EUROPEAN COMMISSION

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE UPDATE 2007

2007 Directorate-General for Research

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 1 7/25/07 3:14:19 PM RESEARCH NETWORKS FOR THE KNOWLEDGE- BASED ECONOMY

The Marie Curie Host Fellowships Their scope, however, has been creation of a competitive and are an ongoing source of pride redesigned in order to sharpen their attractive Europe for researchers; and satisfaction for us here at the profi les. At an organisational level, removal of obstacles to create Directorate-General for Research. this means for example that the conditions where researchers can be Helping to launch research Research Training Networks (RTNs) truly mobile; enhancement of the careers, mobilising expertise and and the Early Stage Research Training status and attractiveness of a career consolidating research structures, the (EST) programmes have been in Europe, and fi nally, fi nancing for activities supported through these merged into Initial Training Networks researchers’ training, mobility and fellowships have created a fount of (ITNs). career development. knowledge that is instrumental in meeting not only the aspirations of This redefi nition allows for individual I am proud to preface this year’s our youth, but also the aims of the actions to be better focused, as well edition of the Marie Curie Host European Union as a whole. as for increased participation by Fellowships brochure, which industry. And, just as importantly, showcases some of our favourite The ambitious research conducted the international dimension has been recent success stories. However, in under the Host Fellowships is enhanced, making it much easier presenting this brief selection, we contributing directly to the goals to involve participants from third can only skim the surface of one of outlined in the Lisbon Strategy: as countries. the EU’s most successful schemes. dedicated members of the research community, Marie Curie hosts In view of the success and the clear and fellows are helping to forge benefi ts of the Marie Curie Actions Europe into the most dynamic and to date, their funding under FP7 has competitive knowledge-based increased considerably compared to economy in the world. the Sixth Framework Programme. Consequently, the scope of eligible Effective as they are, the Host projects has also expanded. New Fellowships are but one of the EU’s features include the co-funding many Marie Curie Actions, whose mode and the international staff continued success translates into exchange scheme due to start in even greater recognition under the 2008. Theodius Lennon, Director Seventh Framework Programme Directorate T: Implementation of (FP7). The nature of the Actions Regardless of their specifi c focus, all activities to outsource THEODIUS LENNON remains fundamentally unchanged. projects share four core objectives: Directorate-General for Research

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 2 7/25/07 3:14:24 PM KEY FIGURES: HOST FELLOWSHIPS UNDER FP6 Total number of projects 544 Total amount of funding € 502 million Early Stage Training (EST) € 327 million INVESTING IN RESEARCH, Transfer of Knowledge (TOK) € 175 million INVESTING IN RESEARCHERS Total duration of fellowships funded 5 500 years of researcher training, 2 200 years of postdoc support

Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

The Marie Curie Host Fast forward some 120 years. A called ‘hosts’ — to offer fellowships exist, the Marie Curie Actions do The reach of the Marie Curie Actions Fellowship Actions are a great deal is being done at regional, and enhance their research and not predefi ne themes and thus give has been increased considerably cornerstone of the European national and European level to training structures. Under the Sixth applicants ample leeway in shaping under the Seventh Framework Union’s measures to promote smooth the path for future Nobel Framework Programme (FP6), their projects. The application Programme (FP7). The new excellence in research. They Prize winners. The EU has developed which ran from 2000 to 2006, this and management procedures are framework programme is divided into enable researchers at the powerful mechanisms to support possibility translated into generous specifi cally designed to limit red tape, four categories, one of which — the beginning of their careers to research and researchers, recognising fi nancial support for Research helping benefi ciaries to focus on their ‘People’ programme — aims to train at leading facilities and their crucial role in building the Training Networks (RTNs) enabling objectives rather than on paperwork. boost the skills and the numbers to establish the networks knowledge society to which Europe researchers to extend their scope by of people working in the European aspires, improving lives both within joining leading international research This publication showcases 14 R&D sector. This specifi c programme that will sustain their work its borders and beyond, and securing teams in another country, Early recent projects which, together, will be delivered in the form of for years to come. They its competitive advantage for the Stage Training (EST) sites striving to refl ect the full depth and breadth Marie Curie Actions. The funding also facilitate the transfer future. optimise the opportunities available of the Host Fellowships organised for these actions has been increased of knowledge between to budding researchers, and projects under the previous two framework considerably for FP7, and now academic and industrial One of these support mechanisms, improving the Transfer of Knowledge programmes. Striving for scientifi c reaches a total of € 4.75 billion. partners, or between leading aptly named for Marie Curie, between industry and academia excellence, developing innovative and less-favoured regions. provides for actions promoting (TOK-IAP) or leading and lagging approaches to training, fostering Among other activities, the Marie training, mobility and career regions (TOK-DEV). The TOK actions synergies with national schemes Curie Actions as redefi ned for In 1891, after years of scrimping development opportunities can, for example, assist businesses and structuring the research FP7 will provide for Initial Training and saving, a young Polish private regardless of age, experience, looking to secure research input environment, advancing equal Networks, Intra-European and tutor followed her dream of studying nationality or other factors of to fi ne-tune their products and opportunities and family-friendly International Fellowships and co- science from Warsaw to Paris, and to discrimination. It is one of the EU’s processes, or assist less-favoured schemes, these projects exemplify funding of programmes as well as the Sorbonne. Brilliantly gifted and most prominent contributions to regions with capacity building. the Host Fellowship’s outstanding Industry-Academia Partnerships deeply committed to her studies, consolidating the European Research achievements in consolidating and Pathways. As under previous Maria Sklodowska proceeded against Area. These fellowship schemes may be European research careers. Every framework programmes, Marie all odds to become this prestigious organised by a single contractor or attempt has been made to strike a Curie under FP7 will also offer university’s fi rst female professor and The Marie Curie Actions notably by several organisations cooperating balance between different project reintegration grants to support the world’s fi rst twice-honoured Nobel back individual fellowships enabling in a multi-site project. They may types, themes and participating returning fellows. laureate — in two different sciences, postdoc researchers to transfer involve a single fellow, or open countries, but the selection implies at that. Would the future Madame to another European institution, doors for over a hundred. They may no ranking among the many Curie have been gratifi ed to hear that typically for a duration of two years. potentially investigate any area of successful projects conducted since her example would inspire fl edgling Another strand encourages academic science which seems promising to the Host Fellowships were fi rst scientists for generations to come? institutions or businesses — the so- the host. While eligibility criteria introduced in 1998.

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 3 7/25/07 3:14:25 PM The ʻMolecular interactions Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 2 007 193 Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung SPREADING during infectionʼ training GmbH Number of fellows: 12 programme (MIDITRAIN) Inhoffenstrasse 7 KNOWLEDGE TO D-38124 Braunschweig Project duration: July 2004 – June 2008 Type of project: Phone: +49 (0)531 61815111 Marie Curie Host Fellowship for Early Stage Fax: +49(0)531 61815002 Contact: COMBAT INFECTIOUS Training / mono-partner project Dr Sabine Kirchhoff E-mail: [email protected] PATHOGENS

Twelve highly talented early-stage Medical School and the Veterinary PhD researchers from across the School of Hannover. The organisers are especially proud because the globe now call Braunschweig, programme has created a hub of

Germany, their home. knowledge which allows the trainees

to research, train and interact with

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U name of science. The broadening their scope into the fruits of their labour fi elds of ethics and politics. These actions are crucial if the institute is were produced under to achieve its goal of becoming a MIDITRAIN, a Marie European Centre of Excellence in the Curie project funded fi eld of infection research. “MIDITRAIN gave us under FP6. After seeing an advertisement the platform to develop inviting students to apply for their PhD studies, Indian-born our research skills MIDITRAIN effectively integrates fellow Upneet Sandhu jumped and contribute to the the trainees in the Infection Biology at the chance to join. For her, programme, organised within the MIDITRAIN was the avenue of scientifi c community.” Centre for Infection Biology, a joint choice to broaden her experience in programme of HZI, the Hannover molecular biology and cell biology,

