Final Report Summary - POLYSACCHARIDES (The European Polysaccharide Network)
Polysaccharides represent by far the largest group of polymers produced in the world. Fully biodegradable, they are made by nature. For many reasons, including the fact that their structure is variable (depending on genetics, climate, location on Earth, soil, etc.), their use in highly engineered, functional materials is in its infancy. Nevertheless, and withstanding all difficulties, polysaccharides are the sustainable source of polymeric materials for tomorrow. They offer numerous product development opportunities that are increasingly attractive in light of tightening oil supplies and rising concerns over environmental and biodegradability issues. The use of Renewable raw materials (RRM) such as polysaccharides is one of the targets of the European Union policies with objectives to increase the share of renewable energy and to promote biodegradation. These are the main reasons why the European Commission chose to select the topic polysaccharides for forming a new Network of Excellence.
The main achievements of the project are:
- establishment of the legal instrument the European Polysaccharide Network Of Excellence Association (EPNOE) and a structure able to ensure a durable networking over the next 5-10 years;
- creation of an active network involving 16 institutions, more than 20 companies, 100 scientists, more than 70 PhD students;
- building of a research and education road map 2010 - 2020;
- top-level scientific research (more than 40 on-going common research projects, about 20 PhD shared by two partners, round-robin testing, tool box with a set of 200 instruments available within the network);
- education, with more than 50 exchanges of students, and creation of one EC-intensive on 'Sustainable utilisation of renewable resources' (2009-2011).
- active business and industry club with more than 20 members;
- every year, more than 270 research projects are starting between EPNOE members and companies;
- high level participants in many important stakeholder' organisations (like organisation of meetings with scientific societies).
EPNOE, which was created by this project, is a new, durable structure for organising research and education on polysaccharides at the European level, a complete, efficient and innovative research network on polysaccharide worldwide and a platform for bringing together companies and research centres.
The main achievements of the project are:
- establishment of the legal instrument the European Polysaccharide Network Of Excellence Association (EPNOE) and a structure able to ensure a durable networking over the next 5-10 years;
- creation of an active network involving 16 institutions, more than 20 companies, 100 scientists, more than 70 PhD students;
- building of a research and education road map 2010 - 2020;
- top-level scientific research (more than 40 on-going common research projects, about 20 PhD shared by two partners, round-robin testing, tool box with a set of 200 instruments available within the network);
- education, with more than 50 exchanges of students, and creation of one EC-intensive on 'Sustainable utilisation of renewable resources' (2009-2011).
- active business and industry club with more than 20 members;
- every year, more than 270 research projects are starting between EPNOE members and companies;
- high level participants in many important stakeholder' organisations (like organisation of meetings with scientific societies).
EPNOE, which was created by this project, is a new, durable structure for organising research and education on polysaccharides at the European level, a complete, efficient and innovative research network on polysaccharide worldwide and a platform for bringing together companies and research centres.
