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future forecast What next for nuclear? All systems go The EU must organise a consistent network of research infrastructures if nuclear power is to contribute to a new, low-carbon society, argues Philippe Pradel I Philippe Pradel is chair of the sustainable nuclear energy technology platform n 2007, the council endorsed a communication on Europes energy policy which underlined the benefits of nuclear energy, and committed the EU to meeting ambitious objec- tives by 2020. In order to achieve these objectives, as well as the longer term vision of a low carbon society by 2050, the commission also proposed a strategic energy technology plan, including nuclear fission. In parallel, the sustainable nuclear energy technology platform (SNETP) was launched. It now brings together 70 organisations involved in nuclear technologies, and has established a strategic research agenda paving the way to face these objectives. The group aims to maintain nuclear energys competitiveness by supporting the long term operation of current plants, and facilitate the construction of generation III reactors. To achieve this, priority actions must be undertaken in the fields of engi- neering and regulation, but also R&D. This includes enhancing knowledge to understand, prevent and mitigate the effects of ageing, to allow safe licence extension of present nuclear power plants, to improve uranium use by recycling, and develop advanced fuels and fuel cycles. By 2050 the demand for electricity is set to increase as current processes using fossil fuels are being substituted by processes using electricity. In order to make nuclear fission sustainable, fast neutron reactors that can multiply the energy production from a given amount of uranium fuel by 50 to 100 must be developed. Fast neutron reactors have already been in operation in Europe, but todays safety, operational and competitiveness standards require the design of a new generation of reactors. Europe has defined its options as the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) as a proven concept, and lead or gas-cooled fast reactors (LFR/GFR) as an alternative technology. Associated R&D to achieve this objective includes primary system design, developing materials that operate at high temper- ature under high neutron fluxes as well as heat exchangers and power conversion systems. Alongside fuels, instrumentation, in- service inspection systems, safety, partitioning and transmutation must also be developed. Beyond this, demonstration projects, such as the SFR prototype Astrid envisaged in France in 2020 as a demonstrator of alternative technology are planned. Other applications of nuclear energy which could be developed include various types of reactors that may also directly supply heat and electricity for energy intensive industrial processes. However, the main R&D chal- lenges on this track lie in the coupling of the reactor to the industrial process. In addition there are new opportunities for heat exchangers, heat transport, and adaptation of industrial processes and management of waste, especially graphite for high temperature reactors. We must also look at developing competences and research infrastructures. To carry out these programmes, the EU must reinforce its competences, and organise a consistent network of research infrastructures. Materials and fuels are also major topics, since new materials need to be developed and qualified to achieve higher performance and longer lifetimes in more extreme conditions. Modelling and multi-scale simulation will play an increasing role, with advanced physical models and increasing computational power. Nuclear research in Europe has a strong focus on safety. Besides basic nuclear sciences, research on human and organi- sational factors and plant-relevant issues will be addressed to support long-term operation of plants and contribute to the design of intrinsically safe fourth generation reactors. We must also look to build a European research area of nuclear R&D infrastructures. Some large scale infrastructures are essen- tial, like material testing reactors, zero power reactors, severe accidents facilities, loops and high temperature heat exchangers. These infrastructures will be associated with modelling and cutting edge instrumentation, in order to support a science based approach to development and qualification. In addition, the demonstration reactors (SFR and LFR/GFR) will also call for the construction of pilot manufacturing facilities for their fuels. Last but not least, education and training of researchers and engineers will be critical. Together with other low carbon energy sources, nuclear fission will play a major role in addressing the energy and climate chal- lenges. SNETP provides the European framework to organise the associated research and technological development efforts. Together with other low carbon energy sources, nuclear fission will play a major role in addressing the energy and climate challenges 44 research review September 2009 Issue 10 September 2009 Food for thought How the technology of tomorrow will change the way we consume, produce and think about our food Out of Africa: Janez Potočnik on EU-Africa research cooperation Herbert Reul: Parliaments new research chair talks technology Fat chance: Mariann Fischer Boel on w SmartCell S Background and rationale creating green factories for human health martCell is a four-year EU project