The ETOPIA doctoral training objectives were achieved in line with the needs as stated by the EU , and for ETOPIA:
• Create the European Graduate (Doctoral) School for conducted (power-line) EMC, sustainable
• Develop a structural doctoral programme in conducted EMC by 6 leading research groups at renowned universities, in close collaboration with industry
• Strengthen and structure the initial training of researchers in conducted EMC at European level
• Provide trained researchers with the necessary skills to work in industry
• Improve career perspectives by broad skills development & building a durable consortium in research & training
These doctoral training objectives for the first period reporting were achieved by: setting up the European Joint doctorate (EJD) agreements within the project framework with 2 joint degree agreements and 1 double degree agreement; develop training to the ESR’s to enhance their necessary skills to work in the industry in the scientific and personal skills during Summer Schools and the organisation of special workshops or sessions at the EMC related conferences.
The ETOPIA scientific objectives are to develop and integrate advanced methods to model, design, evaluate, measure and monitor economic measures for a safe, reliable, efficient and greener electrical power system. The work packages and deliverables are therefore aligned with these objectives. These objectives can be achieved by advanced models and simulation methods allowing for uncertainty for connected devices and systems, and full experimental evaluation and characterisation of equipment and complex installations, incl. platforms.
These scientific training objectives were achieved by the ESR’s performing the modelling, simulations and experiments which already has led to the submission of multiple deliverables. The ETOPIA societal objectives are the implementation of the newly developed and acquired knowledge by close collaboration with industry via secondments, training schools and case studies and thus actually contribute to the EU 2020 ambitions. The close collaboration with industry has been slightly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing that physical meetings were not possible due to the travel restrictions. The ESR’s and supervisors planned the secondments, a total of 52 secondments have been achieved covering a total of 71 months of interaction between the industrial partners and the ESR's. The 3 Summer Schools were held and reported with strong participation from industry. A minimum of 6 Special sessions/workshops at international conferences were envisioned and ETOPIA has organised 10 special sessions and workshops.
ETOPIA strongly encourages the participation of female researchers in science. Although it was not possible to recruit female ESR’s within the ETOPIA project, the six beneficiaries actively promoted and encourages female researchers in the field. During Girlsday, technical companies, (non-)governmental organizations, and research institutes open their doors for 10-15 year old girls, in order to awaken/increase their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). During guest lectures, 3 PhD students involved in partner MSCA projects shared their experience as women in this field of engineering. Prof Flavia Grassi collaborated with them as mentor. Starting at 11h and 12h, will be given by the researches of the university of Twente including a Radio interview by the Project Manager. Also, Professor Flavia Grassi from university Politecnico di Milano actively promotes and encourages female researchers in the field.
The 12 talented researchers have receiving high-quality interdisciplinary training in the field of EMC, including power quality, for smart cities through research, courses and (beyond-) network events, covering scientific aspects as well as personal skills and career development, and implement the knowledge within industry. Each ESR has a well-defined individual project described in their Personal Career development plan and is be part of a group of outstanding European researchers with a high level of employability and with great exposure to researchers in- and outside the specific EMC expertise field.