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 4 7/25/07 3:14:43 PM Photos of Ms Pulverer and Ms Sandhu: © MIDITRAIN Other photos: © Shutterstock

DISTRIBUTION OF FP6 EST MONO-CONTRACTOR FUNDING: and to add to her professional intrahepatic T cell immune responses. are made up of multiple proteins that CITIES RECEIVING 1 % OR MORE OF THE ALLOCATED FUNDS training. Through trial and exemplary effort, are generated by cells after viral or Upneet believes her project will bear bacterial infections. They stimulate City Budget Percentage of total  “I got hands-on experience and fruit. other cells and effectively connect (in million) EST budget (€ 327 million) learnt different techniques,” the two parts of a body’s immune Upneet enthused. The project For fellow Julia Pulverer, from system. London 14.374 4.4 and research, she noted, are Austria, acceptance into the Paris 9.993 3.1 intellectually stimulating. MIDITRAIN project gave her the Her three-year stay is giving her the “MIDITRAIN gave us the platform chance to be part of an innovative opportunity to use the latest macro- Geneva 9.302 2.8 to develop our research skills programme that would further her and microscopical equipment, such Leeds 8.952 2.7 and contribute to the scientifi c career as a scientist. She values as in vivo bioluminescence imaging community,” she said. Even more the access to an excellent scientifi c systems and confocal or two- Munich 6.063 1.9 importantly, the researchers environment, where she has photon microscopes, which makes Nottingham 6.036 1.8 worked in an international learnt to appreciate the extensive it possible to advance questions environment, as the 12 selected training possibilities offered to her of the spatiotemporal dynamics of Norwich 4.800 1.5 researchers come from all over the and her peers. Solid networking, an interferon response in a living world. “For me, meeting these mini-symposia, student-weekend organism. Access to such advanced Heidelberg 4.369 1.3 fellow students, learning about retreats, departmental seminars and technology is key, noted Julia, in Maastricht 4.109 1.3 their culture, their way of living, presentations made by internationally identifying the mechanisms of the is an experience in itself,” she recognised scientists support the interferon response. Lund 4.053 1.2 remarked. work they carry out, she explained. Bristol 3.729 1.1 Julia is “convinced this network will Upneet started her PhD work for outlast the three years of our PhD Edinburgh 3.511 1.1 the project ‘Mouse immunisation work.” model for strictly controlled antigen Eindhoven 3.502 1.1 expression’ in November 2004. This She was thrilled that she could focus Southampton 3.462 1.1 involves establishing a fl exible and the objective of her PhD project on universal model system for strictly elucidating reactions of interferons Manchester 3.425 1.0 controlled antigen expression and during processes of infection, Orsay 3.271 1.0 as a proof of principle to produce a immunisation, tumour development transgenic mouse model for strict and defence. Innate immunity Dublin 3.227 1.0 liver-specifi c inducible expression defends the body against invading of viral antigens in order to analyse pathogens, like viruses. Interferons Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 5 7/25/07 3:14:51 PM Financial Portfolio Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 175 000 Computer Design, UK Management system (FPM) 109 Gloucester Road Number of fellows: 2 INVESTMENT IN ICT SW7 4SS London Type of project: United Kingdom Project duration: Marie Curie FP5 Industry Host Fellowship January 2002 – October 2005 RESEARCH PAYS

Website: http://www.computerdesign.co.uk Contact: HIGH DIVIDEND Dr Haluk Toral E-mail: [email protected]

Many of those involved in the has to be top notch in all respects. world of fi nance dream of To assist with the development of this fi rst-class programme, Computer being at the heart of the Design, the manufacturers of the action, soaking up the vibes FPM system, drew on the support of the really big deals and offered by Marie Curie and enlisted the technical knowledge and hearing the sound of the expertise of two top scholars in opening bell. For two computer science.

researchers, this dream The scope of FPM, however, gave it came true with their a broader mandate than traditional move to London’s and purely academic programmes and placed the scholars in the busy fi nancial district deep end of business: the project to work on the capitalises on interdisciplinarity and collaboration between academia Financial Portfolio and industry, both on the software Management system. producer side and on the investment professional side.

The Financial Portfolio Management FPM is essentially a data processing “I appreciated the system, or FPM for short, is a and information management commercial software package system for transaction and trading possibility of handling currently being used by many of the data, cash movements, corporate my various projects top-end investment professionals actions and valuations. The in the fi nancial hub of London and uniqueness and specialty of the C from the specifi cations elsewhere across Europe. product lies in the scope it offers É D R programmers, who can tailor it to IC to delivery. I also B E With users including fund managers, the specifi c requirements of each TT IN found the interaction investment trusts, hedge funds, individual, and the availability of GE R with the end users very family offi ces and private investment a myriad of options. This makes managers, the quality of the system FPM very fl exible, as it can cater enriching.”

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for the specifi c needs of different handling my various projects from Though working at Computer Design departments within different the specifi cations to delivery. I also on FPM systems offered many investment organisations — such found the interaction with the end opportunities, it was not without its as client account managers, dealers users very enriching.” His colleague, challenges. “As you know, London is and accountants, among others. Iulian Oprea, notes that the Marie a very expensive city when it comes Curie Fellowship offered him a highly to accommodation,” said Iulian. The key to this fl exibility lies in appealing “opportunity to travel “Finding a decent place to live at an the training and expertise of its from an Eastern European country affordable price is really diffi cult.” designers. Not only must they and get access to this unique insight be knowledgeable in computer of the investment industry in the very Three years on, however, Iulian technology, but also in the heart of London”. proudly calls London home traditions and practices of the and, along with Cédric, investment management industry. After their training, both fellows has ‘crossed over’ from For this reason, the fellows were placed in positions of academia to industry. Both underwent continuous on-the-job responsibility which opened are now employed full-time training as the assignment rolled out them up to new opportunities. as professionals with the through numerous meetings with “I received an initial training on same company exploring the end users and in-house project the tools and technologies used new challenges thanks to the managers. at Computer Design,” said Cédric all-encompassing professional who, prior to arriving in London, training achieved there. According to the coordinator, Dr had completed a Master’s degree Haluk Toral, “the approach has in Computer Science called MIAGE benefi ted the fellows as they were (in Mulhouse, France) involving a exposed to business practices of mix of computer science, software the end users from the beginning engineering and economy/business and helped them to gain an courses. “And then having been understanding of the business trained on the job I have rapidly requirements and habits of the been involved in projects of various IU investment profession.” scales and had the opportunity to L IA N interact frequently with the end O PR These sentiments were echoed by users while working on a particular ÉA former fellow Cédric Bettinger: assignment or to provide support,” “I appreciated the possibility of he continued.

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 7 7/25/07 3:15:07 PM Single molecule dynamics of stress- Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 240 233 signalling components studied with the Upper Austrian Research GmbH ultra-sensitive fl uorescence microscope Centre for Biomedical Nanotechnology Number of fellows: 6 DRUG SCREENING Upper Austrian Research GmbH CytoScout for drug screening (SIMODSS) Scharitzerstraße. 6-8 Project duration: 2004 – 2008 A-4020 Linz RESEARCH UNDER Type of project: Phone: +43 (0)732 606079-16 Marie Curie Host Fellowship for the Transfer Contact: Dipl. Ing. Dr Alois Sonnleitner of Knowledge – Industry-Academia Strategic THE MICROSCOPE E-mail: [email protected] Partnership Scheme

