leading to up-scaling of the ING PAN scientific potential.

The objective was targeted by purchasing 11 parts of the laboratory equipment to endow 4 laboratories at the Warszawa and Krakow Research Centers. These activities were performed under Work Package 3: Capacity building through acquisition, development and upgrading of research equipment.

Objective 3: achieving better integration of the ATLAB Centre in ERA by organizing conferences, workshops, trainings, promoting research collaboration, development of multilateral partnerships and close cooperation with European partners that can lead into involvement in the FP7 activities.

The objective was targeted by following activities:
WP5: Enhancing expertise through workshops and conferences. The main objective of the WP5 was to facilitate of knowledge sharing as well as raising the visibility of the ATLAB Centre in the scientific environment.
1. Two conferences were organized
1.1 “IsoG2013 – Environmental geochemistry – methods, trends, questions”. The aim of this conference was to gain state-of-the-art knowledge on isotopic and geochemical methods employed in environment studies and providing data useful in reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment components.
1.2 “Paleoecological reconstructions – lacustrine, peat and cave sediments”. The conference was focused on paleoecological methods to study different sedimentological environments (lakes, peatbogs, caves). The thematic area included comparison of biological, isotopic and geochemical methods used in paleoecological reconstruction.

2. Various workshops or series of workshops were organized within five thematic areas as follow:
2.1 Science for Society: Series of workshops entitled “Bio-proxies: integration of isotopic and ecologic approaches”
2.2 Science for Innovation: Workshop “Applications of mineralogical and geochemical tools in oil and gas exploration”
2.3 Science for knowledge: Workshops “Geoanalyst” and “Elements and isotopes in the analyses of extraterrestrial and terrestrial materials”, as well series of workshops: “Innovation in modelling: from elements to global changes”
2.4 Science for Policy Makers: The ING PAN Promotion Day was organized to promote our institute among relevant stakeholders as well as in the society, and to ensure the visibility of ATLAB and popularize the Earth Sciences.
2.5 Science for Students: As the ING PAN consists of three Research Centres, three events were organized with presentation, talks and laboratory introduction to improve visibility of the ATLAB.

Objective 4: supporting innovation and fostering cooperation with industry in the ATLAB Centre achieved by increased human and research potential as well as elaboration of detailed innovation plan and offer for the industry. The objective was targeted by following activities under Work Package 6: Enhancement of ATLAB activity directed towards industrial collaboration and innovations.

1. Research and Innovation Office (RIO) was established to support cooperation with industry and enhance technology transfer.
2. Various workshops were organized:
2.1 “Individual Property Rights (IPR) issues, patents, ethical issues and legal aspects of knowledge transfer between science and industry in Poland and EU”.
2.2 Annual meetings: “Science for Industry: Necessity is the mother of invention”.
2.3 Workshop for research staff on the priorities on innovation policy and funding schemes for commercialization
3. Brochure of the offers for cooperation with industry was prepared and two editions were published.

Objective 5: dissemination and promotion of achievements of the ATLAB Centre in order to increase its visibility in society (business, industry, authorities, NGOs and educational establishments) by promotional events, publications and Internet solutions due to the socioeconomic needs of the region and the country. The objective was targeted by following activities under Work Package 7: Dissemination and promotion: Increasing ATLAB visibility.

1. Website of the project.
ATLAB website was launched and is regularly updated
2. Publications and promotion via mass media
Promotional activities reached various worldwide, nationwide and regional mass media.
3. Preparation of popular materials for dissemination
Bilingual brochure with description of all Research Centres, promotional poster and the leaflet “History of our planet Earth” were prepared for dissemination within the society, universities, schools, local and national educational institutions
4. Exhibitions during Museum Nights; in 2012, 2013 and 2014
5. Participation in European Researchers’ Nights; in 2012, 2013 and 2014
6. Geo-mobile exhibition
The geo-educational set of presentation tools, samples, and replicas covering a broad spectrum of Earth Sciences was prepared. Some parts of the exhibition set have been presented during European Researchers’ Nights, Museum Nights, Science Picnics, and other popular science educational or promotional events.
7. Audiovisual promotional materials
ATLAB researchers provided series of interviews and publication in mass media

All above mentioned objectives were fulfilled and state for the successful implementation of the project.

To assess the ATLAB Center research potential and to indicate directions for future development of the ATLAB Centre International Experts were appointed by the European Commission and two meetings were organized in the Krakow and Warszawa Research Centres within Work Package 8.

Project Results:
The implementation of the ATLAB project started on the 1st of October 2011. During the project performance following results were achieved.

WP2 RECRUITMENT: Reinforcing ATLAB human resources potential by recruitment of experienced researchers
The main objectives of the WP2 was to increase the capacity for conducting research in the core area of the project and to foster the capacity of the permanent ATLAB researchers through cooperation as well as fair competition with new researchers. Within the last months of the project 3 researchers had extended contracts, 1 in Warsaw and 2 of them in the Krakow part of ATLAB.
PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
Task 2.1 Krakow part of ATLAB
I. Recruitment of Dr. Arkadiusz Derkowski 1.10.2011-31.12.2014 with contract prolongation for permanent position.
One of the goals of hiring Dr. Derkowski was the construction of new laboratory, financed by ATLAB needed to realize his research program. The construction of this laboratory has been completed under supervision of Dr. Derkowski and the laboratory is fully operational.
Main achievements of Dr. A. Derkowski in ATLAB:
Organizing a new laboratory in ING PAN: the TG-IR-MS lab. The laboratory consists of a complete unit of top-quality thermogravimetric balance with an infrared furnace (no heating elements) connected to a mass spectrometer allowing for a simultaneous recording of the m/z from 2 to 300, and to an infrared spectrometer module. The installation and calibration of all instruments has been completed and provided first analytical data.
Continuing contract with Chevron ETC in Houston, TX, USA on shale gas research. The project provides funding for scientific and organizational operations in the team. One of best and most representative collections of Lower Silurian shale samples of gas potential has been made.
Employing new PhD students. They participate in the joined project with Chevron ETC and work in the TG-IR-MS laboratory.
Participation in the study on dehydroxylation of illite and creating a new model of the reaction. Opposite to all previous models, it has been demonstrated that the dehydroxylation of illite is homogenous and proceeds layer-by-layer resulting in mixed-layer nondehydroxylated-dehydroxylated mineral.

II. Recruitment of Prof. Stanisław Mazur 1.01.2012-31.12.2014 with contract prolongation for permanent position.
S. Mazur has a substantial experience in interpretation of potential field data including qualitative interpretation of gravity and magnetic data, 2D gravity and magnetic modeling and depth-to-basement estimation.
Main achievements of Prof. S. Mazur in ATLAB:
The gravimetric and magnetic data for Central Poland were obtained from the Central Geological Archive and loaded in the Geosoft data base. Individual quality control of data has been completed.
Derivatives and transforms from gravity and magnetic data were calculated and exported as grids and geotiffs. Gravity and magnetic maps were loaded into the seismic interpretation software (Kingdom Suite).
Qualitative structural interpretation for the area of Central Poland was completed.
Well data base for Central Poland was compiled based on published materials and resources from the Central Geological Archive. Lithostratigraphic profiles were copied into digital format. An application to governmental agencies has been submitted to get access to density data.

III. Recruitment of Dr. Morgan Priolo 1.09.2012-31.08.2013
Main achievements of Dr. M. Priolo in ATLAB:
Morgan Priolo performed experiments to establish the optimal preparation route for transparent and high-barrier mineral films via layer-by-layer assembly from colloidal suspension or via spraying. Sub-micron thick films composed of nano-platelets of delaminated smectite and vermiculite were deposited on silicon and glass substrate. The films have been mastered to show excellent transparency and low haze. Now Dr. Priolo performs the most challenging and crucial operation: stripping the clay coatings from substrate to obtain mechanically robust, free-standing, transparent, almost invisible ultrathin film, applicable in a new generation of thermo-insulating glazing.

IV. Recruitment of Dr. Anton Kuznetsov 1.05.2013-30.04.2014
Main achievements of Dr A. Kuznetsov in ATLAB:
1) Organization and participation in the fieldworks in order to collect the Neoproterozoic carbonate and siliciclastic rocks in type areas for the Ediacaran stage: carbonates of the Tsagaan Oloom Formation in west Mongolia (Tsagaan Gol section) and clays of the Kotlin horizon in St. Petersburg area.
2) Determination of trace and major elements (Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Sr) in all sampled carbonates of the Tsagaan Oloom Formation using ICP-MS and OAS techniques.
4) Rb-Sr analyses of the carbonate rocks using preliminary leaching technique.
5) Technical development of the step-wise dissolution chemical procedure for carbonates to elucidate and separate the least altered fractions in terms of U-Pb systematics.
6) U-Pb analyses of carbonate samples from the lowermost member of the Tsagaan Oloom Formation.
7) Recognition of the carbonate fractions, which are proxies for unaltered material, in terms of the U-Pb systematics to date of event of crystallization of primary sedimentary carbonates. Calculation of the isochron parameters has been performed on the basis of least-altered fractions.

V. Recruitment of Prof. Victor Drits 27.05.2013-26.05.2014
Main achievements of Prof. V. Drits in ATLAB:
1. Kaolinite dehydroxylation. The multi-cycle heating and cooling thermogravimetric (TG) method combined with X-ray diffractometry (XRD) was used to study the kinetic behavior of three kaolinite samples: defect-free Keokuk kaolinite, KGa-1, and KGa-2, with the latter two having intermediate and a very low degree of structural order, respectively. In each cycle, the maximum cycle temperature (MCT) was set to 25ºC higher than the preceding cycle. The TG patterns consist of a set of subsequent DTG maxima representing the portions of OH groups that did not dehydroxylate in previous cycles.
2. Octahedral vacancy in montmorillonites. Thermal analysis is a useful method for determining octahedral vacancy (cis- versus trans-vacant) in dioctahedral layer silicates. Distinguishing these varieties is especially important for smectites, because their structural disorder prevents applying structural analysis method, therefore, the termogravimetric method remains the main tool for vacancy identification in smectites. A current protocol of dehydroxylation is not standardized in respect to the thermogravimetric analysis parameters and the type of smectite interlayer cation. Various Mg-rich dioctahedral smectites show the temperature of maximum dehydroxylation near 600ºC – the boundary temperature which is used to separate trans- and cis-vacant varieties.

