Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Waste2H2 (Waste to Hydrogen)
Reporting period: 2022-04-01 to 2023-12-31
To realize these ambitions, WASTE2H2 orchestrated a series of activities such as workshops, summer schools, visits, exchanges, and a final conference. These initiatives elevated IPPortalegre's research profile and fortified its scientific, technological, and innovation capabilities. Over 36 months, the project delivered 24 key outputs spanning strategic planning, research insights, and dissemination materials, fostering a deeper understanding of waste-to-hydrogen conversion technologies. These outputs, culminating in 19 public documents, significantly advanced scientific knowledge in the field.
Furthermore, the project prioritized effective communication and collaboration, evidenced by regular consortium meetings fostering information exchange and coordination. Five Short-Term Staff Exchanges facilitated collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers from diverse institutions. While commendable strides were made in gender equality, with female participation reaching 39% overall in the final conference, efforts continue to bridge the gap.
Beyond academia, WASTE2H2 made tangible impacts, securing international funding, and providing technical services to industries. IPPortalegre thrived through its participation, bolstering its research capabilities, broadening understanding, expanding networks, and enhancing funding acquisition strategies. The project elevated IPPortalegre's visibility and reputation, positioning it as a key player in sustainable energy research.
WP1: This WP consolidated research status, laying a foundation for subsequent activities, namely the delivery of a Joint Strategic Research and Technology Innovation Planning. Furthermore, funding opportunities were identified and despite setbacks with the CONFLUENCE proposal, lessons learned led to improvements and it's resubmission.
WP2: Facilitated knowledge transfer and collaboration through 3 thematic workshops and 3 exploratory visits. These activities enhanced expertise and strengthened partnerships in renewable energy research accompanied by direct contact with the industry.
WP3: Enhanced capacitation of Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) through various events, although some were delayed due to COVID. Short-term scientific staff exchanges (STSE) and Immersive Summer Schools (ISS) provided valuable experiences, despite travel limitations. Efforts were made to promote gender equality thorughout all the events, altough maximum female participation only reached 39%.
WP4: Achieved milestones in knowledge management and science-industry collaboration. IP management, stakeholder database establishment, and successful collaborations with industry partners were notable. Exploratory visits provided insights into industry needs.
WP5: Exploitation and sustainability strategies, yielding comprehensive documents were developed. New funding opportunites were researched, resulting in one successful project proposal and 1 resubmission. A white paper on 'Waste to Hydrogen', was publised on Hydrogen (MDPI).
WP6: This WP focused on project outreach and dissemination. Tasks included developing an Outreach and Dissemination Plan, internal and external communication channels, dissemination activities (e.g. the project's Final Conference), and outreach efforts evaluated for impact. These efforts effectively promoted knowledge transfer and project sustainability.
WP7: Managed the project effectively, ensuring tasks were completed in the most timely way possible and within budget. Key documents provided clear guidelines, and risk management strategies were proactive. Gender equality efforts were documented, contributing to inclusivity and project success.