For the research team of Upper seen in the fi eld of ultra-sensitive Austria Research GmbH, the fl uorescence microscopy, which has been applied to various areas of chance to apply a new research like tumour classifi cations. technology to a biological However, no single molecule system was irresistible. detection device for chip readout has been reported. Forging a partnership with peers in Hungary, SIMODSS is showing the way for the future by presenting a novel the team launched the scanning mode that is capable of Marie Curie Fellowship reading micro-arrays with single- Action SIMODSS with molecule sensitivity and diffraction limited resolution in scanning times the objective to comparable to times yielded by successfully establish conventional scanning devices. According to the coordinator, “the a CytoScout lab and aim of [the] project is to apply […] launch large-area patented readout technology to scanning with single study heat shock activation and membrane physical state.” molecule sensitivity. Submitting a proposal to the Marie In the early nineties researchers Curie Host Fellowship programme were able, for the fi rst time, to was uncomplicated, said Dr Alois “ is fellowship off ers achieve the detection of single Sonnleitner. The SIMODSS project fl uorescent molecules. This allowed gained solid support from the EU Z S a great opportunity for for the investigation of spectroscopic to embark on this venture. “With O L T B the transfer of technical properties of single dye molecules. the experience I have now, it would A LO Since then, many advances have not be a problem to administer or G I knowledge.” taken place — most recently, the launch another project,” remarked AN D A ability to detect single molecules in Dr Sonnleitner, who added that LO IS SO living cells. Progress has also been Professor Vigh from the Hungarian NN LEI TNER

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Academy of Sciences and Upper fact that apart from the scientifi c lots of experience in the fi elds of a Austrian Research GmbH was and technical challenges and biological problem with practical inspired to launch a fellowship action achievements, the personal contacts importance, of imaging techniques so as to apply a new technology, cemented within the project helped as well as organisational skills.” as well as to stimulate researchers to further promote collaborative and promote partnerships on a work and grant applications. The paperwork itself did not pose global scale. The fellows were also a problem either. “Entering the attracted by the innovative nature Zsolt Balogi, who proved to be a application was not much of a of the project. “The novel aspect in valuable member of the SIMODSS problem. Once started, rules and this project is our focus on studying team, said the fellowship encouraged regulations had to be understood changes in the lipid membrane, him to expand his technical and some paperwork was required, which could offer a new perspective knowledge and bring it home with which could be managed with in this fi eld,” he said. him to the Biological Research Centre the always very supportive (BRC) of the Hungarian Academy administration at the European “A newly discussed function of heat of Sciences in Szeged. He focused Commission,” he stated. shock proteins (HSPs) is their action on establishing a suitable biological as danger signals, for example in system between the two institutes. cancer,” Dr Sonnleitner continued. “For this, HSPs need to leave the As for his experience, Zsolt said it cell and cross the surrounding was tremendous, as he, as well as lipid membrane by an unknown his home institution, learnt a great mechanism. The goal of the project deal. “I think this fellowship offers is to provide a deeper understanding a great opportunity for the transfer of this process and screen for of technical knowledge to Szeged substances facilitating the release.” and for adapting biological systems that require further improvement or A key feature of SIMODSS was development of technical facilities that the researchers were able to available in Linz. Personally, I have “Entering the both explore the novel aspects of a been learning a lot here in a really application was not biological system and to implement friendly and cooperative atmosphere. and improve a newly developed No doubt, this fellowship means much of a problem.” imaging technique, Dr Sonnleitner a great advance in my career, explained. Just as signifi cant is the because this way I have gained ALO IS SO NNLEITNER

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 9 7/25/07 3:15:40 PM Combinatorics, geometry Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 158 400 AXIOM Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 241 403 Institut für Informatik The Foundry and computation (CGC) Freie Universität Berlin Number of fellows: 13 MULTIPLYING Type of project: 1 Wardour Street Number of fellows: 4 Takustrasse 9 Marie Curie Host Fellowship for the Transfer London W1D 6PA Type of project: D-14194 Berlin Project duration: January 2002 – January 2006 United Kingdom Project duration: January 2006 – January 2009 Marie Curie FP5 multi-partner Training Site SYNERGIES THROUGH of Knowledge – Industry-Academia Strategic Partnership Scheme Partner institutions: Contact: Partners: Trinity College Dublin Contact: Website: http://www.inf.fu-berlin.de Free University, Berlin; Humboldt University, Berlin; Prof. Dr Helmut Alt KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER Website: http://www.thefoundry.co.uk Bill Collis Technical University, Berlin; Konrad Zuse Centre for E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Scientifi c Computing, Berlin; ETH, Zurich Photos: © European Commission

Determined to strengthen cooperation and interaction between discrete mathematics, algorithmics and their application areas, the German academic world kick-started ‘Combinatorics, geometry and computation’ (CGC), a Marie Curie project encouraging gifted young scientists to advance their research abroad through the transfer of knowledge and the complementary scientifi c expertise of international partners.

A strong alliance in Berlin, involving the higher learning institutes of the Konrad Zuse Centre for Scientifi c Computing, the Free and Humboldt Universities as well as the Technical University, determined that forging a joint initiative with the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics at ETH Zurich in Switzerland would provide students from all over Europe with an environment to stimulate their minds and their research. The programme propelled other European institutes — notably in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom — into action and secured their participation as well.

CGC was split into four basic research areas: combinatorics, geometry, optimisation, and algorithms and computation. Crucially, it encouraged students not only to focus on the immediate scientifi c area of their studies at the partner university, but also to learn and benefi t from the combined skills of the experts involved. The programme was closely connected to the graduate programme of the same name which is nationally funded by the German Research Association.

The project was innovative in that each student was a guest at a partner university. Once their work at the site was complete, a second advisor at the partner institution was assigned. In return, the partners sent their students to Berlin for the same amount of time. This enabled the fellows to learn from experiences that are typically alien to Encouraging students students who choose to remain with only one research group during the course of their doctoral studies, to gain to learn and benefi t insight into the various research areas and to expand their knowledge about what is achievable in research. The programme’s absolute success was attributable to the expertise of the partners and the fellows’ eagerness to learn. from the combined skills of the experts Panos Giannopoulos from Greece, who applied successfully for a postdoctoral position at Humboldt University, started a three-month fellowship focusing on theoretical and fundamental research in the autumn of 2002. He involved. remarked that he thrived on the lectures, seminars and courses. Furthermore, owing to the expert advice and solid communication with the faculty and his peers, Panos did not face any obstacles. Most importantly, the programme HE LMU gave him what he was looking for: a different working environment with fi nancial benefi ts. The upshot is that he T ALT gained the experience he craved, both for his fellowship and for his future. p 10 // BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 10 7/25/07 3:15:55 PM AXIOM Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 241 403 The Foundry Type of project: 1 Wardour Street Number of fellows: 4 Marie Curie Host Fellowship for the Transfer London W1D 6PA AN OSCAR-WINNING of Knowledge – Industry-Academia Strategic United Kingdom Project duration: January 2006 – January 2009 Partnership Scheme Partners: Trinity College Dublin Contact: PARTNERSHIP Website: http://www.thefoundry.co.uk Bill Collis E-mail: [email protected] Photo: © AXIOM

EU funding is helping to step up collaboration between London-based software developer The Foundry and Trinity College Dublin. This fl ourishing partnership had already earned the high praises of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for earlier work, which was awarded the highly coveted Scientifi c and Engineering Award®.

The aim of the AXIOM project is to intensify the relationship between the two institutions, which had already been cooperating for a number of years. According to coordinator Bill Collis, “The Marie Curie Fellowship was an excellent way of formalising this relationship and for allowing researchers to move freely between the two organisations whilst continuing to work on the advanced image processing algorithms that The Foundry is renowned for.”

The Foundry specialises in visual effects technology for the fi lm and video markets. From its humble beginnings in 1996, the company has pioneered a new generation of algorithms which enables the tracking of every pixel in a frame to subsequent and preceding frames. One of its most popular products is the Furnace programme, which enjoys an enviable reputation in its

S fi eld, having been used on a host of high-profi le feature fi lms including Casino Royale, X-Men 3 The Last Stand, The Da Vinci I

L L Code, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman Begins, King Kong, The Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Poseidon and Superman O

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L I B Anil Kokaram from Trinity College, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, had previously worked in collaboration with the Foundry and was part of the team which won the Academy Award. The award was won for the development and design of the Furnace software tool for enhancing the visual effects in motion picture sequences. Naturally, Anil was eager to continue his collaboration with The Foundry and Marie Curie gave him that chance.

