European Commission DG RESEARCH Research Train ing Networks Project Summaries Second Call Improving Human Potential in Fifth Framework Programme (1999 - 2002) Project Summaries 2nd Call Research Training Networks Booklet This booklet provides a brief description of each Research Training Network successfully evaluated following the second call for proposals in the Fifth Framework Programme. These projects started in 2002 and most will end in 2006. The descriptions are arranged on a discipline-by-discipline basis in the following order: CHE Chemistry pages 3 to 60 ENG Engineering Sciences pages 61 to 87 ENV Geo- and Environmental Sciences pages 88 to 114 ESH Economic, Social and Human Sciences pages 115 to 146 LIF Life Sciences pages 147 to 217 MAT Mathematics and Information Sciences pages 218 to 258 PHY Physics pages 259 to 336 For each network, the Contract Number, Title, Acronym and Duration are given, along with contact details for the networks’ scientific co-ordinator, their Webpage address (if available), a brief summary of its research and training content and a list of the other network participants. This document is also available at http://www.cordis.lu/improving/networks/publication.htm. 6th November 2002 2 of 2 Project Summaries 2nd Call Chemistry 3 of 3 Project Summaries 2nd Call Contract Number : HPRN-CT-2002-00168 Title : Exploiting Mechanical Motion of Molecular Architectures Acronym : EMMMA Discipline : CHE Duration : 48 Scientific Network Co-ordinator : David LEIGH Department of Chemistry University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, United Kingdom Tel : 442476522754 Fax : 442476524112 e-mail : [email protected] Networks’ website: Research Objectives and Content : Many phenomena of biological interest originate directly from mechanical motions at the molecular level. Celebrated examples include the trans-cis isomerisation of double bonds that trigger the visual signal and the rotaly motion of the enzyme F_1-ATPase, one of the cornerstones of photosynthesis. This extraordinary dependence on molecular level motion in key natural process is inspiring scientists to try and bridge the gap between synthetic chemistry, which by and large relies upon electronic and chemical effects and does not exploit molecular motions, and the macroscopic world, where our everyday machines rely upon the synchronized motions of their components to perform their designated tasks. Accordingly, there is great current interest in trying to make molecular analogues of some of the fundamental components of machinery from the macroscopic world (cogs, wheels, shuttles, pistons etc). The idea is that such structures could form the basis of synthetic devices or materials that, like biological systems, could function through molecular level mechanical motion Here we propose a Network which aims to go from developing a simple understanding of how molecular level interlocked components move mechanically with respect to each other, right through gaining control over such motions using external stimuli (electric fields, electrons, photons etc), to the preparation of synthetic materials which change the macroscopic properties in response to a specific signal. The principle scientific aim of the EMMMA (Exploiting Mechanical Motion of Molecular Architectures) Network is, as the acronym suggests, actually use the stimuli-generated mechanical motions to produce macroscopic property changes at surface or within bulk polymers. Such systems would be at the forefront of what has been achieved thus far with mechanically interlocked molecular architectures and have potential commercial applications in a range of advanced switchable materials, e. g. for coatings applications. Training Content : The young researchers will be trained to the highest level in the disciplines of the host laboratory (e.g. organic synthesis, molecular modeling, polymer synthesis, surface science and molecular spectroscopy) In addition the Young Researchers will (i) spend 2-6 week spells in laboratories of a different discipline, (ii) all will have the opportunity to attend courses in transferable skills, including presentation skills and project management held at The University of Edinburgh and the University of Bologna, (iii) give lectures on visits to industrial companies with their PI' s. As part of their training, they will present talks on their work at network meetings at eight monthly intervals. 