VI. Recruitment of Dr. Utpalendu Kuila 1.08.2013-31.07.2014
Main achievements of Dr. U. Kuila in ATLAB:
1. Nano-scale texture and porosity of organic matter and clay minerals in organic-rich mudrocks. Speculation exists in the oil and gas shale community about the form and distribution of the organic matter within the nanometer scale texture of mudrocks. In addition, the presence of micropore and mesopore networks either exclusively within the organic matter or as pore systems in the mineral components of these formations are not well understood. There is little published quantitative data with respect to the development of porosity in organic matter (OM) with thermal maturity in a burial diagenetic sequence. A comparative study of pore-size distribution (PSD) in a burial sequence from the Baltic Basin, along with a selection of samples from other unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs of various age and origin was performed.
2. Analysis of immersion and adsorption based porosity measurement data for clay and mudrocks. Porosity measurement data from water based and kerosene based immersion techniques were analysed to understand the total pore structure in shales. A sensitivity study of the influence of inversion technique for gas adsorption based measurement technique was also completed.

Task 2.2 Warsaw part of ATLAB
I. Recruitment of Dr. Dinara Abbasova 1.11.2012-31.10.2014.
Dr. Abbasova from the Azerbaijan Sciences Academy won the competition for the open position in geochronology in Warsaw.
Main achievements of Dr. D. Abbasova in ATLAB:
Main task of Dinara’s work was to establish the Quantulus 1220 (Perkin Elmer) and provide radiocarbon measurements. For this purposes she implemented setup of Quantulus counter window, including setup of EasyView window for 14C spectrum analysis. Appropriate Factor of Merit (FOM) was determined and selected. Background and reference material were analyzed and saved for radiocarbon calculation window. She provided calibration by 3 parallel calibration solutions measurements: (1) Ultima Gold Level Quenched Standard set, (2) Prepared calibration cocktails of Permafluor E+ (PF) and Carbo-SorbE (CS), (3) Prepared calibration cocktails of Permafluor E+ (PF) and CCl4. Additional to calibration procedure cocktail solutions (given in 2) were measured in 2 types of vials: glass and plastic. Spectrum Quenching Parameter (SQP) was measured for all solutions. Disadvantages of plastic vials have been identified. Quench calibration curve (QCC) was created and given for all solutions (for both types of vials) and Quench Correction Factor (QCF) was determined for all 3 calibration solutions. Calculation of Counting efficiency (Eff.%). Minimum detectable activity (MDA) and Minimum detectable concentration (MDC) for reference materials were calculated.

II. Recruitment of Dr. Monika Klisch 1.10.2012-30.09.2014.
Main achievements of Dr. D. Abbasova in ATLAB:
In the frame of the implementation of CG-IRMS methods two preliminary studies were conducted. First of them was on bubbling gas from Vistula River (Tyniec, Poland) and the second was dedicated to isotopic composition (13C/12C and D/H) of methane associated with oil field waters (Central Carpathian Synclinorium, Iwonicz Anticline).
1. The examination of bubbling gas from Vistula River, Tyniec.
Gas was collected into chamber floating on Vistula River in Tyniec. The chamber was monitored by Piccaro device which showed the concentration of methane inside the chamber. The isotopic composition of methane points its biogenic, bacterial origin, but isotopic ratio of CO2 is questionable since the amount of the gas in sample is not sufficient for this isotopic analysis. The examination proved that the GC-IRMS is applicable into isotopic ratio measurement of bubbling gas (contains many components) that can be gathered from different environment.

2. Isotopic composition of methane associate with oil field waters.
Samples were gathered in Iwocznicz Zdrój, in Carpatian Mountains (Poland), from several wells: Elin 7, Iwonicz II, Klimkówka 27, Iza 19, Emma, Zofia 16, Lubatówka 12, Lubatówka 14. According to Whiticar (1999) classification, the results of isotopic composition of methane that have been found in groundwater describe methane as being associated with early maturation processes or originated from mixed source strongly dominated by thermogenic processes.

Task 2.3 Wroclaw part of ATLAB
Recruitment of Prof. Daniel Mége 1.10. 2011-30.09.2014
The main goal of hiring Dr. Mége was to expand the space studies in the Institute. Dr Mége succeeded in winning a major grant from the TEAM program of the Polish Science Fundation, which allowed him to build in Wrocław a space research group composed of 5 PhD students and 1 postdocs from Poland and abroad.
Main achievements of Dr. D. Mege in ATLAB:
Initial training of 4 new PhD students recruited on January 1st, 2012. Training involved getting familiar with the datasets, geological issues on Mars, and investigation methods. Three PhD students were sent to the laboratory of their co-advisors in Montpellier (Prof. Frédéric Gueydan, Géosciences Montpellier/UMR CNRS 5243), and Paris (Prof. Anne Mangeney, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris/UMR CNRS 7154) during two months (April-May 2012) to be trained to numerical codes developed in these laboratories that they will need to use during their PhD.
Initial investigations of PhD for 4 topics: 1) New mapping and geological synthesis of the evolution of the Martian crust and surface in the Valles Marineris region; 2) Erosional conditions on early Mars using terrestrial analogues; 3) Gravitational spreading in the Valles Marineris region; 4) Granular modelling of Martian landslides.

WP3 EQUIPMENT: Capacity building through acquisition, development and upgrading of researcher equipment

WP3 was focused on upgrading and renewal of research equipment of 4 out of 7 laboratories of the Institute of Geological Sciences PAN directly involved in the activities of the ATLAB Centre.
Procedures for the equipment purchase have been carried out in accordance with Polish law. Polish law requires to carry out the open procurement procedure. Five prepared tender were announced at the period between January 31, 2011 and August 24, 2012. Based on regulations of Polish law offers equipment were accepted and agreements between Institute of Geological Sciences (PAN) and chosen factories were set. Following parts of equipment have been purchased:
PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
Tasks 3.1 Quaternary Geochronology Laboratory
I. High efficiency and low background gamma spectrometer
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The offer of Canbera Packard Sp. z o.o. was accepted and contract was signed.
Low-level background gamma spectrometry system is used for measurement and analysis of energetic spectra of gamma rays. The analysis are subjected to a variety of natural materials (such as lake sediments, soil and remains of plants and animals) and artificial material (such as building materials, plastics, etc.). Due to the low activity of natural materials, the system is characterized by a high sensitivity and accuracy of measurement with low background. The system has a high degree of automation including high-efficient cryostat system with nitrogen vapor condensation mechanism.
II. Elemental analyzer CHNS/O
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The cheaper offer of Kendrolab Sp. z o.o. have been selected.
Elemental analyzer “MicroQube” is a complete system to measure carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, and optionally oxygen content in liquid and solid samples such as soil, rocks and minerals. Performing such analysis is essential in the preliminary stages of preparation of organic samples for radiocarbon and U-series dating. In addition, determination of these elements content are a standard method in the environmental, ecological and palaeoclimatic studies.
III. Automatic system of sample preparation for LSC
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The offer of Canbera Packard Sp. z o.o. was accepted and contract was signed.
Sample preparation system for liquid scintillation “Oxidizer 307” allow rapid and automated preparation of various types of biological, environmental and industrial materials for Tritium and/or Radiocarbon measurements. Samples are automatically oxidized and mixed with liquid scintillator.

Task 3.2 Stable Isotope Laboratory

I. Mass spectrometer with gas chromatograph
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The offer of Anchem Sp. J. was accepted and contract was signed.
The mass spectrometer “Delta Advantage” is used to high precision measurements of the isotopic composition H/D, 13C/12C,15N/14N, 18O/16O and 34S/32S in a natural and artificial materials. Additional contract elements was gas chromatograph. Installed GC-IRMS is designed to measure the isotopic composition of natural ingredients in a variety of organic and mineral samples.
II. Portable isotopic analyzer for methane
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The offer of Intertech Sp. z o.o. was accepted and contract was signed.
Isotopic analyzer “Picarro G2201-I” is designed to carry out field and laboratory measurements of carbon isotope ratio 13C/12C in methane and carbon dioxide. The system is composed of carbon isotopic composition analyzer, pumps and accessories required for measurement (units of gas consumption, cables, a data collection and analyze system).
III. System for micro-sampling
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The offer of Intertech Sp. z o.o. was accepted and contract was signed.
Micro-sampling system “micro-drill” enables the collection of micro-samples of rocks and minerals for isotopic studies. System is equipped with a camera that allows the registration of sampling process and observation of the image on the computer monitor
IV. Improvement of off-line system for water samples preparation
Open tender was announced on April 19, 2012. The offer of Donserv was accepted and contract was signed.
Water samples characterized by high mineralization are prepared by off-line procedures prior to isotopic analyses. High precision system for temperature stabilization for long time is critical at the isotopic equilibration stage. Basing on several experiments incubator for low temperatures is the best solution for methodological works with high-mineralized water samples.

Task 3.3 Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory

I. Clean laboratory system for sample preparation
The first open tender was announced on May 05, 2012. Under Polish law, the procedure of direct purchase from the manufacturer, PicoTrace GmbH, has been initiated.
Two laminar-flow workstations were made in the technology without the use of metal (including the system of air tubes connecting the chamber with the main ventilation system), their equipment ensures the ultra-purity not worse than the ISO 4 (in accordance with ISO 14644-1, 1999). The chambers are resistant to acids (hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric) and their vapors, and alkalia, including ammonia. Workstation is equipped in hot plates and two temperature controllers sizes: 280 x 200 mm were placed in a laminar flow chamber tunnels where all metal parts are completely and permanently isolated from the laboratory environment, with automatic temperature control from 30 º to 220 º C. The hot plates are resistant to acids (hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric) and their vapors, and alkali, including ammonia.
II. Mass spectrometry autosampler with quick wash system
The first open tender was announced on May 05, 2012. The offer of Anchem Sp. J. was accepted and contract was signed.
The order comprises supply and installation of autosampler with quick wash
system for mass spectrometer (MC ICPMS). The supplied equipment is able to work with MC ICPMS Neptune and its software (apparatus owned by Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Science – ING PAN).