“ e Marie Curie The Axiom project “is an ongoing project and the idea was to help The Foundry create a range of tools for extracting features Fellowship was an from video sequences,” said Anil. “These features would then be used to assist in post-production of the images. I was at the Foundry to train them through a number of workshops in image and video processing. The main breakthrough so far has been excellent way of a new process for removing brightness fl uctuation in localised regions in the image.” formalising this relationship.” Though still in its early stages, the project is already shaping the images of the future.

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 11 7/25/07 3:15:59 PM Waves and vortices in shear Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 137 500 Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse fl ows: instability, dynamics (Toulouse Fluid Mechanics Institute/IMFT) Number of fellows: 7 and control (WAVES) Allée du Pr. Camille Soula A FUTURE F-31400 Toulouse Project duration: Type of project: November 2000 – November 2004 Marie Curie FP5 mono-contractor Training Site IN FLUID DYNAMICS Contact: Website: http://www.imft.fr Prof. Alessandro Bottaro E-mail: [email protected]

Research partnerships advance in fl uid systems, and assessed the world of science. A case how researchers can successfully manipulate them. The fellows were in point is WAVES, a project keen to expand the knowledge which provided training on several fl uid mechanical topics. through research on In return, the IMFT training site supported them with valuable various aspects of fl uid resources enabling all participants to dynamics. By bringing realise their full potential.

together exceptional The advancement of training PhD students from on instabilities and transition to different parts of turbulence, as well as fl ow control in incompressible shear layers, Europe, WAVES created proved essential in their research. a powerful fl ow of They successfully computed optimal and robust control of complex fl uid information enabling dynamics instabilities with an ascent- the fellows to gain and descent numerical algorithm which exchange invaluable had never been used before. The project’s outstanding results include knowledge as they an extensive list of publications. set out on promising “WAVES off ered The WAVES project was not only research careers. helpful in realising peer-reviewed the researchers the papers and refereed conference right conditions to The ‘Waves and vortices in shear proceedings, but it was also A fl ows: instability, dynamics and successful in bolstering participation L E hone their skills, gain S control’ (WAVES) project, conducted at conferences, and in workshops S A N D invaluable knowledge at the Toulouse Fluid Mechanics and seminars. R O B Institute (IMFT), was innovative OT and experience, and TA in that it targeted the study of Through its connection to the RO promote their work.” waves and vortices materialising Marie Curie Fellowship initiative,

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WAVES offered the researchers the As regards the Marie Curie general. “I had the opportunity to his career and forge strong ties with right conditions to hone their skills, Fellowship, Jens said that his get to know Professor Bottaro, who other researchers. “Today, I am still gain invaluable knowledge and inspiration to apply for a spot in the is a very prominent researcher within in academia and I am employed as a experience, and promote their work. programme came from one of his the area of fl uid mechanics.” The research associate at the Department The upshot was that these students, colleagues who had applied for a funding allocated by the Marie Curie of Mechanics at the Royal Institute from diverse cultural backgrounds, Marie Curie postdoctoral programme scheme unquestionably gave Jens the of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm,” worked together and encouraged one a year before. Moreover, he got a means to bolster his research on a he said. another to ensure bigger and better glimpse of how life in Toulouse, and European scale, as well as to further research partnerships across Europe. France in general, differs from that of his native Sweden. Despite the huge number of people interested in taking part in WAVES, “I got to know French culture in only seven fellows were selected. the best way, both at work and LOCATION OF FP6 EST MONO-CONTRACTOR PROJECTS PER COUNTRY Hailing from Italy, the Netherlands, in people’s homes,” he explained. Romania, Sweden and the United “Shaking hands, as the French 70 Kingdom, these postgraduate do every morning with all their researchers were given the green everyday working colleagues, is 60

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light to choose their research topics something that felt very formal in R

E and supervisors within the training the beginning but it is actually very 50 M

I site, as well as the courses and polite. In Sweden, this is not the P S U activities they would attend. custom.” 40 M . Supervised by Professor Alessandro During the six-month fellowship, 30 Bottaro, Swedish fellow Jens Jens took active part in two projects: Fransson was at IMFT for six months. experimental and numerical. The 20 “It was a great experience to spend research works were published in some time in France,” Jens remarked. the Journal of Fluids and Structures 10 “It is very different from Sweden in and in the European Journal of many perspectives. For instance, I Mechanics B/Fluids, respectively. 0 learnt quickly that at a restaurant you do not stress and that you can His experience at IMFT played a UK DE FR NL CH SE BE EL FI IT IE ES DK NO AT RO never wait too long for the food to huge role in broadening his views, be served.” both in the scientifi c world and in Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 13

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 13 7/25/07 3:16:23 PM Genomic approaches to crop Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 336 677 University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn GLOBAL COOPERATION improvement (GenCrop) Department of Genetics Number of fellows: 14 ul. Oczapowskiego 2 FEEDING THE Type of project: PL-10-719 Olsztyn Project duration: June 2004 – June 2008 Marie Curie Host Fellowship for the Transfer of Knowledge – Development scheme Contact: ADVANCEMENT OF Prof. Dr hab. Roman Zieliński Website: http://www.uwm.edu.plkatgenbiol E-mail: [email protected] GENOMICS

The University of Warmia and knowledge between these experts Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, and researchers in training. This is especially true in the case of is the ultimate setting for GenCrop — a result of extensive a meeting of the minds, cooperation with partners from where eager and willing various European countries. scientists from 10 EU GenCrop seeks to bolster the Member States are research potential of the Department of Genetics in the budding fi eld of fi nding their niche in plant genomics. Today, genomics the world of genomics. is driving forward fundamental

and applied plant biology. Higher G E GenCrop, a Transfer

N productivity and quality of crops C

R of Knowledge project are fuelled by this science, as it O

P

effectively adds value to seeds, offers C

O funded under FP6, is O better quality of life and fortifi es

R D providing researchers I food security. The project recognises N

A T the fundamental imperative O with the means to forge

R

R that genomics research should

O key partnerships and M correspond to both producer and A N exchange knowledge, consumer needs, as less developed Z I E L areas can be helped and jobs can be I fostering progress in Ń S created, specifi cally for the experts, K I W RTD. farmers and producers. I T H A “Without international P R O With its fast-paced developments The project targets training and J E C and interdisciplinary T and breakthrough results, genomics expertise for researchers who are T E A is an exciting fi eld of scientifi c diligently working at establishing M contacts, you cannot IM PL research. Fruitful research is genomic applications and for those EM EN build your career.” guaranteed through the cooperation wishing to shape and boost the TI NG A between various scientifi c disciplines science of plants. The development JO IN T E and experts, and the transfer of of genomics has paid off, in part XPE RIM ENT VER WIT ANNO H THE UNIVERSITY OF H