that aims to develop fundamental knowledge and enabling technologies for the creation of engineered plant cells producing valuable pharmaceutical molecules. There are 18 academic and ind The FOODIMA Project aims at developing a concise set of methodological tools for a systematic economic assessment of the EU food chain. Based on these tools, an evaluation of the structural changes and the economic performance of selected food sectors in representative countries of the EU is provide DISSEMINATION BALTFOODQUAL Project equirements and demands of consumers towards quality and safety of food are growing all over the world. Welfare of the society has increased, people are better informed and educated, and are paying more attention to food quality and health issues than 10- 15 years contents Issue 10 September 2009 research round-up 6 Scaling up The opening of a new laboratory in Portugal will push forward nanotechnology research. Francesca Ross was there 25 Five years of food Roger Fenwick reflects on the first five years of the European technology platforms food for life prog research round-up IBERIAN NANOTEChNOLOGY INSTITUTE Scaling up King Juan Carlos of Spain opened a new super-laboratory in Portugal that will push forward the capabilities of nanotechnology research. Francesca Ross was there he opening of the Iberian Nanotechnology Institute was a ceremony fit for a IBERIAN NANOTEChNOLOGY INSTITUTE research round-up prime minister José Sócrates, as well as Spanish minister of science and innova- tion, Cristina Garmendia, and Portuguese minister of science, technology and higher education, José Mariano Gago. In the age of discovery, we had a lot of success. Wit COACH a project for preparing deployment of CCS in China v) COACH started on 1 November 2006 and will end on 31 October 2009 (Figure 4: COACH in brief ). During the final meeting to be held on 27 October in Beijing, the lessons of the project will be drawn and the next steps of CCS deployment in Chi carbon capture and storage research round-up Never-ending storage Carbon capture is touted as one way of tackling increasing levels of carbon dioxide produced in the modern world. A conference in Paris hopes to bring the brightest brains to the discussion table I n the context of reducing atmo- sph research round-up EU-Africa research cooperation Out of Africa Janez Potočnik argues that we need to do more than simply transfer technology if we are to use science and technology as a development tool in Africa frica is without doubt the conti- nent with the greatest scientific gap. But some migh EU-Africa research cooperation research round-up member states, and it is by structuring and coordinating the new and existing efforts of these 80 states that the partner- ship will have a real impact. The partnership must be based on a set of common principles. First, it is essential that there is EUPHRESCO Project Safeguarding plant health through research Plants are clearly important to both Europes food production and its environment. However, they are under continuous threat from new and exotic pests, which includes diseases and invasive species such as weeds. It is the role of Plant Hea JEREMY RIFKIN research round-up The European dream Research and development needs to move fast to catch up with the challenges facing humanity, Jeremy Rifkin tells Francesca Ross ome people may write off the firebrand author Jeremy Rifkin as a dreamer. He has made it his mission to travel the world research round-up HERBERT REUL In the hot seat Herbert Reul talks about the priorities and challenges of being the new chairman of parliaments research committee What will your priorities be as chairman of the research and industry committee? The industry, research and energy com- mittee (ITRE) has HERBERT REUL research round-up I have been a member of ITRE for five years and I have concentrated on energy and industry issues. Now, as chairman I am looking forward to dealing with the whole range of topics, namely industry, research, space policy, innovation policy and of course climate and ene research round-up CORDIS NEWS Regions take the stage at the Open Days 2009 thanks to EU research funding Establishing research partnerships when you live on a remote island such as Portugals Madeira naturally proves to be a difficult challenge. This is why the Toureg project has been set up with fu CORDIS NEWS research round-up Some would argue that introducing new words like the knowledge triangle is just cosmetics. I would however say that the purpose is bigger than a new word to put on posters Tobias Kranz on the role of education. This objec- tive had the wholehearted support of the commi For more information please visit the project home page at www.ag2020.org. Project coordinator Dr Kristian Borch Department of Management Engineering Technical University of Denmark Produktionstorvet, Building 426 DK-2800, Lyngby Tel +45 4525 4800 European agriculture will soon reach the point of ex Network security research roundup All together now Researchers and policymakers came together in Crete to discuss the emerging and future challenges facing our networked world. Louise Tait was there N eed to know your Warps from your Certs, RFID from CIIP, or VOIP from the IOT? If so, the recent En AN URGENT CALL TO SAVE OUR PLANET THE BRITISH from Supreme Master Ching Hai Interview By independent journalist Charlie Norton, Queries on 07876742671 government has been commended for its work in sustainable