III. Sample preparation and separation system
The first open tender was announced on May 05, 2012. The offer of Precoptic Co. was accepted and contract was signed.
The order comprises supply and installation of an automatic polishing system for geological samples and stereomicroscope for Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory of Institute of Geological Sciences, PAN. Equipment will be used for sample preparation before in-situ isotopic analyses by LA-MS method.

Task 3.4 Clay Minerals Laboratory
I. TGA-MS-IR system with humidity controller
Open tender was announced on December 31, 2011. The offer of Spectro-Lab was accepted and contract was signed.
The purchased system consists of a complete unit of top-quality thermogravimetric balance with an infrared furnace (no heating elements) connected to a mass spectrometer allowing for a simultaneous recording of the m/z from 2 to 300, and to an infrared spectrometer module. The unique system allows for a simultaneous recording of high-precision programmed mass loss and mass gain with the analysis of evolved gas evolution. Carrier/reaction gas of known H2O activity can be applied to the TG-IR-MS system using the analytical humidifier in possession. Additionally, the infrared spectrometer contains two heating stages: to 300C in reflection mode, and to 900C in diffusion mode. The installation and calibration of all instruments was completed and the first analytical data was provided.

WP4 TWINNING: Exchange of know-how through twinning activities with partnering organizations

The added value of the twinning activities performed in the project resulted not only in an enhanced potential of the ATLAB researchers and solid links between ING PAN and 12 partnering organizations, but as well in the development of common research projects of the highest scientific value. 43 outgoing and 37 incoming visits were performed within this Work Package.
PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
TASK 4.1 ATOMKI, Institute of Nuclear Research, Hungary
Within this partnering organization two short outgoing visits by Krzysztof Krajewski were performed and two incoming visits – one short and one middle were performed by Zoltan Pecskay. The research visits were focused on the various isotope geochronology of samples from the King George Island in West Antarctica.

TASK 4.2 AWI, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
Within this partnering organization two outgoing visits by Jarosław Tyszka (one short and one long) and one long visit by Igor Niezgodzki were performed. Six short incoming visits by Sebastian Rokita, Howard Spero, Markus Raitzsch, Jelle Bijma, Geritt Lohmann and Gregor Knorr were performed. First outgoing visits aimed to initiate scientific cooperation between the AWI and ING PAN. All visits focused on extensive reconnaissance of the research and collaboration potential in (1) paleo/climate modelling, (2) bio-proxies in marine ecosystem with an overview of culture experiments testing selected issues of global changes, and (3) biomimetics with innovative applications of marine microorganisms in modern technology, as well as in additional strengthening cooperation via new associated projects (4) Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research/International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme Working Group 138 and (5) the PERGAMON Programme. European Concerted Research Action COST Action ES0902.

TASK 4.3 Birbeck College, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of London, UK
Within this partnering organization two outgoing visits, one middle and one short by Krystyna Szeroczynska and Edyta Zawisza were performed. As a result, new research cooperation with Rick Batarbee and his research group was established. The main focus of initiated research is the reconstruction of the water reservoir changes connected with the acid rain that occurred in the last fifty years. These studies are based on the lacustrine sediment samples and trap samples.

TASK 4.4 CGB, Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Centre for Geobiology, University of Bergen
Within this partnering organization three outgoing visits – short, middle and long by Helena Hercman and Milena Obremska and four short incoming visits by Jiri Konopasek, Svere Aksnes and Stein-Erik Lauritzen were performed. The main goal of visits was to initiate scientific collaboration between the Institute of Geological Sciences, Bergen University and ING PAN in the field of isotope geochemistry and speleochronometry within the ATLAB Project and to enhance research collaboration under associated international programmes. Over the course of the visit new initiatives were undertaken with the researchers, which are going to either develop new research areas in the field of isotope geochemistry or modification of existing methods. New research focuses on investigating climatic and environmental change, which are among the main goals of ATLAB project. Additionally, collaboration in the field of clay minerals studies as a tool for palaeoclimatic reconstruction was established.

TASK 4.5 GFZ, GeoForschung Zentrum, Potsdam, Germany
This task was the most fruitful among all twinning visits between ING PAN and partners. Within this partnering organization ten outgoing and seven incoming visits were performed. Among outgoing visits, two were middle and others were short term visits by Katarzyna Lisowiec, Ewa Slaby, Edyta Zawisza, Krystyna Szeroczynska, Monika A. Kusiak, Izabela Moszumańska, Łukasz Kruszewski and Agata Krzesińska. Short incoming visits were realized by Daniel Harlov, Hans-Jurgen Forster, Nadine Drager, Michael Wiedenbeck and Richard Wirth. Diversity of scientific areas covered by researchers started from isotope geochemistry, geochronology, nano-analyses, performed on Earth samples and extraterrestrial material, up to examination of lake sediments and zooplankton ecology. Various short courses were organized within a frame of this visit, among them focused ion beam and transmission electron microscopy, or field emission gun electron microprobe courses.

TASK 4.6 LPGN-CNRS, Lab. de Planétologie et Géodynamique de Nantes France
Within this partnering organization one middle outgoing visit by Joanna Gurgurewicz and two short incoming visits by Clemence Herny and Olivier Bourgeois were realized. Aim of these visits was to analyze meteorite samples for studying evidence of its aqueous and thermal alteration, carbon-bearing phases, organic matter etc. with implications for environments interpretation for Mars.

TASK 4.7 Royal Holloway, Department of Earth Sciences, University of London, UK
Within this partnering organization four outgoing visits, one long, one middle and two short were performed by Robert Anczkiewicz and Nina Kowalik, and four incoming visits, three short and one long were performed by Wolfgang Muller. Visits were aimed at methodological aspects of in situ Sr isotopic composition measurements by LA-MC-ICPMS and new project initialization on mammoths’ migrations in central Europe.

TASK 4.8 SUBATECH Laboratoire - Ecole des Mines de Nantes, France
Within this partnering organization four outgoing visits, three middle one long by Marek Szczerba and Jacek Pawlak and one short incoming visit by Andrey Kalinichev were performed. The research aim of the visits was to learn the molecular simulation methods used in SUBATECH (software and approaches) and applying the molecular modeling to U-series dating problems.

TASK 4.9 Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation (TPCI-NHRF)
Within this partnering organization five short outgoing visits by Arkadiusz Derkowski and Marek Szczerba and five short incoming visits by Vassilis Gionis and Georgios Chryssikos were performed. Main goal of the first visit was initialization of cooperation on projects regarding structural changes in smectite minerals caused by adsorbed water, using mid-IR and near-IR spectroscopy. During the visits the method of deuteration of illite-smectite surface water was tested.

TASK 4.10 University of Goettingen Sedimentology and Environmental Geology Geoscience Center, Germany
Within this partnering organization three middle outgoing visits by Aneta Anczkiewicz and Michał Banaś and two short incoming visits by Istvan Dunkl were performed. Common work on diagenetic and low-grade metamorphic evolution of the Holy Cross Mountains in Poland was conducted. As well as clay mineralogy and apatite fission track dating activities together with zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronology common project were established.

TASK 4.11 University of Tuebingen, Germany
Within this partnering organization two outgoing visits, one middle by Magdalena Krajcarz and one short by Maciej Krajcarz, and three short incoming visits by Herve Bocherens, Christoph Wissing and Susanne Munzel were performed. The main aim of visits was to learn about method of collagen extraction from fossil bones and training on identifying mammalian bones and interpreting the changes of isotopic record of C, N, O in fossil bones.

TASK 4.12 Earth Sciences Department, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Within this partnering organization three outgoing research visits, one short, one middle and one long term by Agnieszka Ciurej and Jarosław Tyszka, and one short incoming visit by Gert-Jan Reichart were performed. Visits focused on the research and collaboration in pelagic and hemipelagic laminated sediments in ancient seas: high resolution archives of climate, oceanographic and biogeochemical variability, and bio-proxies in marine paleo/ecosystem with a focus on biogeochemistry, isotope chemistry, and quantitative paleo/ecology applied to test selected issues of global changes.

WP5 CONFERENCES: Enhancing expertise through workshops and conferences
The aim of the WP5 is the facilitation of knowledge sharing as well as raising the visibility of the ATLAB Centre in the scientific environment are indicated as the main objectives of the WP5. The target was carried out, first of all, by the organization of workshops and conferences. Next to organization, the Work Package 5 includes participation in the international workshops and conferences. Due to the plan, ING’s PAN researchers got the opportunity to participate in 29 conferences in organized in- and outside Europe, including the most prestigious events in Earth sciences.

PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
Task 5.1 Science for Society
T5.1.1 International conference “Environmental geochemistry – methods, trends, questions”
The conference (held on 13 – 15 March, 2013 in Warsaw, Poland) was organized by Helena Hercman. The conference assessed the issues of state of the environment which directly affects the quality of human life. The research on it may give rise to the quality improvement. Thus the schedule of the conference obeyed three thematic blocks (a) research methods, (b) research applications, (c) advice for young scientists, which could help them start "difficult start – tips for young scientists". Everyone was introduced by well-recognized, European lecturers. The high-quality key-talks gave also subjects for further discuss during “panel discussions”. So each day begun with key-lecture and was finished with panel discuss. The conference has been attended by 82 participants.

T5.1.2 International conference “Paleoecological reconstructions – lacustrine, peat and cave sediments”
Conference was organized by Krystyna Szeroczynska and took place on 22-24 May 2013 in Białka Tatrzańska, Poland. The aim of the conference was to create a platform for meetings and discussions of scientists using different paleoecological methods to study diverse sedimentological environments. The conference focused upon two vital issues: how to distinguish between the impact of climate and human activities on paleoenvironmental data and how we can improve quantifying their interactions. Consequently, to maximize our understanding of climate, environmental and socio-ecological processes from knowledge of the past. The point was to stimulate discussions on different aspects, as diatom, Cladocera, pollen, macrofossils, isotope, geochemistry and dating of environmental research in paleo reconstructions, as well as bridging together people using paleo-analyses. This knowledge may be used for forecasting future trends.