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KORNELIA POLOK

because of the close interaction The Marie Curie programme is also from a scientifi c point of view, now DISTRIBUTION OF FP6 TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE MONO-CONTRACTOR between the different biology affording GenCrop members the I am invited to take part in proposals FUNDING: CITIES RECEIVING 1 % OR MORE OF THE ALLOCATED FUNDS disciplines and the Marie Curie support they need to reinforce their and I cooperate with many researchers City Budget Percentage of total € programme. Researchers now contacts on an international level. all over Europe,” she said excitedly. (in million) TOK budget (€ 175 million) have access to valuable tools that The researchers will take with them intensify and strengthen applied and the knowledge acquired during their Her extensive line of work Dublin 11.914 6.8 fundamental research. stay and in turn pass it on to young includes intense collaborations Galway 8.291 4.7 researchers who have set their sights with Dr Andrew Flavell from Life Through the implementation of on establishing careers in genomics. Sciences Research Biocentre in Heraklion 7.728 4.4 innovative technologies, GenCrop Dundee (Scotland, UK). Kornelia has succeeded in answering many Dr Kornelia Polok, an experienced also expressed her enthusiasm Warsaw 6.694 3.8 of the fundamental questions that researcher in plant molecular about working with partners at Cracow 6.114 3.5 have emerged in thematic areas genetics from Poland, was drawn Wageningen University in the which have boggled the minds of to the fi eld of genomics because Netherlands and Hannover University Cork 5.493 3.1 many in the past. To date, the team she sought to work in the area of in Germany in 2008. Her work with has published 12 scientifi c articles the structural genomics of plants Dr Flavell was challenging and gave Lodz 4.315 2.5 and followed up on this success with and molecular evolution. “The her the impetus she needed to London 3.416 2.0 several oral and poster presentations. application of the most advanced advance her studies on the molecular technologies to answer why evolution of plants. Sheffi eld 3.308 1.9 GenCrop has confi rmed that a there are so many different plant number of bacterial and insertional species and how they are evolved These partnerships have been Jena 3.176 1.8 sequences can be found in plants. is a fantastic adventure,” Kornelia instrumental in helping Kornelia Athens 3.141 1.8 The researchers proposed that remarked. use different techniques to work primers complementary to bacterial in an international environment. Eindhoven 2.646 1.5 sequences can be used as species- While she had been working on Even more importantly, sharing her specifi c markers in taxonomy different molecular technologies with research with her peers has afforded Budapest 2.522 1.4 research. Their work has provided a small team, she explained how her the opportunity to use new Liverpool 2.448 1.4 the tool to study evolution, important it was for her to interact methods to study plant genomes. speciation and hybridisation within and exchange ideas with her peers Limerick 2.093 1.2 various taxa, giving a boost to from abroad. “Without international Kornelia feels that GenCrop and the research that has been dormant for and interdisciplinary contacts, you Marie Curie scheme gave her the Bremen 2.000 1.1 more than 20 years and establishing cannot build your career. Before the opportunity to grow enormously, new trends in this area of R&D. Marie Curie project, nobody knew me both personally and professionally. Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 15

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 15 7/25/07 3:16:31 PM Organised polymer nanostructures Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 100 000 for application in biology and Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry technology Academy of Sciences in Prague Number of fellows: 10 PRAGUE, A NEW HOME Heyrovského nám. 2 Type of project: CZ-162 06 Praha 6 – Břevnov Project duration: FOR POLYMER SCIENCE Marie Curie FP5 mono-contractor Training Site December 2002 – December 2005

Website: http://www.imc.cas.cz/en/imc Contact: TRAINING Petr Stepanek E-mail: [email protected]

‘Organised polymer nanostruc- Chemistry of the Academy of tures for application in biol- Sciences aimed at enriching the theoretical background and practical ogy and technology’ is an experience of 10 young fellows. One exemplary project which could say the training site programme highlights the scientifi c was made to measure, as each programme was adjusted to meet strengths of the Czech the needs of the fellow’s ongoing Republic. It has inspired PhD studies during the duration of his or her stay in the historic and European researchers picturesque city of Prague. to leave their famil- iar surroundings and For the Danish, Spanish, French, Polish, Swedish and British fellows, work abroad. These taking part in the diverse training researchers worked activities devoted to polymer nanostructures gave them a unique on an exceptional insight and the much-needed project which stands experience they were after, thus out for its ability to further cementing success in their work and career paths. Among reinforce partnerships the stimulating activities was between the host and the preparation of polymers for “ e training site biological applications of drug numerous other Eu- delivery and gene therapy, as well P programme was E ropean institutions as the synthesis and characterisation T R S made to measure, as of ion-containing polymers to be T active in the fi eld of E P used in the preparation of model A N each programme was E polymer science. conducting polymer membranes for K adjusted to meet the fuel cells. This innovative doctoral training needs of the fellow’s programme at the Prague-based The fellows focused their work ongoing PhD studies.” Institute of Macromolecular specifi cally on investigating polymers

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through nuclear magnetic resonance the behaviour of supramolecular teach me the techniques for both techniques as well as infrared and structures for general and specifi c the synthesis and analysis of the Raman spectroscopy; rheology; gel purposes. polymers.” synthesis and dynamic properties; and dynamic light scattering of Cooperation between hosted Following the completion of polymer solutions, among others. doctoral fellows and other Czech his PhD studies, he was able to Working diligently with the site’s or foreign students infl uenced the continue his work in the synthesis experts, as well as their peers, concept of European science that is of novel polymers at Oxford in a proved effective in securing the backed by the EU, the experts said. postdoctoral position. Currently, skills the fellows needed for their the group in which he works still advancement in the fi eld. Simon Briggs, a researcher from maintains strong collaborative Britain, can attest to that. After links with the team in Prague. Also signifi cant were the long-lasting encountering obstacles in his quest contacts made between the institute to obtain his PhD at a university in Despite the language barrier, and the home universities of the the United Kingdom, Simon was Simon not only gained students involved in the programme. introduced to Professor Karel Ulbrich, invaluable experience in the Not only did these students excel the Director of the institute in world of science, but also at a and thrive in an all-encompassing Prague, who informed him about the cultural level. The opportunity research environment, but their Marie Curie Fellowship scheme. to study in Prague gave him the hard work culminated in the transfer chance to live and work in a city and development of knowledge, Simon soon realised that the that he still calls ‘home’ every as well as international research project was his cup of tea and time he returns. experience and publication of their started developing novel polymer theses. The institute also provided a materials for gene delivery. Talking to one-stop site where students could Professor Ulbrich about the direction meet with experts to discuss various his project should take was easy. experimental techniques. Ultimately, “During the autumn of 2003, I spent the training site offered students an three months working in Prague K A opportunity for a comprehensive being taught the fundamentals R E study of supramolecular ordering. of polymer chemistry by a very L U LB They also investigated its impact on experienced and knowledgeable RI CH properties and functionality of the team,” Simon said. “They were able polymers and how to make use of to demonstrate the principles and

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 17

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 17 7/25/07 3:17:16 PM Smart lightweight structures in Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 180 000 aerospace and transportation Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. applications (SLS) in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Number of fellows: 6 Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive TRANSPORT PICKS UP Type of project: Systems Project duration: Marie Curie FP5 mono-contractor Training Site Head of Department of Adaptronics 21 May 2002 – 14 December 2005 Lilienthalplatz 7 THE PACE… SMARTLY Website: http://www.dlr.de/fa/en/desktopdefault. D-38108 Braunschweig Contact: Dr Hans Monner aspx/tabid-1321/1829_read-3274/ E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +49 (0)531 295 2314 Fax: +49 (0)531 295 2876

The Marie Curie project ‘Smart of the design process. By combining lightweight structures in aero- them with the appropriate controllers, it is possible to realise space and transportation active shape and positioning control. applications’ (SLS) revo- lutionised the world Structures based on smart materials will be considerably lighter than of transport. Six the current state of the art, thereby f e l l o w s f r o m t h e saving energy resources and lowering the acoustic and environmental Czech Republic, Italy, impact. With such attractive Romania and Spain characteristics, they will represent helped to bring this one of the key technologies of the 21st century as the world revolution about. turns to energy conservation. To realise the full potential of these Smart materials such as shape innovative materials, a large number memory alloys have a broad of experts will be needed in the adaptability to different operating forthcoming years in many industrial conditions and possess a behaviour sectors, especially in aerospace which is inherently dynamic. What and transportation. The results are distinguishes these structures as complementary to projects funded dynamic is their ability to become within the national aeronautics ’self-adaptive‘ in the face of programme, such as the smart changing environmental conditions. winglet project and others funded by “People coming here These innovative materials hold the the German Research Council as part work in teams, because key to the conception of entirely of the adaptive parallel robot project. new classes of structural systems, H that is the only way A and as such could radically alter the Dr Hans Monner is a leading expert N S M that progress can be transport industry. with the German Institute of O Composite Structures and Adaptive NN ER achieved.” Multifunctional materials, sensors Systems, an institution which and actuators are an integral part combines industry with academia