food policy by the Vietnamese-born humanitar- ian and philanthropist Ching Hai but she has advertorial Ching Hai then pointed out that livestock is the single largest human caused source of methane and accounts for 37 percent of the total according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Therefore Ching Hai believes climate control policy should be directed at methane rather than car eu policy FOOD for the future Fat chance Childrens health is a priority for the EU, but healthy eating habits must start at home, says Mariann Fischer Boel he obesity rate amongst European children is alarming: 22 million overweight kids, five million of which are obese. These have become very well TOBI T TOBI Research a cutting edge approach to combat obesity-related diseases Recently it has been brought to light that chronic inflammation of fat (adipose) tissue can cause both type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, two of the clinically most relevant complications. Fat tissue produces specific eu policy FOOD for the future Knowledge is power Tough regulations are needed to ensure food safety is prioritised over financial interests, argues Jo Leinen ood safety and the knowledge about where our food comes from and what quality standards have been applied during the production process is ob FOOD for the future eu policy Five years of food Roger Fenwick reflects on the first five years of the European technology platforms food for life programme stablished in 2004, the European technology plat- forms (ETP) food for life programme is designed to ensure that European food and drink indus First LASCAUX forum: 80 Researchers from 20 different counties are gathered in Nantes Humanity is being forced to face a grim reality: over one billion people throughout the world are suffering from hunger, which equates to one in six people. In 2008, a food crisis caused by the soaring price of bas DISSEMINATION to accord itself and is the reason why it must prevail when confronted with the gamut of so-called laws sprung from morals, the market or science. Moral and ethical foundations are not universally recognised, neither one giving rise to legally binding prerogatives or socially legitimat eu policy FOOD for the future Linked in Regional programmes promoting better quality food and greater cooperation are offering up some tasty prospects explains Linze Rijswijk W Linze Rijswijk is senior project manager at the development agency of the east Netherlands hat do the 31 regions cooperati FOOD FOR THE FUTURE eu policy Tasty technology Frans Kampers explains how the little things at the heart of todays research will one day make food safer W ith the advent of nanoscience and the ongoing min- iaturisation of micro-electronics and microsystems, new possibilities arise for most fields o eu policy FOOD for the future Seeds of change More agricultural research is needed to safeguard the supply of food, says Friedrich Berschauer he global challenges facing the agricultural industry remain unchanged and are becoming increasingly sig- nificant. A growing number of people have to be fed Culinary delicacy The Sea urchin roe (gonad) is a luxury food product and is consumed worldwide. In Europe, the most common edible sea urchin is Paracentrotus lividus, found in the Mediterranean and along the eastern Atlantic coasts, and with a northernmost limit in Scotland. The European demand for building bridges hurdles for health Health in crisis? The economic downturn will have a mixed impact on physical health, writes Androulla Vassiliou he extraordinarily challenging economic downturn started with financial markets and subsequently expand- ed to the global economy. Even though the fina hurdles for health building bridges Show me the money Diagnostics, new therapies and vaccines are just some of the health projects receiving funding from the commission under FP7, writes Manuel Hallen he European commission is presently contracting out funding for 106 health research projects, whic building bridges hurdles for health What price health? More research is needed to determine the drivers of health inequalities, says Michael Marmot O Michael Marmot is director of the international institute for society and health at University College London n his 100th birthday, so it is said, on hurdles for health building bridges Eat your words Policymakers must push for a ban on marketing unhealthy products to children if they want to tackle the obesity epidemic, says Tommy Visscher he economic crisis is taking attention away from one of the most important medical crises: obesity. Well e REDUCING FOOD BORNE DISEASES IN EUROPE U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U Food safety is essential for consumer trust and for the competitiveness of the European food industry, says PathogenCombat After five years work an integrated research project funded under the EU 6th Framework Programme will DISSEMINATION U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U The uniting factor for all participants in the integrated PathogenCombat Project was their shared goal to make new findings, gain fundamental new insights, and develop methods for the food industry and decision- making bodies that would make it possi building bridges hurdles for health Full without the fat Researchers in the UK have found a way to trick your body into thinking its eaten more than it has, explains Martin Wickham t the Institute of Food Research (IFR) in Norwich, UK, we