T5.1.3 Series of workshops: “Bio-proxies: integration of isotopic and ecologic approaches”
Two 3-days workshops has been organized: 1) 6-7.05.2014 in Krakow lead by Jarosław Tyszka and 28-29.05.2014 in Warsaw lead by Krzysztof P. Krajewski.
Topics of the first venue included: 1) classical and novel isotopic and geochemical proxies for temperature and water chemistry (oxygenation, salinity, acidification, alkalinity, primary productivity signal, weathering signal, pollution); 2) methodology for detecting diagenetic overprints; 3) deep time applications; 4) integration of biological, ecological and geochemical methods. The main objective of the workshop was to bring scientists together to get and share knowledge on the methodology and applications of stable isotopes and elements in ecological and geological researchers, to discuss many connected problems and to establish collaboration between ING PAN and centers represented by invited lectures.
The second venue entitled: “Geochronology and paleoenvironmental interpretation of selected rocks succession in West Antarctica” concentrated on paleoenvironmental interpretations of the Cenozoic geological successions that record profound climatic changes from greenhouse to icehouse conditions in Antarctica. The workshop focused on the rock record known from the magmatic arc of South Shetland Islands (King George Island) and the back-arc James Ross Basin in Weddell Sea (Seymour Island).

Task 5.2 Science for Innovation
T5.2.1 Workshop on “Applications of mineralogical and geochemical tools in oil and gas exploration”
Workshop was organized by Jan Srodon and Arkadiusz Derkowski 4-5 June 2013 in the Krakow Research Centre. The workshop agenda was constructed in a way to demonstrate the necessity of close cooperation between mineralogists, geochemists and borehole geophysicists with the shale gas projects. Schedule of the workshop included the following topics: (a) Petrophysical properties of gas shale and their impact on the perspectives of exploration; (b) Nuclear wire-logging methodology in shale gas and oil; (c) NMR and acoustic wire-log measurements in shale gas exploration; (d) Organic and inorganic geochemistry as a tool for paleoenvironmental reconstructions in black shales; (e) Effective and ineffective, organic and inorganic porosity in shales; methods of porosity analysis; (f) Calculating petrophysical properties of minerals and rocks based on their mineralogical and chemical analyses, combined for enhancement of oil and gas exploration; (g) Clay minerals, clay-bound water, mineral surface properties employed in oil and gas exploration.

Task 5.3 Science for Knowledge
T5.3.1 Workshop “Geoanalyst”
The workshop was organized in Krakow (3-4 June 2013) by Ewa Slaby. The aim was to gain state-of-the-art knowledge on two selected geochemical methods frequently used to decipher origin of geological rock sequence. These chosen methods were cathodoluminescence and ion-microprobe. Spectrum and scientific tasks, which can be solved with use of both of them is very broad, and analyses performed with both of them may be done within micrometers to nanometers scale. So the main point of organizing the workshop was to bring, interested in methods, people together in forum to get knowledge about them, to have discussion on many scientific problems and to establish collaboration between ING PAN and centers represented by invited speakers.

T5.3.2 Workshop “Elements and isotopes in the analyses of extraterrestrial and terrestrial materials”
The workshop was organized 3-5 April 2012 in Warsaw by Ewa Slaby. The aim was to gain state-of-the-art knowledge on geochemical methods employed in space exploration and providing data useful in reconstruction of the solar system origin. The point was to bring inspired people together in forum to discuss problems and to establish collaboration between the ING PAN and the international teams and institutions working on the space missions and space research. The workshop was led by the representatives of prominent institutions conducting research on extraterrestrial matters. In the workshop participated 45 scientists form the ATLAB Centre and ING PAN holding at least a PhD degree as well as from Space Research Centre PAN. Although the subjects of talks were not easy, they have been shown at a very affordable form. This in turn was very stimulating, providing intensive scientific discuss during each session. During the workshop the participants had a chance to enhance considerably their knowledge on research on the origin of the Solar as well as the early Earth system. The research on both subject are currently very intensively developed. This development stimulates the progress in expansion of new methods. In addition, it stimulates advance in construction of new models and mathematical description of investigated processes. The workshop showed the latest developments in all these fields.

T5.3.3 Series of workshops: “Innovations in modelling: from elements to global changes”
Two 3-days workshops has been organized by Jarosław Tyszka in Krakow Research Center in 9-11.04.2014 and in 11-13.06.2014.
First venue entitled: “From elements to macroevolution: Modeling tools and applications in biogeosystem” focused on novel methods in modeling natural phenomena investigated within the wide spectrum of molecular chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, morphogenesis of organisms, paleo/ecology and macroevolutionary studies. The main objective of the workshop was to bring scientists together to get and share knowledge and challenging ideas on novel trends in multiscale modeling, to discuss many related research problems, and to establish collaboration between the ING PAN and scientific centres represented by invited lecturers.
Second venue entitled: “Lessons from the past: interpreting the paleo-record & Modeling” focused of the course of identifying driving mechanisms for climate change through numerical models of the Earth system and statistical analysis of instrumental and proxy data. Special areas covered: feedback mechanisms in the climate system; the role of the global oceanic thermohaline circulation for paleo and recent climate variations; deglaciation; Holocene climate; glacial climate; climate models like ENSO and NAO; Milankovitch theory of the ice ages.

Task 5.4 Participation in the international workshops and conferences

All conferences were focused at the mainstream of ATLAB goals, increasing its visibility by attractive and state-of-the-art presentations and training its staff toward a better understanding of research methods. A novelty at the level of Poland is an active participation of ATLAB researchers in the planetology domain. Overall, 13 researchers took parts in 21 European conferences and 8 scientists took part in the conferences outside Europe. Most of the presentations focused on geochemistry, especially isotope geochemistry, a core one for the ATLAB project. Wide range of geochemical topics have been shown. They included environmental study, geochronology, geochemistry of magmatic, metamorphic and hydrothermal processes e.g. they cover almost all research fields listed in ATLAB project as: natural resources, geosystem modeling, Earth among planets, climate change and water and waste.

List of researchers from ING PAN taking part at the conferences in Europe, time of the visit, place.

1. Dr A. Porowski, (hydrogeologist), 8 – 9.03.2012 Duesseldorf, (Germany) Successful R&D in Europe: 4th European Networking Event. Title of the Session: Sessions concerning Energy and NMP.
2. Prof. Dr hab. E. Slaby (mineralogist, geochemist), 22-27.04.2012 Vienna, (Austria) The EGU General Assembly 2012, Vienna (Austria). Title of the Session: GMPV – Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology.
3. Dr hab. R. Anczkiewicz (mineralogist, geochemist), 19-22.06.2012 Gijon, (France). 11th European Workshop on Laser Ablation & II Spanish Workshop on LA – Gijón, Spain.
4. Dr K. Kołtonik (geochemist), 19-22.06.2012 Gijon, (France). 11th European Workshop on Laser Ablation & II Spanish Workshop on LA – Gijón, Spain.
5. Dr hab. H. Wierzbowski (isotope geochemist), 25-30.06 2012, Dolhe, Priborzhavske, Kamenetz and Beňatina, Kaluža, (Ukraine). Jurassic X.
6. Dr hab. H. Hercman (geochemist), 9–13.07.2012 Paris, (France). 21st International Radiocarbon Conference Title of the Session: I. Statistical tools, II. Advances in pre-treatment protocols III. Continental paleoclimatology and paleohydrology.
7. Dr A. Porowski, 12–18.08.2012 Budapest, (Hungary) 43rd Meeting of the Commission on Mineral and Thermal Waters of International Association of Hydrogeologists (CMTW IAH). Title of the Session: Groundwater, thermal and mineral water in karstic terrains and porous sedimentary basins: utilization of thermal and mineral waters.
8. Prof. dr hab. K. Szeroczynska (biogeologist), 21-24.08.2012 Glasgow, (UK) 12th International Paleolimnology Symposium IPS2012, Glasgow SECC, Title of the Session: Applied paleolimnology.
9. Dr hab. J. Mirosław-Grabowska (quaternary geologist, isotope geochemist), 21-24.08.2012 Glasgow, (UK) 12th International Paleolimnology Symposium IPS2012, Glasgow SECC
10. Dr M. Gąsiorowski (geochemist), 18-22.03.2013 Barcelona (Spain): 22nd International Advances in Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry Conference (LSC 2013).
11. Dr A. Porowski, (hydrogeologist): MinWat 2014 – International Multidisciplinary Conference on Mineral Waters Genesis, Exploitation, Protection and Valorization; Carlovy Vary, 8 – 12 September, 2014; 42nd Meeting of the Commission on Mineral and Thermal Waters of the International Association of Hydrogeologist (CMTW-IAH).
12. Prof. Dr hab. E. Slaby (mineralogist, geochemist): The Goldschmidt Conference, Florence, Italy; Title of the Session: 22: The Cutting Edge in Mineralogy and Mineral Physics; Session: 22h: Recent advances in imaging minerals and rocks: geochemical processes at the nanoscale. 25-30 August, 2013.
13. Dr hab. R. Anczkiewicz (mineralogist, geochemist): The Goldschmidt Conference, Florence, Italy; Recent advances in imaging minerals and rocks: geochemical processes at the nanoscale. 25-30 August, 2013. Theme.Session: 6g. Quantification of Metamorphic Processes and the Thermo-Tectonic Evolution of Orogens.
14. Dr hab. M.A. Kusiak (mineralogist, geochronologist): The Goldschmidt Conference, Florence, Italy; Theme 03: Early Earth; Session 03f: What do we know about the Hadean after 30 Years?; 25-30 August, 2013;
15. Prof. Dr hab. K.Szeroczynska (biologist, quaternary geologist): 10th Symposium on Cladocera; Lednice, Czech Republic; 28.09 – 3.10.2014; The “10th Symposium on Cladocera at the Lednice, (Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List), Czech Republic.
16. Prof. Dr hab. K.Szeroczynska (biologist, quaternary geologist): 8th Shallow Lakes Conference Antalya, Turkey; 12.10 – 20.10.2014. The guiding theme of the 8th International Shallow Lakes Conference was “Ecology of Shallow Lakes in a Fast-Changing World”.
17. Prof. Dr hab. K.Szeroczynska (biologist, quaternary geologist): 32nd Congress of the Society of Limnology, Budapest, Hungary; Sessions: paleolimnology and others; 4-9 August, 2013.
18. Dr Ing. P.Topa (biogeosystem modelling): 22nd Euromicro International Conference on Parallel, Distributed and Network-based Processing – PDP 2014; Title of the Session: High Performance Computing in Modelling and Simulation; Torino, 12 – 14.02.2014;
19. Dr hab. M.A.Kusiak (mineralogist, geochronologist): European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, Austria; Title of the Session: Spatially resolved geochronology, tracer isotopes and trace element geochemistry; 27.04-2.05.2014;
20. Dr M.Szczerba (chemist, crystallochemistry): 7th Mid-European Clay Conference; Title of the Session: Crystal structure of clay minerals; 16 –
19.09.2014. The Mid-European Clay Conference (MECC) was originally the joint conference of the national clay groups of Poland, Slovakia.
21. Prof. Dr hab. M. Lewandowski (paleomagnetism, geophysics); WWEM –
International Congress on Water, Waste and Energy Management, Instituto
Superior de Engenharia, Porto, Session: Water; 16-18th July, 2014.