4 of 4 Project Summaries 2nd Call Other Network Participants: Neville RICHARDSON; the University Court of the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom François KAJZAR; Département d’Elaboration et de Contrôle des Structures Laboratoire de Composants Organiques, Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique, France Ton LOONTJENS; DSM NV, The Netherlands Maurizio PRATO; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Trieste, Italy Wybren Jan BUMA; Institute of Molecular Chemistry, Universiteit Van Amsterdam, The Netherlands Francesco ZERBETTO; Dipartimento di Chimica “G CIAMICIAN”, Università Degli Study Di Bologna, Italy Fabio BISCARINI; Istituto Di Spectroscopia Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Italy Petra RUDOLF, Laboratoire Interdépartemental de Spectroscopie Electronique (LISE), Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame De La Paix Asbl, Belgium 5 of 5 Project Summaries 2nd Call Contract Number : HPRN-CT-2002-00169 Title : Functional Liquid Crystal Elastomers Acronym : FULCE Discipline : CHE Duration : 48 Scientific Network Co-ordinator : Heino FINKELMANN Institut für Makromoleculare Chemie Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg Freiburg, Germany Tel : 497612036274 Fax : 497612036306 e-mail : [email protected] Networks’ website: http://www-ipcms.u-strasbg.fr/RTNfulce/index.html Research Objectives and Content : The research program for this network is concerned with the synthesis and the study of some specific properties of liquid-crystalline elastomers. Functionality in the proposed elastomers is directed towards mechanical effects and the realisation of efficient actuators based on main- chain, liquid-crystalline elastomers. Temperature-induced changes can be a crude and slow trigger (slow thermal diffusion) and so we seek to include particular functional groups that will respond to different stimuli and on a shorter time-scale. The scientific originality of this project relies on the incorporation of metallic rigid and photosensitive anisotropic segments within the elastomeric matrix. It relies also on the induction of the oriented mesophase-to- isotropic transformation upon the application of external fields (electric, electrochemical, pH, ions, hv) and the concomitant modification of the macroscopic dimensions of the film. It would, therefore, represent a possible approach for the realisation of actuators with a fast response to such stimuli, reflected by the film deformations without temperature gradient. The focus on liquid-crystalline materials which have particular attributes in terms of mesophase behaviour and properties allows for the investigation of a wide range of design features. Particular attention has been paid to the feasibility of the proposed tasks and on the joint research efforts of separate disciplines towards the same goal. The project is thus centred on the synthesis of novel elastomeric structures, the study of the mesomorphic behaviour in relation to the structural parameters, the experimental and theoretical study of the dynamics of the systems, and the analysis of the macroscopic properties upon the effects of external fields. In developing the necessary research expertise, theory, synthesis and property measurements will be brought together. Training Content : The young pre- and post-doctoral researchers will obtain specialist training in the group laboratories and by Network-wide workshops focussed on programme objectives. The appointed young researchers will be based in one of the participant laboratories. However, a substantial part of their training will include stages at other participant groups to use the available advanced techniques. Therefore, cross-disciplinary training will be achieved. The training of young researchers in the frame of the present project will produce scientists with a broadened perspective of techniques in molecular and material design and characterisation. The industrial relevance of functional liquid-crystalline elastomers as new materials will be addressed and placements of researchers at the companies which support this research training programme will be sought. Ultimately this Network which is considered as laboratory without 6 of 6 Project Summaries 2nd Call wall will produce researchers having high level of specialist trainings, and a critical awareness of related scientific disciplines. Other Network Participants: Daniel GUILLON; Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, Université Louis Pasteur, France Dolores VELASCO; Departament de Quimica Organica, Universitat De Barcelona, Spain Claudio ZANNONI; Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Inorganica – Università degli Studi di Bologna, Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale Per La Scienza E La Tecnologia Dei Materiali, Italy Duncan BRUCE; School of Chemistry, University Of Exeter, United Kingdom Slobodan ZUMER; Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jozef Stefan Institute , Slovenia Helmut WURMUS; Fakultaet für Maschinenbau, Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik, Mechatronik and Mechanik, Technische Universitaet Ilmenau, Germany 7 of 7 Project Summaries 2nd Call Contract Number : HPRN-CT-2002-00170 Title : Predicting catalysis : Understanding