Project description
A dual degree training programme addresses two sides of the same coin
Polyurethanes are among the most versatile plastic materials and are virtually ubiquitous. They are found in products such as the foams of mattresses and couches, in building insulation and in coatings and paints, to name just a few. Conventionally, polyurethanes are produced in a reaction relying on isocyanate molecules and polyols. However, growing evidence supports the potential health hazards of occupational exposure to isocyanates, and polyols are primarily derived from fossil fuels. The EU-funded NIPU project is tackling this two-pronged challenge by providing training to bright minds, leading to double doctoral degrees in two different countries. Stimulating the development of sustainable and safe non-isocyanate polyurethanes will ensure the booming polyurethane industry and the sectors it serves keep moving full steam ahead.
Objective
NIPU-EJD is an European Joint Doctorate in “Synthesis, Characterization, Structure and Properties of Novel Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes”. NIPU-EJD is set up by a consortium formed by 7 Academic beneficiaries: University of Mons (B), University of Liège (B), University of Bordeaux (FR), University of Montpellier (FR), University of the Basque Country (SP), Royal Institute of Technology (SE) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (D), together with 8 non-academic partners organizations collaborating in the research-related and transferable training. NIPU-EJD will offer to 12 early stage researchers (ESRs) the opportunity of being awarded with double doctoral degrees in two different countries. The program vision of NIPU-EJD is to create a new generation of high-skilled, creative, entrepreneurial scientists, who will be the future leaders in the emerging and important area of sustainability towards the development of sustainable non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) systems. At its infancy from industrial prospective, NIPU-based systems represent the most sustainable alternative to conventional polyurethanes in different sectors (insulation, coatings, etc.), responding the urgent needs for sustainability in terms of raw materials innovation, improved safety, production processes and recycling. To address these scientific and technological challenges including polymer syntheses, polymer engineering, sustainability and applications (latexes, coatings, etc.), NIPU-EJD will aim to implement a long-lasting research and training network in the realm of NIPU by combining frontier research projects and industrial developments for economic and sustainable benefits in Europe. The intersectorality of the industrial partners will enable the NIPU-EJD to increase the ESR’s employability, to improve R&I capacity between participating organisations and to create better transfer of knowledge between the different sectors in the area of sustainable polymers.
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Coordinator
7000 Mons
Belgium