List of researchers from ING PAN taking part at the conferences outside Europe, time of the visit, place.
1. Dr D. Megé (planetologist), 19-23.04.2012 Huston, (USA). 43rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. Theme Session: Volcanism on Mars and beyond: new insights from gologic mapping, emplacement, dynamics, and models.
2. Dr J. Gurgurewicz (planetologist), 19-23.04.2012 Huston, (USA) Title of the Session: 1. Material Analogs in the Field and in the Laboratory 2. Geological Analogs for Distant Planetary Surfaces.
3. Dr hab. R. Anczkiewicz (mineralogist, geochemist), 24-29.06.2012 Montreal (Canada) Theme Session: Mineral seeks meaningful date.
4. Dr hab. M. Kusiak (mineralogist, geochronologist), 5-10.08.2012 Brisbane, (Australia).
5. Dr M.Szczerba (chemist, crystallochemistry): XV International Clay Conference; Title of the Session: Applications of Clay Minerals in Earth Science, Nanocomposites and Clay Minerals; Rio de Janeiro 07–11.07.2013.
6. Prof. Dr hab. J.Srodon (mineralogist, crystallochemist): The Clay Minerals Society Annual Meeting; Title of the Session: Illite: The Big Picture; Urbana 6–10.10.2013.
7. Dr hab. J.Tyszka (biogeomodelling, paleontology): FORAMS 2014 – International Symposium on Foraminifera, University of Concepcion, Chile; Session no. 1. New Classification of Foraminifera: Bridging Molecules and Morphology. 9-24 January 2014.
8. Dr hab. H.Hercman (isotope geochemist): Goldschmidt Conference, 9-13 June 2014; Sacramento (California, USA).

Task 5.5 The ING PAN Promotion Day
The ING PAN Promotion Day took place on the 4th December 2014, the Saint Barbara day, traditionally celebrated in Poland as a day of miners and geologists. The event was organized by Marek Lewandowski and focused on presentation of the research potential of the ING PAN, after three years of the ATLAB project realization. It was directed to representatives of the science and industry sectors. In the latter case, invitations were addressed to companies which were not so far involved into the ATLAB program. The event lasted for 4,5 hours and was followed by an open discussion among the participants, when new ideas on ING PAN and industry had been presented and new research applications were planned. The meeting was attended by representative of Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Polish Academy of Sciences, Polish Geological Survey, Faculty of Geology (University of Warsaw), Faculty of Geology and Geophysics (Academy of Mines and Metallurgy University, Cracow), Faculty of Informatics (University of Technology, Warsaw), GeoPlanet Research Centre (Polish Academy of Sciences), Institute of Geophysics (Polish Academy of Sciences), Institute of Paleobiology (Polish Academy of Sciences), Strzelecki Energia (Hutton Energy), Lotos Petrobaltic, CEO Baltic Ceramics Investments, Orlen Upstream, GeoFuture Investment, and Energy Study Institute, who met researchers of the ING PAN. Altogether the meeting was attended by 73 participants.

Task 5.6 Science for Students
A lot have been done with a great success and recognition from the public to improve visibility of ATLAB. However, as due to the project, ATLAB extended is activities and outreach, we need new staff, especially in regard to young researchers, who together with those experienced could perform new research projects. Therefore, we organized the Open Day to promote ING PAN among students through organisation of an event to attract and employ the bests of them. As the ING PAN consists of three Research Centers, three events were organised: 5.12.2014 in Warsaw, 12.12.2014 in Krakow and 16.12.2016 in Wrocław Research Center. Events were focused on presentation, talks and laboratory introduction. The presentations found a wide interest of students and scientists from University of Science and Technology, Jagiellonian University, Warsaw University and Wrocław University, as well as private persons, who wanted to visit research facilities of the ING PAN. Visitors also had opportunity to visit the Geological Museum and watch the popular science movies, prepared with participation of the scientists from the ING PAN.

WP6 INDUSTRY: Enhancement of ATLAB activity directed towards industrial collaboration and innovations
The main objectives of the Work Package 6 were: (i) to initiate strong, long-term collaboration between the ATLAB Centre and external partners from public and private sector, (ii) to form project management and contact-coordination body which, besides other, to act as a platform supporting innovative activities between the ATLAB Centre and industrial partners, and (iii) to raise awareness of the benefits and advantages associated with innovation activity, Individual Property Rights (IPR), intellectual property management and protection on the personal and institutional level.

PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
Task 6.1 Annual meetings: “Science for Industry: Necessity is the Mother of Invention”
In the frame of the task, three annual meetings were organized by Adam Porowski in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The main activities in the task concern the organization of 3-day meetings of research staff and representatives of industrial or public sector. The first meeting was organized in the form of networking event, with many short presentations and proper time for discussion, partner seeking, and possibilities of building new contacts and cooperation. Additionally interesting lectures from governmental institutions which distribute financial sources to support science-industry programs were organized.
Meetings were organized in the type of networking event. During the conference the participants had a chance to enhance their knowledge on research, innovation and commercialization issues as well as to develop their knowledge on different aspects of partner search in industrial and scientific sector. One of the main aims of the conference was to present for wide audience the research, analytical and intellectual advantages of the ING PAN laboratories and possibilities for development of future cooperation. The meeting of such formula was organized first time in the ING PAN, and appeared to be the very effective way of presenting the scientific potential of the ATLAB Centre and its offer and innovative solutions for industrial sector dealing with geosystem exploration. This form of the meeting appeared is fully in-line with the crucial aims directed on the (i) identification the current areas of ATLAB’s expertise useful for industry, (ii) enhancement of collaboration with external partners in future projects, (iii) seeking for future commercial applications of the isotopic and geochemical technology.

Task 6.2 Workshop: Individual Property Rights (IPR) issues, patents, ethical issues and legal aspects of knowledge transfer between science and industry in Poland and EU
The idea of the workshop was to enhance the knowledge of the ATLAB staff on possibilities of successful IPR protection and commercialization of research results. The subject of the workshop was in line with one of the main goal of the ATLAB project aiming at facilitation of the collaboration with industry and supporting innovation. The aim of the workshop was to familiarize the participants with the possibilities of intellectual property rights protection as patents, industrial patterns, design, trademarks, etc. as well as such issues like patent’s infringement, possibilities of obtaining patents in Poland, Europe and the US. Moreover, the issue of internal regulation of ING on IPR protection – its importance and future possible shape were discussed in details. The examples of such regulation in Polish and foreign research institutions were presented. Afterwards, the success story on a start-up settled by ING PAN researchers were being shown referring as well to IPR protection.

Task 6.3 Workshop for research staff on the priorities on innovation policy and funding schemes for commercialization
The workshop, organized 28th of October 2011 by Marek Lewandowski was directed to research staff of the ATLAB Centre and ING PAN to familiarized participants with the very specific knowledge concerning innovation policy and funding schemes for commercialization process of research and innovative projects. This type of information has never been presented for our research staff before, which increases the significance of this activity. The subject of the workshop was fully in-line with one of the main goal of the ATLAB Project aiming at facilitation of the collaboration with industry and supporting innovation.

Task 6.4 Preparation of the promotional material – catalogue with offers for industry.
Two edition of the “Institute of Geological Sciences (ING PAN): Guidebook on research possibilities, equipment availability and analytical offer to provide modern solutions in geosystem exploration” were published. The book was edited and compiled by the task leader dr Adam Porowski, with significant support and contribution from other staff included in the guidebook as authors: Michał Banaś, Leszek Chudzikiewicz, Arkadiusz Derkowski, Elżbieta Gogacz, Helena Hercman, Artur Kędzior, Łukasz Kruszewski, Małgorzata Penkala, Magdalena Radzikowska, Jan Srodon, and Jarosław Tyszka.
The brochure was prepared in the form of guidebook composed of two separate parts. In the form of catalogue for each laboratory it is presented the main analytical equipment, actual analytical capabilities and new developments, which are in the process of implementation. Additionally, the major fields of scientific or industrial applications of isotopic and geochemical methodology are presented to give for potential partners the general overview of various possibilities of mutual collaboration.
The first time in many year history of the ING PAN, the guide-book cataloguing the actual research possibilities, equipment availability and analytical capabilities of the flag laboratories of the ING PAN and ATLB Centre was prepared to publication. This guide-book is the best marketing product promoting our Institute and ATLAB Centre up to date. It is going to be available on every public events organized by the ING PAN or ATLAB Centre. The content of the catalogue as well as design is comparable with similar products existing in the market and provided by other scientific institutions or private companies. The 2nd edition with upgrades was published in 2014.

Task 6.5 Establishment of the Research and Innovation Office
This task was a “milestone” for the whole ATLAB Project as well as was a tremendous innovative organizational progress for the ATLAB Centre and project management capabilities in the ING PAN. The first action in this task was the establishment of the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) with its clearly defined aims focusing not only on the management supporting functions but also on the fostering the cooperation with industry, recognizing financial possibilities for cooperation scheme research – industry. The second activity was purchasing and implementing of the Project Management Software (PMS). The purchased system consists of three modules: (i) time register, (ii) financial management support, (iii) project monitoring support.

