Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NESTER (Networking for Excellence in Solar Thermal Energy Research) Reporting period: 2017-04-01 to 2018-12-31 Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project The NESTER project aims in upgrading the scientific and innovation performance of the Cyprus Institute (CyI)in the field of Solar-Thermal Energy (STE). The upgrade will be achieved by embedding the Institute’s activitiesin a network of excellence, which will provide access to the latest know-how and facilities, train CyI’s scientificand technical personnel and link it with the European Industry. The substantial investments made/planned by CyIin infrastructure and personnel will thus become more efficient and competitive allowing claim to internationalexcellence. The geopolitical placement of Cyprus offers excellent opportunities for cultivating a research andinnovation niche in Solar Technologies. At the same time the remoteness of the corresponding centres of Excellenceof EU is a major impediment. The NESTER proposal strives to enhance the advantages and ameliorate thedisadvantages of this geographical placement.The NESTER network comprises of three leading institutions in thefield of solar energy research (CIEMAT, ENEA, PROMES/CNRS and RWTH – Aachen). They possess a formidableknow how in this field and operate some of the most important facilities, worldwide. The resulting enhancedcapabilities and status of CyI would in turn reflect positively on developing the knowledge economy of Cyprus. Itwill also enhance the positioning of Cyprus as an important player in applied scientific research at the interface of theEuropean and Middle East/North Africa regions. A number of activities are proposed in a detailed program whichincludes training and knowhow transfer, seminars and networking events with European and EMME partners, summerschool activities, and public outreach and awareness and networking events. It is designed to ensure sustainability,evolution and continuation of the activities including the cooperation among the partners well beyond the expiration ofthe three-year funding period. Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far So far, two secondments have been completed, the first NESTER school as well as the first workshop. A range of networking activities have also taken place with the help of the partners, which are reflected in the report. These have resulted in CyI interaction with a range of new networks, media, industry and policy makers and raised the profile of the institute in the field of STE both among the international academic community, but also the media. The CyI benchmark list of publications was uploaded, and will be continuously updated. Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far) The NESTER school was instrumental in training local scientists and allowing them to interact with their peers in the European Research Area as well as the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This has helped CyI with its mission to be a bridge between researchers in these two regions. This and the workshop and the other networking activities of NESTER contributed to establishing CyI as a knowledge hub for STE, and as a contributor to the knowledge economy of the island of Cyprus. NESTER school participants NESTER school diplomas being awarded PROTEAS CSP facility