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aspects. He is convinced that Europe Each of the fellows supplied Dr Monner is quick to emphasise can achieve leadership in this fi eld. valuable output such as design that the international aspect was a In order to bring this about, he rules, simulation modules, key condition of the training site, turned to the Marie Curie Actions demonstration hardware as well as noting that “the next step would be for assistance and found them very key facts concerning the behaviour of that PhD students leave to join other supportive and fl exible. “We can materials, components and systems. companies and by staying in touch decide what we do and what we Robert Zemcik from the Czech we extend our international network. offer,” he said, adding, “I like the Republic was involved in creating So we could enlarge the network of training site very much. It is very and implementing new elements the group.” important that we help the exchange into existing commercial software for of knowledge between different the analysis of laminated composite The training course was based on a countries. This is easier when you can structures with piezoelectric (smart) collaborative model. The reasoning build up the personal relationships materials. behind this was that the fi eld is with like-minded personalities which interdisciplinary by its very nature help the exchange process. What After fi nding out about SLS from and it would be impossible for one was also important was that people the internet, Robert was eager to person to be an expert in every could move and get fi nancial support get involved and has found the aspect. Dr Monner concluded: “It from the Marie Curie Training Site experience very rewarding. “For me is very important that experts of all and this is support for exchange.” personally, I found the professional these different fi elds work together work and its results […] to be the and talk with each other. That is why SLS was highly successful in its most satisfying. I also enjoyed the people coming here work in teams, purpose of preparing young prospect of meeting and working because that is the only way that scientists for the promising fi eld with people from many countries as progress can be achieved.” of smart structural systems. Nine well as being independent, which projects were carried out throughout meant a lot of responsibility.” the funding period, which ran from May 2002 to December 2005. The training programme also The subject of the projects ranged constituted a fruitful experience from the analysis of components for the resident team, providing like solid-state hinges or single- the opportunity of an exchange stroke actuators to investigations of of ideas and experience as well as complex systems such as helicopter contacts to international prospective rotor blades or piezoelectric motors. partners.

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 19

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 19 7/25/07 3:17:56 PM Dualistic histology Host & coordinator: Partner institutions: Glasgow University Dako Denmark A/S INDUSTRY AND € Type of project: Produktionsvej 42 EC fi nancial contribution: 380 285 Marie Curie Host Fellowship for the Transfer DK-2600 Glostrup ACADEMIA JOIN FORCES of Knowledge – Industry-Academia Strategic Denmark Number of fellows: 2 Partnership Scheme Phone: +45 44 85 95 00 Fax: +45 44 85 95 95 Project duration: 2004 – 2006 TO ADVANCE CANCER Website: http:// www.dako.com Contact: Dr Kirsten Vang Nielsen TREATMENT E-mail: [email protected]

In 2002, the European Parliament benefi ted so much that the bonds acknowledged that every created continue even after the project 6.5 minutes a woman in ended. the EU dies as a result of Dako is located in the middle of breast cancer. And even Medicon Valley, Europe’s strongest life sciences cluster, and a world leader more tragically, the in cancer diagnostics in pathology. It incidence rate in Europe was the fi rst company to make bio- markers which were directly linked is increasing each to treatment. However, it is lonely year. The ‘Dualistic at the top and when Dako looked histology’ project is outside the company for an associate to assist with their ventures into new on the front line of technologies, none could be found in research, coming up industry.

with new ways of diag- Dr Kirsten Vang Nielsen is the senior nosing breast cancer principal scientist heading up the and boosting the Molecular Pathology Unit at Dako. “We had been looking for a partner effi cacy of treatment for some time and we had begun programmes. talking about an idea to begin collaborating with John Bartlett from Glasgow University who was a “Both project partners The ‘Dualistic histology’ project is an customer of ours.” But the idea did not benefi ted so much ideal example of a perfect partnership become a reality until they were made which integrated the needs of each aware of the Marie Curie programme. that the bonds created party like jigsaw pieces. In this transfer T O V continue even after the of knowledge project between the “Our partnership only really came E K IR academic institution of Glasgow about after a fellow researcher told KE project ended.” GA University and industrial company us about the opportunities offered by AR D A ND Dako in Denmark, both partners Marie Curie. It not only offered the CAR OLIN E WITTON

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funding needed to get this project off said. “It would simply have taken Copenhagen. As a result of their efforts being back in an academic research level and at a personal level. the ground but it also provided the too many resources had they been certain bio-markers were ruled out for environment. And the move to We had two senior researchers with necessary know-how and framework developed at the labs in Glasgow.” further development for breast cancer, Glasgow wasn’t that diffi cult either many years of experience each, and on how to arrange a joint collaboration saving both time and effort, while since Caroline and I decided to two young scientists full of questions effort.” These bio-markers, or FISH probes as confi rmation was also made for others exchange apartments with each other.” and new angles at seeing things: they are called in the industry, were which had already been developed by simply perfect.” As part of the arrangement set out then tested on tissue samples by Tove Dako. Looking back on the experience, Dr by the Marie Curie programme, each at the University of Glasgow. “The Nielsen believes that the working institution would exchange one person department I was working with at “It was a great experience,” group gelled really well. “The who would then work with the other the University was based at a hospital commented Tove. “I really enjoyed combination was perfect, both at a research team for two years. “It was which gave us access to tissue samples quite fortuitous that at the same time with breast cancer,” said Tove. 9 MAIN LOCATION OF TOK-IAP PARTNER INSTITUTIONS UNDER FP6 we heard about Marie Curie, we both

had candidates who wanted to expand “Some of the bio-markers tested 8 their experiences and knowledge,” Dr were very new and had it not been

Nielsen goes on to say. And so began for Marie Curie we would never have 7 this lasting collaboration. had them, nor the knowledge we gained from testing them,” explained 6 The researchers selected were Tove Dr Nielsen. “The collaboration allowed Kirkegaard, who was an employee us to test around 30 markers to see if of Dako, and Caroline Witton from they were involved in breast cancer. 5 Glasgow University. Both women had I think that in order to create new completed postdoctorates but were markers we had to align ourselves with 4 eager to experience life on the other a scientifi c group, otherwise we would side of the fence. have to rely on scientifi c publication 3 but that would mean that we would

In the initial stages, both groups came be lagging behind.” 2 up with ideas for bio-markers which

they wanted to examine. These were In fact the ‘Dualistic histology’ project 1 then developed by Caroline at the is a good illustration of a working

Dako production facility. “The fact of transnational research and development 0 Paris Gent

the matter is that developing bio- project, with the research being done Lulea Praha Lund Dublin Kozani Namur Bergen Madrid London Utrecht Istanbul Bologna Stuttgart München Lausanne Bucharest Bratislava Bet Dagan Eindhoven Groningen Stockholm markers is Dako’s speciality,” Caroline in Glasgow and the development in Heidelberg Amsterdam Nottingham Birmingham Thessaloniki Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 21

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 21 7/25/07 3:18:32 PM European doctorate in the social Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: FP6 maximum history of Europe and Prof. Rolf Petri EC contribution: € 2 668 149 the Mediterranean Foscari University Dorsoduro 3246 2001 – 2007: 149 fellows (Building on the past) Number of fellows: I-30123 Venice PROMISING FUTURES Project duration: 2001 – 2005, 2006 – 2009 Type of project: Marie Curie Host Fellowship (FP5 & FP6) for Early Stage Training / multi-partner project BUILDING ON THE PAST Contact: Roberta Saccon Website: http://www.unive.it/eurodoct E-mail: [email protected]

‘Building on the past’ is one of dimensions of European history Marie Curie’s most inclusive among young European doctoral fellows. The challenge was to projects as it now expands combine this at the professional level its reach to encompass 10 and give these aspiring European universities from several doctoral fellows preferential access to the European scientifi c

E countries. It allows M community.

E

S

E early stage researchers

B According to the project coordinator,

A investigating Europe’s

L Professor Rolf Petri from the Ca’

I N

T Foscari University of Venice, “these

history the opportunity A

N two aspects are indeed strictly

D to interact with

R interlinked, especially in the fi eld of

O colleagues on a much historiography, where the European L

F

P broader scale. The scientifi c community remains to

E

T a remarkable extent still a project

R I project successfully for the future. One can hardly fi nd offers innovative another academic discipline which research experience in is so profoundly characterised by national items, traditions, discourses, historical and related and academic circles. Thus, our “ ese experiences have fi elds with a broader effort points at the education of young scholars who shall form and laid the groundwork for perspective than any transform the future European lifelong networks of col- national educational scientifi c community of historians.” framework could do. leagues and friends The project is defi nitely striking a who collaborate in chord among European researchers Many years ago the founders of the and institutions. After 4 years, several projects, and project had a grand vision. They the network jumped from 6 to 10 which are spread all wanted to heighten the awareness universities across Europe as they of the multiple and inter-crossing learnt about its success, and its over Europe.”

