Converting high energy consuming reaction techniques to energy efficient methods is probably the main interest of modern society, not only for economic reasons but also to avoid extended green-house gas release. In this context, light-driven methods such as photocatalysis is very interesting when compared to the conventional catalytic methods which require heating and/or high pressures. Photopolymerization is an environmentally friendly technique to produce polymers since it is a light-driven process, which even can be conducted under natural sunlight. Photoinitiators are one of the essential components of the photopolymerization. Traditionally, these compounds are introduced to reaction mixture alongside with the monomers homogeneously, which makes it very hard to remove and reuse them. That being said, there are examples of macrophotoinitiators (MPIs), which kick-starts the photopolymerization reactions heterogeneously. However, such compounds are not systematically investigated, therefore, comprehensive studies covering syntheses of electronically adjusted MPIs to be facilitated in broad range of photopolymerization reactions from small- to big-scale are needed. In this proposal (MacroPiN), we aim to conduct various photopolymerizations by using tailor-made MPI out of porous organic polymers, which offers high accessible surface areas and advanced photophysical features along their high-dimensional and hydrothermally stable backbones. In following, increasing the hydrophilicity of the produced MPIs to further utilize them in aqueous media (i.e. to investigate them in relatively more environmentally friendly conditions) will be an interest. Finally, aside performing photopolymerizations in batch, continuous flow reactors will be used to scale-up the photopolymerization products in a semi-autonomous and more “user-friendly” way. Therefore, the proposed research aligns very well with the “climate” and “zero pollution” ambitions of European Green Deal.

The ocean is key in the global C cycle, taking up ca. 25% of the CO2 we emit, slowing climate change and giving us more time to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The Ocean C Value Chain (VC) of observations, data QC & analysis delivers key information around this to decision makers such as the Conference of the Parties. The RIs play a pivotal role in the VC via their ability to operate at scale & pool resources to ensure common data standards and operational practices. The urgency of the climate crisis drives us to put this VC on a much more robust footing with the World Meteorological Organisation leading the planning of a Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W) covering all components of the Earth System. Unfortunately the VC currently delivers estimates of Ocean C uptake much larger than those from models, leading to a damaged ability to manage climate change. However further work suggests that observations at a much higher density in the Southern Ocean (SO) would substantially resolve this issue. Our ability to deliver these via ships is limited by the small number that enter the SO and we therefore need many more observations from research vessels, citizen science platforms, autonomous robotic floats & surface platforms. This step change requires substantial technological innovation and complex data synthesis. TRICUSO will address these needs by a) improving the sensing technologies on floats and small uncrewed surface vessels, b) supporting citizen science on yachts and potentially cruise and expedition vessels, c) integrating biological observations into the work flow, d) improving data flows to scientists, e) evaluating the density of observations needed & f) proposing fit for purpose governance structures that allow the RIs to operate within the G3W. These actions will enable us to have a much firmer grip of how and why Ocean Carbon uptake varies and thus a much firmer evidence base on which to make decisions around managing climate change impacts.

Genetic diversity is a fundamental level of biodiversity at a time of global change. It provides variation that underpins species persistence and their adaptation to changing environments. Variation in the direction or presence of DNA sequences has been largely overlooked until now. Yet, those structural variants (SVs) represent a key aspect of genetic diversity. SVs cover 3 to 10 times more of the genome than the well-studied single-nucleotide variants and have different properties (length, effect on recombination, mutation rate). Structural variation thus represents a quantitative and qualitative shift in our understanding of genetic diversity, with predicted, but understudied, implications for evolution. The project EVOL-SV calls for a reassessment of the genomic basis of eco-evolutionary processes. My ambition is to lead new research avenues on the impact of SVs in ecology and evolution and to determine the contribution of SVs to current biodiversity. I will combine cutting-edge genomics and powerful experimental approaches, developed throughout my career, to perform multidisciplinary research on a focal system, Coelopa flies, and then across taxa. First, I will investigate SVs within a population genetic framework in Coelopa spp. to determine how SV properties affect their distribution and effects on fitness. Second, I will assess the contribution of SVs to deleterious load in a case of range shift northwards. Third, I will examine how SVs contribute to phenotypic adaptation, focusing on parallel climatic gradients and rapid thermal variation. Fourth, at a broader phylogenetic level, I will draw general principles about the evolution of structural genetic diversity. EVOL-SV will have long-term impacts by providing the first comprehensive assessment of structural genetic diversity across the tree of life, developing the study of SVs in non-model species, and determining how genetic architecture contributes to evolutionary response in a rapidly changing world.

The prime objective of the project is to uplift the existing Centre of Excellence AstroCeNT by transforming it into a fully independent, interdisciplinary, new legal entity: Astrocent Plus Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre. Astrocent Plus will engage in cutting-edge research and development in astroparticle physics and in related aspects of innovative technology, addressing global challenges, such as healthcare, climate change and sustainable sources of energy. As a fully autonomous entity with a modern professional management and administrative structure, it will be the first scientific institution in astroparticle physics supported by Teaming for Excellence and the first one in the field in Poland. Acting in close cooperation with world-leading consortium partners, Astrocent Plus will be embedded in a network of international collaborations involved in frontier research, probing the invisible Universe through neutrino, cosmic-ray, gravitational-wave and dark matter detection. AstroCeNT and the field have a proven record of medical and commercial applications and after the uplift will bring further high-impact benefits to society and economy. The buildup of internationally-rooted research capacity, gained through strategic partnerships, will position the Centre to achieve a significant, measurable, improvement in research and innovation culture and long-term financial sustainability, in part through commercialisation. The Centre will improve mobility and gender balance, train new cadres of highly-qualified researchers in science and hi-tech industry, promote innovation and cooperation between scientists and industry and help Poland and the EU attain a competitive position in the global value chains. With modern management practices, Astrocent Plus will become the main hub for the rapidly-developing field of particle astrophysics and a role model for Poland and the region for excellence in basic sciences and fruitful cooperation with industry.

The HELIOS project focuses on advancing the understanding of high-power, high-density expanding magnetised plasmas, with an emphasis on charged particle dynamics. The primary objective is to develop and experimentally test an innovative high-power radio-frequency plasma source with a magnetic nozzle, which will be used for topics spanning space propulsion technologies, fusion research and fundamental space plasma physics. Through a combination of advanced diagnostic techniques, the project seeks to address both unresolved plasma physics questions and engineering challenges related to high-density magnetised plasmas. A comprehensive experimental campaign will allow the investigation of the high-density plasma behaviour, with a particular focus on ion acceleration, charged-particle transport, and plume instabilities. Advanced diagnostic techniques, such as Laser-Induced Fluorescence, Thomson Scattering and custom-build high-density intrusive diagnostics, will be employed to characterise the plasma. The project will also include a significant data analysis phase, where the gathered experimental results will be interpreted. These results will lay the base for future research in plasma physics (with focus on space weather and fusion research), and spacecraft propulsion. International collaboration is a key component of HELIOS, with secondments at prestigious institutions like the Australian National University and Tohoku University. These collaborations will enable knowledge exchange and provide access to specialized expertise and resources, further enhancing the project’s outcomes. By leveraging this international expertise, the project aims to position Europe at the forefront of research in understanding the plasma behaviour in a magnetic field and its engineering applications. The ultimate goal of the project is to establish a world-class multidisciplinary laboratory environment in the EU that will serve as a hub for future research in experimental plasma physics.