NUCL-EU

Reinforcing the networking of FP7 National Contact Points (NCP) and third country contacts in the Euratom Fission Programme

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Research and technology development in the area of nuclear fission and radiation protection – under the Euratom programme – is booming. However, there is a clear need for better coordination of research activities at a European and global level – in order to further stimulate innovation and improve the EU’s competitiveness worldwide. Hence, a well-organised and proficient network of National Contact Points for the Euratom programme is essential to improve this coordination. Project NUCL-EU is a 51months project and has the overall objective to create an efficient, pro-active and sustainable network for stimulating closer cooperation among all the National Contact Points and Third Countries contacts for the Euratom Programme. NUCL-EU has two clear specific objectives: the reinforcement of the Euratom NCP network and the enhancement of Third Countries participation. Principal activities include good practice benchmarking with Euratom NCPs, followed by tailor-made training sessions and twinning schemes for new and less experienced NCPs. Third Countries contacts will be encouraged to participate in all NUCL-EU activities. Participation of research organisations especially from Third Countries in Euratom will be boosted through a large Brokerage Event. The expected impacts of NUCL-EU will be 1) a strong and uniform Euratom NCP network, involving sound communication with Third Countries, and 2) more effective participation of Third Countries to the Euratom programme. Moreover, good practices of this network will be publicly available as a handbook for NCPs in other FP7 themes. The coordinator (APRE) will invite all Euratom NCPs, including those outside the consortium, to the project activities. The currently only Third Country NCP (South Africa) is part of project consortium.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A well-organised network of National Contact Points (NCPs) promises better coordination of research activities and technology development in the area of nuclear fission and radiation protection in Europe.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Nuclear fission can deliver practically carbon-free energy for Europe's citizens and industries. However, long-term sustainability, safety of operation and management of waste all influence the general perception of nuclear fission as a viable energy source. This underlines the importance of increasingly integrated research efforts while guaranteeing the most efficient use of EU Framework Programme funding.

Within the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) Fission Programme, the EU stakeholders have integrated and expanded research and development capabilities. This has facilitated pan-European collaborative efforts in the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies, as well as actions to harmonise Europe's training and education.

Backed by EU funding, the http://www.nucleu.net/ (NUCL-EU) project aimed to stimulate closer cooperation among all the NCPs for the EURATOM programme. As providers of information and assistance to potential partners of new projects and beneficiaries of ongoing projects, NCPs can help mobilise the resources needed to fulfil the vision of sustainable nuclear energy.

To achieve its aims, project partners designed a training programme covering possible gaps of knowledge among EURATOM NCPs. Tailor-made sessions and twinning schemes contributed to enhancing the service level for researchers working in the field of nuclear fission. Third country contacts were also encouraged to participate in all NUCL-EU training activities.

A virtual helpdesk was established for the less experienced NCPs to benefit from continuous mentoring and support in their daily work. More experienced NCPs were responsible for the questions posted on EURATOM policies, calls for proposals and project management. All registered users of the EURATOM NCP forum on CORDIS could make use of the NUCL-EU helpdesk.

Although the project's efforts focused on NCPs, the European research community will also benefit from a higher level of services and accumulated know-how. Thanks to a more uniform and improved NCP services across Europe, NUCL-EU has contributed to increase participation in the EURATOM programme by lowering entry barriers for newcomers.