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MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 22 7/25/07 3:18:54 PM Partner institutions: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Ecole Normale Supérieure (Paris), Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon, National and Kapodistrian University of Photos: © European Commission Athens, Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, Slovak Academy of Sciences (Bratislava), Södertörn University College (Stockholm), University College London, University of Bielefeld, University of Groningen.

uptake amongst students also leaped for the many benefi ts it could offer time in other circumstances. The experiences made before and and interdisciplinary debate. They to 128 students from 24 countries. her and her career. “I chose to apply contacts and relationships I’ve made after the creation of the network. learn from each other, interact, and Each of these fellows completed for Venice because of my tutor here will be of great importance in These experiences have laid the establish durable connections, just tailored programmes for periods of 3 who is a leading fi gure in the fi eld the future. I’ve already met many groundwork for lifelong networks as we did some decades earlier. The to 12 months. Based on their results of microhistory, which is very close professors and young researchers of colleagues and friends who main difference is that there were to date, Professor Petri is hopeful to my fi eld of research. His advice whom I would never have met if collaborate in several projects, and only a few of us, whereas they are that this project will continue to and help on the writing part of my I had not been accepted for this which are spread all over Europe. beginning to be many.” gather momentum. “At the end of dissertation is the greatest benefi t I fellowship. I’m sure I will continue We hope to expand these networks the FP6 funding period in 2009, we could get.” to have contacts with them in the to the benefi t of a really European estimate that the number of fellows future, and that maybe we will have scientifi c community of historians.” will be almost 200,” he says. “This period in Venice is helpful some common research projects.” not only for my dissertation writing “The present generation of doctoral The success of the project came but for my future career, because Professor Petri is very optimistic students appears to appreciate more after lots of hard work and intense I have also written two articles about the future of the project: than ever before the value […] that cooperation between institutions, for international history journals,” “Its success is based on personal arises from high-level international fellows and Brussels. “Thanks to the she adds. Upon arrival, she was good collaboration with the Brussels particularly impressed with the offi ces and our partners, and the degree of support provided by outstanding ability of the European the staff. “The staff of the History MAIN LOCATIONS OF PARTNER ORGANISATIONS OF FP6 EST MULTI-PARTNER PROJECTS PER COUNTRY 90 Doctorate’s managing staff in Venice, Department were most kind so far we have managed quite and helpful with the induction 80 well with the manifold day-to-day to the Venetian way of life and 70 diffi culties which are inherent in a administration.” 60 project of this scale.” 50 For Anne-Claire Ignace, a fellow from The diverse origins of the students Paris, the opportunity to spend time 40 attracted are exemplifi ed by Emese in Venice was the main attraction. 30 Balint from Romania who is focusing “Being here gives me access to 20 her research on the early modern archives I absolutely needed to see 10 social history of public punishments for my PhD. The money I receive, in Transylvania. Having completed thanks to the Marie Curie Fellowship, 0 her primary archive research on allows me to stay in a city where I UK DE FR NL IT BE ES SE CH DK PT EL AT HU FI CZ IE PL NO SI RO SK IL LT MC MT location, she was drawn to Venice couldn’t have stayed for such a long Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 23

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 23 7/25/07 3:19:02 PM Investigation on Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 790 932 Department S.En.Fi.Mi.Zo.- hypoallergenic goat milk in Animal Production section Number of fellows: 8 Sicilian breeds (GoMilkSicily) University of Palermo MILK, STRENGTHENING Viale delle Scienze – Parco d’Orleans Project duration: April 2005 – March 2009 Type of project: Marie Curie Host Fellowship for I-90128 Palermo the Transfer of Knowledge – Development Scheme Contact: RESEARCH IN SICILY Raffaella Finocchiaro and Baldassare Portolano Website: http://www.senfi mizo.unipa. E-mail: rfi [email protected], [email protected] it/genetica/gomilksicily_eng.html

A city with a 3 000-year rich of applying for Marie Curie support history, renowned for its to boost regional development prompted researchers from the architecture and mouth- Animal Production Unit of the watering foods, the S.En.Fi.Mi.Zo. Department (Science Sicilian capital Palermo of entomology, phytopathology, agrarian microbiology and has welcomed eight zootechnology) at the University of research fellows to take Palermo into action, motivating them to kick off GoMilkSicily, a project part in a stimulating targeting the development of new project at the areas of competence. University of Palermo. The research team draws on the These researchers international know-how of the participating scientists, coming A are cooperating, and

V as they do from all across Europe

I S exchanging their I and from countries as far away as T

T Argentina and Brazil. This pool of O unique expertise,

G expertise gives all team members the O to capitalise on the M opportunity to add to their research

I L farm animal resources experience, in a multicultural K S I environment. C “GoMilkSicily will unavailable in other I L Y

I N be instrumental parts of Italy. The FP6- The team has set its sights on J U N funded GoMilkSicily assessing the potential suitability of E in establishing a 2 goat milk as an alternative source 0 0 sophisticated training project is making this 7 for milk products. This is a source centre in the fi eld happen. of hope for the many people who suffer from allergies triggered by of animal genetics, At the tip of the boot lies Sicily, a cow milk proteins and are unable genomics and region which has yet to realise its to consume products manufactured full research potential. The possibility from cow’s milk. Suitable goat bioinformatics.”

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BALDASSARE PORTOLANO

milk can be achieved by improving and expertise in advanced techniques Maria, an expert scientist in the fi eld perspectives,” she said. “GoMilkSicily the conservation and valorisation of genomics, bioinformatics and of molecular genetics, has worked created an extremely international of farm animal genetic resources. statistical genetics. The benefi ciaries with eight graduate students aiming to group by bringing together scientifi c Another promising line of research of the thought-provoking and hone their scientifi c skills in the area of experts and senior researchers from focuses on the implementation effective research are the staff molecular genetic technology. different countries, cultures and of molecular genetic technology members and students of the S.En. working habits into one spot.” Maria in animal breeding schemes, Fi.Mi.Zo. Department. “Participating in GoMilkSicily gives enthused how this experience will in combination with statistical me great pleasure and an amazing propel her research in the world of genetics methodologies. Ultimately, For Dr Ben Hayes, an animal feeling of expanding my scientifi c science. GoMilkSicily will be instrumental in breeding and genetics expert, establishing a sophisticated training his journey from Australia to centre in the fi eld of animal genetics, Palermo was only the start of a MAIN LOCATION OF TOK-DEV PROJECTS PER COUNTRY genomics and bioinformatics in superb three-month fellowship. 60 an area in dire need of research Interacting with and shaping the support. minds of students from abroad such as Hungary, the Netherlands 50 Sicily, like other less-favoured regions and Norway substantiated the role in southern Italy, is an agricultural GoMilkSicily has in the world of area which stands to benefi t greatly research. Ben’s teachings focused on 40 from improved research facilities. The statistical genomics. “The warmth country’s southern region is a prime of the students, their performance location for goat milk production, in the practicals, and the chance of 30 but so far it has not had access to the ongoing contact all demonstrated strong research infrastructure needed to me that the course had been for adding value to goat milk. successful,” Ben remarked. 20

GoMilkSicily is determined to Dr Maria Siwek, for her part, said the step into this knowledge gap and GoMilkSicily project, and the S.En. 10 prove how knowledge transfer Fi.Mi.Zo. Department in particular, can stimulate and strengthen the afforded her the opportunity to scientifi c capabilities for goat milk work in a specialised environment 0 research in Sicily. The project offers with state-of-the-art laboratory PL IE EL DE UK IT NL HU ES SE FR CZ IL PT RO TR BE BG CY EE FI SK CR LT MT the latest information, knowledge equipment. Since the start of 2006, Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 25

