The work plan of the TWIN-PEAKS project was organised in 6 work packages (WP):
WP 1. Research strategy development and implementation
This WP aimed at establishing the joint research strategy the consortium will adopt in the project and beyond for a long-term collaboration. The strategy is based on the identification of synergetic research topics and an analysis of the performance of the consortium and its gaps in expertise. The strategy includes an action plan in terms of the grant opportunities to target to fund projects in the strategic topics agreed, and the characteristics of additional partners to find to fix expertise gaps and set up competitive consortia for grant applications. A formal agreement was also be signed to allow all partners to pool their infrastructure and equipment. Finally, grant applications were submitted with few being successfully funded in HE (GIFFT, SHERLOCK) and other (inter)national programmes (REDEFINE H2S, REMONET-Bioenergy).
WP 2. Staff exchanges and training
LEI and VMU’s researchers were on short-term secondments to TUM and CTH to exchange knowledge, especially during scientific workshops. In the frame of these exchanges, training sessions were organised to learn how to use each partner’s equipment(s). Finally, along with other activities, soft skills training courses to conduct high quality research were also organised.
WP 3. Dissemination, exploitation and communication
The partners implemented the project’s dissemination, exploitation and communication plan as described in section 2.2 which includes a website and promotion materials. At the same time, LEI and VMU learnt how to conduct effective dissemination, exploitation and communication strategy. To better understand the targets of dissemination, VMU studied WtE stakeholders’ needs. Two conferences were organised in Lithuania and all partners also attended other conferences in Europe with poster/oral presentations selected to foster academic dissemination. Dissemination to users was carried out through outreach events that also aimed at enlarging the networks of the partners, especially in view of involving some end-users in grant applications.
WP 4. Early-stage researchers career development and gender equality promotion
This WP addressed the specific career needs of early-stage researchers in WtE in Lithuania. It provided training courses and summer schools (two summer schools), an opportunity for PhD students to present their work in the project’s conferences, and involvement in the outreach events to facilitate networking and job seeking. The WP also had tasks to apply for grants targeted to early-stage researchers, e.g. ERC Starting Grant. Finally, this WP tackled the gender equality issues, e.g. gender balance review.
WP 5. Research management and administration capacities development
This WP consisted in the creation of a new research management and administration position to join the Research, Development and Innovation unit at LEI that currently has been working on technology transfer. The strategy was set up and targets for implemantion have been in action.
WP 6. Project management
This WP ensured the project was carried out effectively achieving expected results in due time and within budget. It facilitated the consortium collaboration through regular communication, in part for anticipating risks. This WP also lead with performance and financial monitoring and reporting to the EC.
All planned deliverables (27) and milestones (8) were submitted and achieved according to the relevant objectives. The implementation of the work plan of the TWIN-PEAKS project proceeded smoothly and timely with no major deviations.
