EJD-FunMat — European Joint Doctorate in Functional Materials Research

Results in brief

European Joint Doctorate in Functional Materials Research

Materials science is recognized as one of the key drivers for development of technology and knowledge-based economies. In this context, the project EJD-FunMat aimed at addressing key issues in six main materials research domains located at the interface between physics, chemistry, cell biology, biotechnology and engineering. The research fields, each addressed by a cluster of PhD projects, were: 1) efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production and water cleaning; 2) new transparent conductors for energy, lighting and electronic displays; 3) lead-free piezoelectrics for biomedical devices, sensors and sonars; 4) composite materials for energy-efficient optical communication; 5) cellulose-based polymers for green chemistry; 6) functionalised scaffolds and templates for bone tissue engineering. 14 PhD candidates were trained not only through research training in one of the fields listed above, but also in joint training schools and workshops, covering materials science but also transversal skills, such as technology intelligence, entrepreneurship, scientific communication, and life cycle analysis of materials. Each PhD candidate had two co-supervisors from different countries, and received a double or joint PhD degree. Three bilateral joint doctoral degrees in materials science were created as part of the project.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

EJD-FunMat is a European Joint Doctoral programme in the field of functional materials research. EJD-FunMat is embedded in an existing research network, with previous experience in co-tutelle doctorates , but the project will add new major elements, with the strategic aim of becoming a permanent reference European Joint Doctoral School in Materials Science and beyond.The key innovative aspects of the programme are:- Research in PhD clusters: The 15 PhD projects are grouped into 6 thematic clusters: Photocatalysis, Transparent Conductors, Lead-Free Piezoelectrics, Photonics, Cellulose-based Polymers, Bone Tissue Engineering. Each cluster has 3-4 academic, and several industry partners, thus forming a small-scale collaborative project. This concept will (i) will be a practical training in interdisciplinary teamwork for the PhD candidates and (ii) provide a critical mass of researchers with the potential to achieve breakthrough research and innovation, compared to individual PhD projects. Additional, locally funded PhD projects will be added to the clusters.- Industry partner for each PhD: All PhD candidates will spend time in industry research laboratories, and will interact with industry throughout their project.- Joint supervision rules centered on a series of common Deliverables for all PhD candidates, to be achieved during the PhD project- Training in eco-design and life-cycle analysis of materials: topics such as critical raw materials and materials recycling have become crucial issues - Training in project and risk management- Training in industrial intelligence, entrepreneurship and innovation skills- Development of a sustainable framework for a joint PhD School. This strategic goal is based on 4 components: - scientific excellence - development of a legal framework for exploiting the research results - joint rules for co-tutelle PhDs, and joint PhD diplomas - attracting additional funding for PhD scholarships, during and after the project

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

UNIVERSITE DE BORDEAUX · BordeauxCoordinatorFrance
INSTITUT POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLE · GRENOBLE CEDEX 1France
KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE · KarlsruheGermany
LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Esch Sur AlzetteLuxembourg
TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DARMSTADT · DarmstadtGermany
UNIVERSIDADE DE AVEIRO · AveiroPortugal
UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN · LOUVAIN LA NEUVEBelgium
UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE · LIEGEBelgium
UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG · ESCH-SUR-ALZETTELuxembourg

EJD-FunMat · European Joint Doctorate in Functional Materials Research

Results in brief

European Joint Doctorate in Functional Materials Research

Project objective

Participants

Links