have been looking at ways in which the food we eat can be su HURDLES for health Hurdles FOR HEALTH building bridges Ready, steady, go Glenis Willmott believes that the EU must give the proposed food labelling system a green light if it is serious about tackling obesity cientists are predicting that 6.4 million children in the EU could be obese by next year. building bridges hurdles for health Clinical cooperation Ruxandra Draghia-Akli believes that the future of health research lies in public-private partnerships technological revolution in health research which allows for forecasting in predictive, preventive, par- ticipatory, and personal medicine ( Hurdles for health building bridges A question of policy With obesity rates on the rise throughout Europe, one EU funded research project hopes to measure the effectiveness of policies aimed at tackling the problem, writes Joceline Pomerleau evels of obesity and inequalities in obesity are increas- OBELIX project Though the incidence of obesity has grown to epidemic proportions globally, the underlying causes of this disorder are not fully understood. Recent evidence shows that factors influencing the long-term risk of obesity begin very early in life. The developing embryo may be very vulnera C ancer is one of the major causes of death in the world (particularly the developed world), with around 11 million people diagnosed and around 7 million people dying each year. The World Health Organisation predicts that current trends show around 9 million will die in 2015, with the number rising future forecast What next for nuclear? All systems go The EU must organise a consistent network of research infrastructures if nuclear power is to contribute to a new, low-carbon society, argues Philippe Pradel I Philippe Pradel is chair of the sustainable nuclear energy technology platform n 2007, DISSEMINATION NANOPACK Nano Packaging Technology for Interconnect and Heat Dissipation Nanotechnologies at stake in advanced thermal management solutions for electronics packaging O ne of the major limitations to the continuous growth of the semiconductor and power electronics industries is the la future forecast What next for nuclear? What next for nuclear? future forecast Next generation Research and innovation in nuclear energy can help move Europe towards its vision of a low carbon economy, argues Dominique Ristori urope is facing a triple challenge in the energy field: For those member DISSEMINATION VTT autoclave NULIFE for long term operation of nuclear power plants T he European network of excellence NULIFE (Nuclear plant life prediction, http://nulife.vtt.fi) has been launched with a clear focus on integrating safety- oriented research on materials, structures and systems and e Victoires Au quotidien dA FRANE En 2008 et début 2009, nous avons apporté leau et construit un bloc sanitaire et social dans un lycée de filles à Djalalabad. Nous avons construit quatre bâtiments scolaires, fourni des équipements scientifiques, réalisé des formations en dari, en maths et en sciences What next for nuclear? future forecast Nuclear reaction Green groups walked out of a European forum on nuclear earlier in the year, criticising it as little more than a PR opportunity for industry. Martha Moss reports I t markets itself as a unique platform for a broad discussion, free of any taboo DISSEMINATION 7th Framework Programme Theme 7: Transport Coordination Action Starting Date: 1st of July 2008 Duration: 24 months Budget: 1.16m EUR Project Coordinator: Austrian Institute of Technology Mr. Manfred Haider e-mail: manfred.haiderait.ac.a phone: +43 (50) 550 62 56 Giefinggasse 2 1210 Vie Road transport Smart thinking Bright ideas There are many challenges facing the transport industry, but the commission hopes to ensure it has a bright future as the engine of the European economy, writes Antonio Tajani ransport is an essential component of the European economy, accounting for about smart thinking tomorrows transport Whats the alternative? Research is providing a range of alternatives to traditional fuels and the EU must strive to strike the right balance, but there will be no magic cure, says Jeffrey Seisler he motivations for a European policy focused on clean alternative tr BECOTEPS project From the grand challenges our society will face in the coming decades, the sectors in the Knowledge- Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) can help to address the following ones: secure global food supply; public health and nutrition; sustainable bio-based production; liveability countryside; cl smart thinking tomorrows transport On the road An integrated and consistent approach to R&D is essential if the automotive industry is to improve energy efficiency on Europes roads, says Jürgen Leohold he European automotive indus- try employs more than 12 million people directly or indirectly, and EFCOVAL project F or effective formulation and evaluation of European health and food safety policy, data are required on the food consumption of the European population. At present many member states collect such data at the national level using different methodologies; however some EU member state EDEN Discover Europes Hidden Treasures Do you long for a destination that is known for its local charm, its beautiful landscapes and amazing history? Is it a place where the locals respect their lands and will do anything to protect them from harm your hearts desire? Well, in Europe, these possibili