WP7 DISSEMINATION: Dissemination and promotion: Increasing ATLAB visibility
To ensure increased promotion of EARTH SCIENCES and the ATLAB Centre, all planned dissemination and promotional activities were carried out under 7 tasks.
PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
Task 7.1. Website of the project
The project website www.atlab.eu is our main dissemination channel accessible worldwide and the website was launched at the beginning of the project. The website was regularly updated.
Task 7.2. Publications and promotion via mass media
Raising visibility of the ING PAN as well as knowledge regarding the Earth Sciences are indicated as the main goals of the ATLAB Centre and Work Package 7. This is our responsibility is to share knowledge within the society and the European research context. Our promotion was addressed to various target groups: researchers, students, and the society.
The list of publications and interviews comprises:
• ATLAB Project presented in "Polish R&D Potential. Stairway to Excellence" and published by the National Contact Point of 7FP in Poland, p. 22-23; ISBN 978-83-89687-67-8
• Lewandowski M., Tyszka J., 2011. Instytut Nauk Geologicznych PAN. Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2011. Innowacyjny Start no. 3 (22), September, p. 16; published by Marshal’s Office of the Malopolska Region. http://www.innowacyjnystart.pl/Pliki/PDF/IS_22.pdf
• Discovering secrets of the Earth is fascinating. Interview with Prof. Dr hab. Marek Lewandowski, Director of the ING PAN, Coordinator of the ATLAB Project. Published by RZECZPOSPOLITA, November 10, 2011.
• Fuji eruption in Manggha Museum. Promotion of Earth sciences in collaboration with "The Fuji Project" run by Manggha Museum in Krakow. Supplement to GAZETA WYBORCZA - February 4, 2012; the workshop prepared by P. Olejniczak is listed on p. 15 and 16.
• Scientific Picnic of the Polish Radio and the Copernicus Science Centre ING PAN, as a part of the GEOPLANET Centre, presented meteoritic impacts and volcanic eruptions. The interview with P. Olejniczak, May 12, 2012. Polskie Radio is the largest radio broadcasting organization in Poland.
• Lewandowski M. Instytut Nauk Geologicznych PAN. Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2012. Innowacyjny Start nr 2(25) Wrzesień, p. 18, published by Marshal’s Office of the Malopolska Region; http://www.innowacyjnystart.pl/Pliki/PDF/IS_25.pdf
• Tyszka J., 2012. Instytut Nauk Geologicznych PAN. Geologiczne podróże w czasie i przestrzeni. Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2012. Innowacyjny Start nr 2(25) Wrzesień, str. 18; published by Marshal’s Office of the Malopolska Region; http://www.innowacyjnystart.pl/Pliki/PDF/IS_25.pdf
• Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2012. Interview with Jarosław Tyszka, ATLAB WP7 Leader and Task Coordinator, on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the Researcher’s Night in Krakow; broadcasted by ANTYRADIO on September 27, 2012; http://krakow.antyradio.pl/Polecamy/Imprezy-Koncerty/Krakow/MALOPOLSKA-NOC-NAUKOWCOW
• Kinga Małecka, 2012. Instytut Nauk Geologicznych PAN. Ponad pół wieku badań. Academia, vol. 2, p. 48-49; http://www.portalwiedzy.pan.pl/images/stories/academia_2012/22012/48-49_ing.pdf; published by Polish Academy of Sciences.
• Shale Gas – Science Festival in Warszawa – Opening Debate. Run by Prof. Marek Lewandowski, ATLAB Project Manager. Recorded and published (in Polish) on Wszechnica FWW YouTube Channel; www.wszechnica.org.pl;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlTdUh0q_Wc;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdU-XIpxqVc;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ZK4PXav0s
• Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2013. Interview with Piotr Olejniczak on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the European Researcher’s Night in Krakow; ANTYRADIO - a Polish radio network broadcasting
• Małopolska Reseacher’s Night 2013. Interview with Jarosław Tyszka, ATLAB WP7 Leader and Task Coordinator, on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the European Researcher’s Night in Krakow. Press Conference at the the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, September 24, 2013.
• Eksperyment Ziemia: wędrujące kontynenty (in Polish). The Earth Experiment: Walking continents. Popular science article by Marek Lewandowski, ATLAB Project Coordinator, and Jarosław Tyszka, ATLAB Project WP7 Coordinator, on activities during the Researcher’s Night at the Institute of Geological Sciences. Journal Innowacyjny Start nr 3 (30) September 2013, p. 8; http://www.innowacyjnystart.pl/Pliki/PDF/IS_30.pdf
• Action towards Laboratories Enhancement and Know-how Exchange for Advanced Research on Geosystem. By Prof. Marek Lewandowski, ATLAB Project Coordinator, and Dr hab. Monika Kusiak, ATLAB Project Manager. Published in PARLIAMENT Magazine, Issue 393, 23 June 2014, p. 45:
https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/articles/magazines/issue-393-23-june-2014
• Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2014. Interview with Piotr Olejniczak on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the European Researcher’s Night in Krakow; RMF FM Radio Broadcast, the largest private radio broadcast in Poland.
• Małopolska Reseacher’s Night 2014. Interview with Jarosław Tyszka, ATLAB WP7 Leader and Task Coordinator, on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the European Researcher’s Night in Krakow. Press Conference at the University of Agriculture, Soil Education Centre, in Krakow:
http://www.malopolskie.pl/Wydarzenia/?id=12691; http://www.muzeumgleb.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130%3A
8-maopolska-noc-naukowcow&catid=20%3Aaktualnosci&Itemid=1&lang=pl
• Geology without secrets. Interview with Piotr Olejniczak, edited by Barbara Kietlińska-Michalik, on dissemination of science and activities diuring Małopolska Reseacher’s Night 2014. Published in Innowacyjny Start 34, p. 10, http://www.innowacyjnystart.pl/Czasopismo.aspx
• Małopolska Noc Naukowców 2014. Interview with Piotr Olejniczak on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the European Researcher’s Night in Krakow; ANTYRADIO - a Polish radio network broadcasting
• Małopolska Reseacher’s Night 2014. Interview with Jarosław Tyszka, ATLAB WP Leader and Task Coordinator, on activities promoting science at ING PAN during the European Researcher’s Night in Krakow; Polskie Radio Krakow
Promotion via web sites:
• www.atlab.eu
• www.ing.pan.pl
http://www.nocnaukowcow.malopolska.pl/

Task 7.3. Preparation of popular materials for dissemination
THE BILINGUAL BROCHURE, i.e. English and Polish, on the ING PAN, its research and laboratories activities is prepared for dissemination within the society, universities, schools, local and national administration and governmental institutions. The brochure describes main research areas that evolved in the Institute within the last two decades. This is the first material prepared for dissemination within Task 7.3. The brochure has been prepared by the editorial team including: Agnieszka Arabas, MSc., technical and graphical coordinator of this subtask, Prof. Marek Lewandowski, coordinator of the ATLAB project, A/Prof. Jarosław Tyszka, WP7 leader, and heads of research centres and selected laboratories in Warszawa, Krakow, and Wrocław. It was designed by LENIVA STUDIO, Warszawa, ul. Popiełuszki 17c/65.
The brochure is prepared in two formats:
• folded A3 format in English and partly in Polish
• folded A4 format in Polish
• Cover page – it includes a collage of photographs collected from ING PAN scientists, presenting researchers during their standard scientific activities focused on the fieldwork. The collage forms a symbolic globe – the planet Earth, covering all aspects of Earth sciences;
• Short note “ABOUT US” – prepared by Prof. Marek Lewandowski, Director of the ING PAN:

Task 7.4. Exhibitions during Museum Nights
We have organized 3 events of the Museum Night series at the Geological Museum of the Institute of Geological Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow. All events were coordinated by the Municipality of Krakow as a part of European Museum Nights that supported promotion of all events.

Task 7.5. Participation in European Researchers’ Nights
Three Researchers’ Nights dedicated to various target groups: students, the society and local/regional/state administration were organised in ING laboratories in Warszawa and Krakow. The participants had an opportunity to familiarize with selected laboratories as well as to observe experiments and measurements performed by ATLAB researchers.

The ING PAN and ATLAB Centre have taken part in the following popular science events addressed to the society:
• European Researcher’s Night 2012 ING PAN Research Centre in Krakow, Organized by the Malopolska Voivodship September 28, 2012
• Scientific Picnic National Stadium, Warszawa, organized by Polish Radio and the Copernicus Science Centre June 15, 2013
• 17th Science Festival in Warszawa University of Warsaw, organized by University of Warsaw, Warsaw Technical University, Polish Academy of Sciences September 20, 2013
• European Researcher’s Night 2013 ING PAN Research Centre in Krakow, Organized by the Malopolska Voivodship September 27, 2013
• 18th Scientific Picnic National Stadium, Warszawa, organized by Polish Radio and the Copernicus Science Centre National Stadium, Warszawa May 31, 2014
• European Researcher’s Night 2014 ING PAN Research Centre in Krakow, Organized by the Malopolska Voivodship September 26, 2014

Task 7.6 Geo-mobile exhibition
The Geo-educational set of presentation tools, samples, and replicas covering a broad spectrum of Earth Sciences was prepared. Some parts of the exhibition have been presented during European Researchers’ Nights, Museum Nights, Science Picnics and other popular science educational or promotional events.
Task 7.7. Audiovisual promotional materials
Our series of short popular science films was planned, prepared and produced between the beginning of 2012 and September 2014. Movies: 1) ING PAN Promotional Film; 2) Geophysics: in search of hidden continents and mountains; 3) How the Tatra Mountains and Podhale were born; 4) Geology out of the Earth; 5) Witnesses of the past: Lakes, part 1; 6) Witnesses of the past, part 2; 7) Geological hike around Krakow; 8) Foraminifera: intelligent networks, part 1; 9) Foraminifera: time microcapsules, part 2.
Selected movies are distributed through the ING PAN YouTube Movie Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-eH8ZJXxcOlu5etN-9Cosg
The Channel serves an optimal promotional and dissemination system available worldwide. It consists of all online tools to administrate movie production and distribution.

