Digitally controlled charging solutions represent a fundamental building block of a full and effective shift to electromobility. When scaled to a mass-market-level, current uncontrolled charging (i.e. maximum available power from the moment the vehicle is plugged in) could contribute to creating an extra burden on the power system.
In this topic, sustainability is meant in environmental, social and economic terms.
Plastic (and other) waste, such as packaging, textiles, etc., could potentially represent a sustainable alternative to imported fossil feedstock (e.g. oil, gas). It contains high amounts of carbon, it is widely available and its valorisation could also provide environmental and societal benefits avoiding the disposal in landfills.
Lithium-ion battery cells with conventional active materials are reaching their limits in terms of energy densities. Also, safety issues arise with the utilisation of liquid organic electrolytes which are becoming even more critical with the nearly introduction of advanced materials made to increase cell voltage and fast-charging rates.
The overarching R&I challenges lie in the development of solid-state electrolytes, cathode materials and anode materials enabling higher thermal and electrochemical stability while targeting higher energy/power densities, fast charging, cyclability and improved safety. These new materials should contribute to the control of thermal runaway at an early stage, and create non-propagation designs.
The aims of the Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme are to nurture future African leaders, women and men, to develop in-country capacity to achieve national SDG goals, and to build positive relationships between Ireland and Africa. The programme offers selected students the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded one-year master’s programme at a prestigious higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland.
The 2021 TWAS Fellowships call for applications is open for PhD and PDoc programmes that are offered in the
Call for applications from postgraduates (Hons-PhD) and junior scientists to participate in the Train-Me2 Connect summerschool on earth and aquatic science field methods. The South African component will consider applicants from anywhere in Africa. Deadline for applications is 11 July. Further info here: https://geo.uni-greifswald.de/trainme/
The European Union’s (EU) “African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence” (ARISE) pilot programme’s call for applications has been launched by the African Academy of Sciences. ARISE promotes science, technology and innovation as critical drivers of development and sustainability. With the strategic guidance of the European Union and the African Union (AU), it aims at boosting and further unlocking Africa’s potential for innovation by supporting the next generation of scientific leaders. The EU is contributing €25 million to the programme.
THE KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION EXCHANGE (KIX), A JOINT ENDEAVOUR BETWEEN IDRC AND THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION (GPE), IS AN EXCITING NEW WAY TO SUPPORT LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES TO BUILD STRONGER EDUCATION SYSTEMS, THEREBY ACCELERATING PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING SDG 4. The Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange
JICA Building (Opp. Main Library), University Road Makerere University Main Campus. P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Tel: +256 414 532401. Email: projects@cns.mak.ac.ug