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 25 7/25/07 3:19:30 PM Regulation and variability Host & coordinator: EC fi nancial contribution: € 1 328 935 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique of animal genome Domaine de Vilvert Number of fellows: 13 expression (RIVAGE) F-78352 Jouy-en-Josas Cedex CULTIVATING YOUNG Project duration: 2004 – 2008 Type of project: Marie Curie Host Fellowship for Early Stage Contact: MINDS Training / multi-partner project Dr Muriel Mambrini E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.jouy.inra.fr/rivage Phone: + 33 1 34652705

Nestled in a lush green valley on thinking; it is about introducing the outskirts of Versailles lies scientists to thinking about the various ways of conducting research one of the oldest centres of and to think in terms of European France’s National Institute research.” of Agricultural Research It is not unusual for scientists to (INRA). This centre is utilise tools and methodologies playing host to the from other disciplines. What is less common, however, is to have a RIVAGE project, which solid background in two diverse is nurturing the dreams disciplines, physiology and genetics, and aspirations of 13 which allows the researcher to think in a completely new direction. young researchers RIVAGE is doing just this, thereby from across Europe creating a new platform in the fi eld and beyond. of animal science. “We are pleased to see that our RIVAGE (Regulation and variability Marie Curie fellows have attained of animal genome expression) is this background,” says Dr Mambrini. the culmination of the combined “We can see that already they are “ e students are looking vision of a team of academics lead more open to different ideas and to match their skills with by Dr Muriel Mambrini and Dr Xavier concepts, they are better prepared Vignon at INRA. It aims to merge to build their careers and are not lost the needs of European animal genetics and physiology between disciplines.” industry and academia, approaches for identifying the general [which] helps researchers mechanisms governing genome This fact is not lost on the fellows expression and for proposing novel either. Florian Rambow came remain in Europe as approaches of animal selection. from Germany to join the RIVAGE they realise the depth of network. “On the one hand you “RIVAGE is more than an acronym,” have to specialise,” he said, “but if opportunities available says Dr Mambrini. “It is a way of you want to become a lab leader you GI ULI ETTA to them.” MINOZZI

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MURIEL MAMBRINI AND XAVIER VIGNON

need a global understanding. For related to their projects. Giulietta, future,” said Giulietta, who is The project also sees to the needs RIVAGE has had a profound effect that reason inter-disciplinarity is not a for example, collaborated with the focusing her fi eld of study on a very of students who come from outside on the supervisors as well. “This has choice, it is a requirement.” University of Wageningen. The topical subject: breeding to increase Europe, including Russia and Turkey. been a learning experience for all of decision was made after organising disease resistance in chickens. Her For Andrey Pichugin from Russia, us, and this interchange of ideas will The 13 fellows involved were a RIVAGE day, one of the special research will place her on the front it was an even greater challenge lay the foundation for the future of selected based on their passion and events organised by the PhD line in protecting our food supply coming to a completely different European research as it will be these desire to experience a new discipline. students themselves. “These are from various diseases. RIVAGE culture with a different study and students who will be among the Upon arriving at the institute, they exciting events for us as we get to career days afforded all students the research methodology. But as he leaders forming a common platform were immersed in an intensive invite speakers here to give us a opportunity to meet with industry says, “Sure, it might have been easier for research in the future,” they say. two-week language course. The special presentation and from this, leaders, fi nd out about their needs to stay in my comfort zone, but life opportunity to learn French was collaborative networks can be built.” and tailor their knowledge-building without adventure and challenges a bonus for Florian. “Not only will accordingly. would be boring.” I get my PhD, but I will have also Supervisor Xavier Vignon has seen DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECTS ACROSS THE EIGHT learnt another language, which will his fair share of young scientists pass SCIENTIFIC PANELS undoubtedly be benefi cial to me in before him. One thing that he has SOC the years to come,” he says. noticed over the years is that “often CHE 14 the young researchers don’t want PHY 41 SOC CHE 33 All fellows benefi ted from a specially to confront the inevitability that 13 ECO 34 11 tailored education programme their PhD is ending, so when it does PHY 24 ECO centred on three main issues: end, they fi nd themselves suddenly 10 disciplinary training in the new fi eld, looking to further their research LIFE openness to other disciplines and career which may lead to some 66 more importantly, care about their leaving for the USA. By making them ENG ENG future career. “We were free to think about the future, the students LIFE 86 61 45 choose from a variety of different are looking to match their skills with MAT training modules, from practical the needs of European industry 22 ENV training to theoretical training and academia, something which in MAT ENV 42 11 modules, as long as they are project effect helps researchers remain in 31 related,” Italian fellow Giulietta Europe as they realise the depth of EST TOK Minozzi says. opportunities available to them.” (total 229) (total 315) CHE: chemistry, ECO: economic sciences, ENG: information science and engineering, ENV: environmental and geo-sciences, MAT: mathematics, The students are also free to work “I am very keen to work in LIFE: life sciences, PHY: physics, SOC: social and human sciences. with various collaborative partners collaboration with industry in the Source: Contract monitoring analysis of Marie Curie Host Fellowships (EST and TOK) in the Sixth Framework Programme, DG Research working document, August 2006

BUILDING RESEARCH CAREERS IN EUROPE – UPDATE 2007 // p 27

MC_FINAL_BROCHURE.indd 27 7/25/07 3:19:51 PM Excellence in combustion and heat Host & coordinator: Project duration: technology research and application Politechnika Lodzka September 2004 – August 2008 (ECHTRA) Department of Heat Technology and Refrigeration Contact: Prof. Jozef Jarosinski, E-mail: [email protected] A BURNING APPETITE Type of project: Marie Curie Host Fellowship K-15, Stefanowskiego 1/15 for the Transfer of Knowledge – Development PL-90-924 Lodz Partner institutions:Chalmers University of Scheme Technology, Sweden; Institute of Mechanics, Chinese FOR SCIENCE EC fi nancial contribution: € 767,835 Academy of Sciences, Beijing/China; University of Palermo, Italy; University of Poitiers-ESMA, France Number of fellows: 8 Photos: © European Commission

At the Technical University of Lodz, a team of dedicated researchers is fuelling the fi res of research through their pioneering exploration of the science of fl ame propagation. Sparked by the Polish National Contact Point for participation in the EU framework programmes, which informed them of the Marie Curie Actions, the ECHTRA Transfer of Knowledge project is now well underway.

The coordinator, Professor Jozef Jarosinski, is exhilarated with the ongoing success of his project. “Discovering that support would be available inspired us to commence the project and since then Marie Curie has offered us excellent working contacts with scientists from different research centres,” he commented. “Their support made it possible to send young scientifi c workers for unique, highly professional training with partner organisations and to establish contacts with foreign scientists for the exchange of knowledge.”

The team is conducting extensive research into the mechanisms of fl ame propagation in order to avoid local fl ame extinction in the most common and practical combustion systems. These can be found in the internal combustion engine or in industrial applications such as the burners found in various power plants.

With 13 articles published, the project’s scientifi c outcomes have been presented at numerous meetings and conferences, where its trailblazing work is attracting considerable interest. This is particularly true of the team’s investigations into fl ame quenching by the wall of the combustion chamber, which is relatively cold, as well as its study of the mechanics behind fl ame propagation and extinction in a swirling fl ammable mixture.

“The problem of local fl ame quenching is very important, as it is a contributor to increased levels of toxic component “Marie Curie has emission of the combustion gases in engine or burner applications,” said Prof. Jarosinski. off ered us excellent As a result, many researchers have been attracted from abroad. One of them is Luigi Tecce from Italy, who contributed to the working contacts with project through the numerical simulation of fl ame propagation and extinction in different kinds of channel. scientists from diff erent “My experience here has been pleasant and educative,” observed Luigi. “The experience I have gained here is great research centres.” for my career, and it has also been really interesting to work in a top-notch research group. Thanks to the Marie Curie programme, I was able to move to a new country and be part of a research programme which has helped it become a LUIG I TEC SKI major pillar of scientifi c research within the European community.” CE AND JOZEF JAROSIN

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