WP8 EVALUATION: Evaluation of the ATLAB research potential
The main objectives of the Work Package 8 are: (i) to assess the ATLAB Centre research potential, (i) to indicate directions for future development of the ATLAB Centre

PROGRESS IN EACH TASK
Task 8.1 Draft version of the evaluation report

The European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation proposed 4 experts to the grant beneficiary: (1) Peter Droogers, FutureWater, The Netherlands; (2) Emile F.M. Elewaut, EU manager and Director International Relations at TNO, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Expert team leader; (3) Prof, Ian Lyon, Professor of Cosmochemistry, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester; and (4) Prof. Miroslaw Miller, International Laboratory of High Magnetic Fields and Low Temperatures, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
The experts were provided with intermediate and final reports, together with a number of brochures and lists of in- and out-going missions. In the period 26 -29 January 2015, experts visited Laboratories at Warsaw and Cracow Research Centres, were they were presented with a general introduction to the mission, structure and operations of the Institute and a self-assessment in the form of presentations by each of the Work Package leaders followed by open discussion. Presentations were made available to the evaluating team upon request, as well as extensive lists of publications, information on the research projects executed over the past years.
In parallel, the expert team leader interviewed: Dr. George Chryssikos, TPCI-NHRF, Athens, Greece and Dr. Richard Wirth, GeoForschungsZentrum, Potsdam, Germany. Both of the scientsits are members of the International Advisory Board to the ATLAB project and both having actively contributed to the ATLAB project by missions to the ING PAN Institutes and laboratories. These activities resulted in a Draft evaluation Report that was submitted to the ING PAN management on March 15, 2015.

Task 8.2 Final version of the evaluation report
A second mission of the team of experts to the ING PAN laboratories and offices was, in March 18-19, 2015, in Warsaw Research Center. During the visit, Draft Report was discussed. On the same occasion, the expert team gave an overview of its findings to the Board of Directors, members of the Research Council, and representatives from the Polish Academy of Science. The Team of Experts present their findings and advice in the present Final Evaluation Report.

Potential Impact:
Performance of the Project had a positive impact on the enhancement of the research potential of the ATLAB Centre achieved through upgrading the RTD capacity and capability as well as quality of research leading to better integration in ERA, participation in 7th Framework Programme, as well as contributing to regional economic and social development. The ATLAB project was a big challenge and had a big impact on the human resources. The human resources potential was improved in three ways: 1) establishing of permanent positions for researchers at ING PAN; 2) short and long term visits of guest scientists at ING PAN; 3) training of ING PAN staff at leading institutions in the field. Furthermore, the Project contributed to a significant extent to the support of an innovative approach towards geological sciences within the ING PAN and foster the cooperation with industry.

Upgrading the RTD capacity and capability as well as the quality of research carried out by ATLAB Centre Human potential of ATLAB Centre has been improved by recruiting 9 external researchers. These break down into a group of three senior scientists and six more junior scientists. The distinction here is made into these 2 groups by the expectations that the ATLAB team had of the researchers. The group of 3 senior scientists were employed for their knowledge transfer to members of the ATLAB group rather than the expectation that they had a long term future as members of ING PAN. The collaborations with this senior group of scientists with ATLAB members was successful. Each co-authored high quality papers with ALTAB members (8 during the ATLAB funding period). Without the ATLAB project, employment of high-level scientists from abroad would not be possible due to great discrepancies between Polish and European level salaries in RTD sector. The financial boost provided by ATLAB has had a positive and hopefully lasting impact on the staff. Flexibility in offered salaries to be more competitive with international salary levels has enabled the institute to bring back some researchers from outside of Poland and Europe. Two of more junior researchers, who transferred from industrial jobs in the USA, Arkadiusz Derkowski and UK, Stanisław Mazur were invited to join ING PAN staff and are employed after project terminated. Bringing back researchers from other areas around the world had had impact on the laboratories operations, the research programmes and the quality of the output. There are currently 19 individual PhD programs of which at least two that are directly related to the ATLAB merit field, partnership and equipment. New research projects have been acquired/started-up in five out of seven research areas shown as priorities in ATLAB: climate change, water and waste, environment, health, planet Earth.

The national staff of the ATLAB Centre was mobilized through the secondment to 12 Centers with which twinning or bilateral collaboration agreements were organized, 43 outgoing and 37 incoming visits were organized as presented in Tables 1 and 2:

Tab.1: List of outgoing visits of ATLAB researchers
No. ATLAB researcher Partnering Organization Dates Type Task
1. Dr. Marek Szczerba Univ.of Nantes, France 8.11-9.12.2011 Middle 4.8
2. MSc. Katarzyna Lisowiec GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 1.04-30.06.2012 Middle 4.5
3. Dr. Jaroslaw Tyszka AWI, Bremerhaven, Germany 18.06-17.07.2012 Short 4.2
4. Prof. Krzysztof Krajewski ATOMKI, Debrecen, Hungary 24.10-17.11.2012 Short 4.1
5. Dr. Robert Anczkiewicz Univ. of London, UK 6.10.2012-12.03.2013 Long 4.7
6. Dr. Marek Szczerba Univ.of Nantes, France 21.10.2012-17.01.2013 Middle 4.8
7. MSc. Nina Kowalik Univ. of London, UK 11.01.-8.02.2013 Short 4.7
8. Dr. Arkadiusz Derkowski TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 20.01-9.02.2013 Short 4.9
9. Dr. Marek Szczerba TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 27.01-9.02.2013 Short 4.9
10. Dr. Jaroslaw Tyszka AWI, Bremerhaven, Germany 2.03-31.08.2013 Long 4.2
11. Dr. Joanna Gurgurewicz Univ.of Nantes, France 3.03-2.06.2013 Middle 4.6
12. Dr. Agnieszka Ciurej Utrcht Univ., The Niederlands 3.04-31.05
1.07-18.11.2013 Long 4.12
13. Prof. Ewa Slaby GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 10.06-10.07.2013 Short 4.5
14. Dr. Aneta Anczkiewicz Univ. of Gottingen, Germany 26.10-30.11.2013 Middle 4.10
15. Dr. Jacek Pawlak Univ. of Nantes, France 15.11.2013-15.05.2014 Long 4.8
16. Dr. Maciej Krajcarz Univ. of Tubingen, Germany 01.12-14.12.2013 Short 4.11
17. Dr. Arkadiusz Derkowski TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 30.12.2013-
23.01.2014 Short 4.9
18. Dr. Arkadiusz Derkowski TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 03.02-16.02.2014 Short 4.9
19. Prof. Ewa Slaby GFZ, Potsdam, Germany, 26.01-23.02.2014 Short 4.5
20. MSc. Igor Niezgodzki AWI, Germany Bremerhaven, 30.09.2013-
25.04.2014 Long 4.2
21. Dr. Helena Hercman Univ. of Bergen, Norway 1.10.2013-
30.04.2014 Long 4.4
22. Dr. Edyta Zawisza /Prof. Krystyna Szeroczynska GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 8.12.2013-
8.03.2014 Middle 4.5
23. Dr. Monika Kusiak GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 22.02-12.03.2014 Short 4.5
24. Dr. Agnieszka Ciurej Utrecht Univ., Niederlands 27.02-29.03.2014 Short 4.12
25. MSc. Michał Banas Univ. of Gottingen, Germany 10.02-9.04.2014 Middle 4.10
26. Dr. Magdalena Krajcarz Univ. of Tubingen, Germany 07.04-09.05.2014 Middle 4.11
27. Dr. Helena Hercman Univ. of Bergen, Norway 04.05.- 30.05.2014 Short 4.4
28. Dr. Robert Anczkiewicz Univ. of London, UK 07.05-13.05.2014 Short 4.7
29. Dr. Aneta Anczkiewicz Univ. of Gottingen, Germany 09.06-11.07.2014 Middle 4.10
30. MSc. Nina Kowalik Univ. of London, UK 25.06-23.09.2014 Middle 4.7
31. Prof. Ewa Slaby GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 01.06-30.06.2014 Short 4.5
32. MSc. Izabela Moszumanska GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 09.06-05.07.2014 Short 4.5
33. Dr. Łukasz Kruszewski/ Prof. K. Szeroczynska GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 22.06-05.07.2014
20-27.07.2014 Short 4.5
34. Dr. Edyta Zawisza /Prof. Krystyna Szeroczynska Birbeck College, Univ. of London UK 26.06-23.08.2014 Middle 4.3
35. Dr..Robert Anczkiewicz Univ. of London, UK 07.07-12.07.2014 Short 4.7
36. MSc. Izabela Moszumanska GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 13.07-26.07.2014 Short 4.5
37. Dr. Jaroslaw Tyszka Utrecht Univ., Netherlands 18.06.-14.07. 12.08-09.09.2014 Middle 4.12
38. Dr. Milena Obremska Univ. of Bergen, Norway 23.07-29.09.2014 Middle 4.4
39. Dr. Jacek Pawlak Univ. of Nantes, France 15.08-30.09.2014 Middle 4.8
40. Prof. Krzysztof Krajewski ATOMKI, Hungary 08.09-17.09.2014 Short 4.1
41. Dr. Arkadiusz Derkowski TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 25.09-09.10.2014 Short 4.9
42. Dr. Edyta Zawisza Univ. of London, UK 27.11-21.12.2014 Short 4.3
43. Dr. Agata Krzesińska
/Dr. Monika Kusiak GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 08-18.12.2014
/08-23.12.2014 Short 4.5

