In the HEADS project lifecycle [M1–M48], progress wa made in each of the following 6 Work Packages defined by the project:
• WP1 Management of Network
• WP2 Training Programme
• WP3 Communication, Dissemination & IP
• WP4 Accident Reconstruction & Simulation
• WP5 Head Model Refinement
• WP6 Helmet Certification Standards
The first 3 Work Packages dealt with the logistics of delivering & managing the Network’s objectives while Work Packages 4-6 referred to the research topics of the Network.
Work Packages 1-3
The Network achieved the following logistical and management outcomes:
• Addressing the logistical issues of setting up a Training Network
• Recruiting a Project Manager to provide support to Network members
• Recruiting 13 excellent ESRs whose abilities will ensure delivery of the Network objectives
• Establishing the project’s Supervisory Board
• Delivering EU Reports (Progress; Draft Periodic; Periodic)
• Hosting Midterm Review Meeting with the EU
• Completing Career Development Plans for each of the ESRs
• Advancing ESRs towards completion of their Transfer Assessments
• Commencing the Network’s Secondment programme
• Delivering the training programme
• Engaging in outreach & dissemination activities
• Launching a Network Website (
http://www.heads-itn.eu/(öffnet in neuem Fenster))
• Delivering Ethics Requirements
- Organising a HEADS Symposium at the 8th World Congress of Biomechanics
- Hosting a final HEADS Conference
Work Packages 4-6
The project lifecycle saw the Network’s ESRs yield the following scientific outcomes:
• Publishing an Accident data collection guide (
http://www.heads-itn.eu/blog.html(öffnet in neuem Fenster))
• Publishing a Helmet Standards Evaluation report (
http://www.heads-itn.eu/blog.html(öffnet in neuem Fenster))
• Participating in software training e.g. MADYMO, Poser, MATLAB, and ABAQUS
• Expanding our sources of accident data
• EFFECT OF IMPACT SURFACE ON EQUESTRIAN FALLS published in Proceedings of 34th ISBS, Tsukuba, Japan
• Development of polymer anvil
• Performing accident reconstructions which will be applied to the finite head model
• Continuing with the Head Model refinement which includes:
o Modelling skull fracture
o Development of a realistic skin model
o Characterising bridging veins
o Developing an active ageing head model
o Investigating thresholds for neuronal damage in head models
o Analysing brain tissue characterization thresholds for brain contusion
• Developing new equestrian helmet standard tests for improved head impact protection
• Seeking to develop a more biofidelic headform
• Developing new cycling helmet standard tests for improved head impact protection
• Developing new motorcycling & snow sports helmet standard tests for improved head impact protection
• Characterisation and analysis of energy absorbing materials under compression/shear for helmet liner applications
- Publishing 40 Journal Publications, Conference Proceedings and Reports - many of them being of a joint publication status or showing inter work package collaboration.
The project partners met all deliverables and milestones.
The collaboration between the HEADS Network partners and their ESRs proved productive and successful. The team’s positive dynamic resulted in cooperative and positive teamwork and partnership across a variety of research environments. There is great enthusiasm for what the HEADS Network research yielded and for the impact that the research will have on society.