Tab.2: List of incoming visits of ATLAB researchers

No. Researcher Partnering Organization Dates Type Task
1. Dr. Daniel Harlov GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 13.02–27.02.2012 Short 4.5
2. Dr. Wofgang Muller Univ. of London, UK 13.04-4.06.2012 Short 4.7
3.
Dr. Istvan Dunkl Univ. of Gottingen, Germany 27.08-7.09.2012 Short 4.10
4. Dr. Zoltán Pécskay ATOMKI, Debrecen, Hungary 24.09-21.10.2012 Short 4.1
5. Dr. Wofgang Muller Univ. of London, UK 14.12.2012 - 19.04.2013 Long 4.7
6. Dr. Clemence Herny Univ.of Nantes, France 28.02-28.03.2013 Short 4.6
7. Dr. Vassilis Gionis TChL NHRF, Athens,
Greece 20.03-27.03.2013 Short 4.9
8. Dr. Jiri Konopasek Univ. of Bergen, Norway 25.09-28.09.2013 Short 4.4
9. Dr. Hans-Jurgen Forster GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 29.07-.03.08. 2013 Short 4.5
10. Prof. Georgios Chryssikos TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 08.07-24.07.2013 Short 4.9
11. Dr. Istvan Dunkl Univ. of Gottingen, Germany 16.03-28.03.2014 Short 4.10
12. Dr. Wofgang Muller Univ. of London
UK 06.04-17.04.2014 Short 4.7
13. Dr. Sebastian Rokita AWI Bremerhaven, Germany 08.04-14.04.2014 Short 4.2
14. Prof. Howard Spero AWI, Germany Bremerhaven, 03.05-10.05.2014 Short 4.2
15. Dr. Markus Raitzsch AWI Bremerhaven, Germany 10.05-16.05.2014 Short 4.2
16. Prof. Jelle Bijma AWI Bremerhaven, Germany 05.05-08.05.2014 Short 4.2
17. Dr. Gert-Jan Reichart Utrecht Univ., Netherlands 04.05-10.05.2014 Short 4.12
18. Dr. Zoltán Pécskay ATOMKI, Debrecen, Hungary 02.05-31.07.2014 Middle 4.1
19. Prof. Herve Bocherens Univ. of Tubingen, Germany 15.05-24.05.2014 Short 4.11
20. MSc. Nadine Drager GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 16.05-23.05.2014 Short 4.5
21. Dr. Michael Wiedenberck GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 25.05-31.05.2014 Short 4.5
22. Prof. Geritt Lohmann AWI Bremerhaven, Germany 10.06-14.06.2014 Short 4.2
23. Dr. Gregor Knorr AWI Bremerhaven, Germany 10.06-14.06.2014 Short 4.2
24. MSc. Svere Aksnes Univ. of Bergen, Norway 30.05-14.06.2014 Short 4.4
25. Prof. Stein-Erik Lauritzen Univ. of Bergen, Norway 10.06-20.06.2014 Short 4.4
26. MSc. Christoph Wissing Univ. of Tubingen, Germany 05.08-18.08.2014 Short 4.11
27. Dr. Susanne Munzel Univ. of Tubingen, Germany 10.08-17.08.2014 Short 4.11
28. Dr. Georgios Chryssikos TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 29.06-19.07.2014 Short 4.9
29. Dr Vassilis Gionis TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 29.06-19.07.2014 Short 4.9
30. Dr.Olivier Bourgeois Univ. of Nantes, France 27.07-10.08.2014 Short 4.6
31. Dr. Daniel
Harlov GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 20-26.07.2014
/21-24.09.2014 Short 4.5
32. Dr. Andrey Kalinichev (SUBATECH), Nantes, France 07.09-10.09.2014 Short 4.8
33. Dr.Georgios Chryssikos TChL NHRF, Athens, Greece 07.09-10.09.2014 Short 4.9
34. Dr.Wolfgang Muller Univ. of London, UK 14.09-24.09.2014 Short 4.7
35. Dr. Jiri Konopasek Univ. of Bergen, Norway 24.09-27.09.2014 Short 4.4
36. Dr. Richard Wirth GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 01.09-24.09.2014 Short 4.5
37. Dr. Richard Wirth GFZ, Potsdam, Germany 24.11-05.12.2014 Short 4.5

The many contacts established and the expanded cooperation with several European science centres has brought ING PAN one step closer to world class research.

The rationale of upgrading the scientific equipment of ATLAB Centre and the main idea behind the specific plans were: (1) to supplement the existing infrastructure and equipment with the lacking high-tech research equipment that could not be acquired based on national sources, and (2) to invest in the most prospective, ongoing research projects that have a sufficient funding from national sources assured, and (3) acquisition or upgrading of a given equipment will make it possible to reach the new quality in scientific research. The purchased equipment will be immediately and fully used, and synergies will be created in the use of national and European funds.
Significant funding for equipment was made into 4 research groups if ING PAN: Quaternary Geochronology (Warszawa), Stable Isotope Laboratory (Warszawa), Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory (Kraków) and the Clay Minerals Laboratory (Kraków), purchased equipment is presented in Tab. 3:

Tab.3: List of equipment purchased for the ATLAB project, color-coded for 4 laboratories.

Laboratory Equipment
1 Quaternary Geochronology High detection efficiency and low background γ-spectrometer
2 Quaternary Geochronology Analyser CHNS/O
3 Quaternary Geochronology Automatic System of sample preparation
4 Stable Isotope Laboratory Mass Spectrometer
5 Stable Isotope Laboratory Field isotopic analyser
6 Stable Isotope Laboratory Micro-drill
7 Stable Isotope Laboratory Improvement of off-line systems
8 Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory Clean laboraotory system for sample preparation
9 Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory Mass spectrometry autosampler with quick wash system.
10 Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory Sample preparation and separation system: polishing preparation system Struers, microscope Nikon, SMZ1500 and a Stereo-microscope) for in-situ analyses
11 Clay Minerals Laboratory TGA-MS-IR instruments setup with a humidity controller

The carefully planned new equipment has enabled ING PAN to take up new research topics and offer more and better research opportunities to both domestic and international partners. Upgraded the RTD capacity and capability improved the research quality and scientific performance of the ATLAB Centre especially in the field of isotope geochemistry.

The participations in international conferences through oral presentation and posters, the publications and different dissemination activities has only begun to put the researchers of the ING PAN in the international spotlight. The ATLAB project performance has created sufficient confidence in the quality of the research and laboratory facilities at ING PAN for different partners in the ATLAB project to express their interest in further cooperation with ING PAN.

The ATLAB project had a significant influence on supporting the innovative approach of the Centre towards research resulting into intense cooperation with industry: technology transfer, expertise, commercialization schemes as well as performing of common research projects. This was achieved by different actions foreseen in the project. Workshops on the Individual Property Rights (IPR) issues, patents, ethical issues and legal aspects of knowledge transfer between science and industry in Poland and EU as well as priorities of innovation policy and commercialization schemes already gave the participants specialized knowledge essential for the development of future project between science and industry. The Annual meetings: “Science for Industry “Necessity is the mother of invention” were contributing to the raising of mutual awareness on technological demands and scientific capacities, and to initiation of partnerships between ATLAB Centre and industry as well as other entities of private and public sector. The catalogue of the offers for industry prepared during the Project performing present the capacity of the Centre to cooperate with industry on various fields as expertise, common research and commercialization projects. This have a significant influence on fostering the dialog between research and industry. ING PAN has already set up some strategic cooperations with industrial partners in Poland: KGHM Polska Miedź SA, Geofizyka Torun, PGNiG, Strzelecki Energy; and abroad: Chevron ETC, Wisent Oil and gas, ION Geophysical, Chemostrat. Recently, ATLAB staff who came back to Poland from centres of excellence in other countries will extend cooperation with their former institutions and include ING PAN into international “geo-industries”. Established Research and Innovation Office was a significant milestone of the ATLAB Project enhancing the capacity of the Centre in project performing through support in financial and administrative issues. On the long scale, the Centre concentrate as well to the preparation of new applications to Horizon 2020 (one application TWINNING already submitted, two others are in preparation) supporting the integration of the Centre into ERA.

One of the main objectives of the project was the integration in the research at the European level. This objective results from the renewed strategy of ATLAB Centre consisting in strengthening cooperation with European partners and development of selected research domains covered by the FP7. ING PAN have a head start with Monika A. Kusiak having been granted fellowships under PEOPLE (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions) and RESOURCES (Synthesys) Programmes. The involvement of some of the staff in lecturing at different Polish universities increased, what helps to attract the best students for PhD program in ING PAN.
Through partnership with 12 prominent research centers in Europe, the project brought a better integration of ATLAB Centre in the European Research Area as w whole. This resulted from: expanding and strengthening scientific collaboration with EU’s most prominent and excellent research centers having scientific interests similar to ATLAB Centre aiming at long-term collaboration with those centers as well as recruiting 5 foreign experienced researchers having already established research network with European and international institutions. The many contacts established and the expanded cooperation with several European science centers has brought ING PAN one step closer to world class research.

ATLAB has had a major impact also on the internal organization by bringing to light some short comings: increased interaction between the institute management and the researchers leading to more flexibility is needed. The staff at different levels have been confronted with issues that hitherto they were not familiar with: European rules on procurement of equipment, technical installations, incorporation of new staff in their team, accommodation of visiting professors and researchers and accommodation of the temporary outflow of researchers to visit partnering organizations. Having worked with calls for proposals, grant negotiations and financial and other reporting with the European Commission, having seen the vast opportunities offered by the different EU programms has triggered the need for dedicated support to te scientists to facilitate the writing of proposals and the participation in proposals. The learning curve of working with EU grants has resulted in awareness that before ATLAB was non-existent.

Improved research capacity stimulated regional development in a broad sense. Bringing knowledge to the region in the form of research centre of significant meaning strengthen regional research capacity and gave the opportunity to researchers and other institution from the region to participate in FP7 projects. The recruitment of incoming researchers as well as other highly experienced researchers from abroad will have a positive influence on the regional research capacity. Promotion and dissemination activities planned in the ATLAB project will have as well an important influence on the social and economic development in the regional scale. Publicity and publications regarding Earth sciences and participation in events dedicated to the popularization of science are contributing to better understanding among stakeholders (authorities, local leaders and industry) about the importance of geological research and necessity for increased financial support. Promotional activities presenting the achievements of the ATLAB Centre may encourage graduate and young researchers to continue their research career in the ING PAN as well attract renowned researchers from different scientific institutions in the region to cooperate with ATLAB Centre.

The publication record of staff employed through ATLAB shows that the quality and quantity of published work increased compared to those from 2010 (dark blue), the moment of ATLAB project submission. On the Fig. 1 publications are compared with 2013 (red) and 2014 (light blue). Within last four years, there is not only increase amount of papers published (from 32 till 55), publications are published in higher quality journals, 5- and 10-points journals are ommited at the expense of 15- and 20-points journals.

Fig. 1. Publications by ATLAB staff, x-axis shows the number of publications, y-axis shows the amount of points given by Ministry of Science and Higher Education in a scale up to 50.

ATLAB has resulted in a much larger visibility of the Institute among the public at large and hence among the politicians. With a limited budget, ING PAN has achieved some prominent results in terms of contracts with the press, the TV, the newspapers, leaflets, posters, but also by means of the short movies that have been widely downloaded. Dissemination activities are presented in a separate pdf file.

List of Websites:
1. ATLAB Project website: www.atlab.eu [English and Polish versions]
2. Integrated ING PAN website: http://www.ing.pan.pl/Atlab/0Atlab-index_E.htm