Imperial College London researchers are making remarkable progress in some of Europe's leading research initiatives through their involvement in Horizon Europe. With the United Kingdom now fully associated with Horizon Europe, Imperial's scientists are well-positioned to spearhead and engage in various projects within the program. This article delves into several recently funded projects that hold the potential to significantly benefit society.
Deciphering the Role of Clouds and Aerosols in Climate
Dr. Edward Gryspeerdt from the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, alongside his team, is participating in an ambitious 18-partner project known as CERTAINTY. Supported by a 7.2 million euro grant from Horizon Europe, this initiative aims to enhance our comprehension of clouds and aerosols in the climate system. By utilizing data from satellites, observations, and models, the project seeks to unravel the interactions between aerosols—tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the atmosphere—and clouds, which influence weather patterns and climate. The findings will improve predictions of extreme weather events and support the development of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies for societal advantage.
Dr. Gryspeerdt highlighted the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, stating, "Climate science and meteorology demand a diverse range of expertise, from laboratory experiments to computational models and natural world observations. Horizon Europe facilitates collaboration with researchers across Europe to address key uncertainties in the climate system."
Innovating Carbon Capture Solutions
In another pioneering endeavor, Professor Claire Adjiman and her colleagues from the Department of Chemical Engineering are working with European partners to create a modular CO2 capture plant through the HiRECORD project. This groundbreaking initiative will showcase a modular CO2 capture plant featuring a Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) absorber and desorber, aiming to boost efficiency and sustainability. The project, valued at approximately 6.3 million euros, involves partners from Greece, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Professor Adjiman emphasized the transformative impact of the collaboration, stating, "Collaborating with a large consortium of academic and industry partners across Europe has been transformative. The HiRECORD collaboration has amplified the impact of our research by linking detailed molecular models to larger scales of process equipment and industrial pilot plants."
Transforming Alzheimer's Disease Healthcare
Imperial researchers are also part of a European consortium dedicated to transforming the healthcare approach to Alzheimer's disease. The AD-RIDDLE project aims to equip healthcare providers with the necessary resources and interventions to detect, diagnose, prevent, and treat Alzheimer's disease. Funded by the Innovative Health Initiative, an EU public-private partnership, the consortium brings together 24 partners, including academic and industry leaders, healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and patient organizations.
Professor Lefkos Middleton from the School of Public Health commented, "Our Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit will actively contribute across all AD-RIDDLE workstreams, positively impacting early and accurate diagnosis for our patients and across Europe."
The Influence of Horizon Europe at Imperial
Provost Ian Walmsley underscored the significance of Horizon Europe, stating, "Horizon Europe is the world's largest research and innovation program, funding groundbreaking science and ideas that can change the world. Our scientists at Imperial are making substantial contributions to numerous major projects, collaborating with the best teams across Europe."
Open international collaboration is essential to Imperial's success, with academics working across 192 countries. European partners play a crucial role, with a significant portion of Imperial's research papers co-authored by European collaborators. Participation in EU research framework programs serves as a catalyst for productive partnerships worldwide, enhancing the influence and impact of UK research.
Imperial was the 8th most successful higher education institution in Horizon 2020, with the program funding numerous collaborations on critical issues, from new diagnostic tools for childhood diseases to advancements in quantum, data, and climate technologies. With the UK's full association to Horizon Europe, Imperial researchers can continue to lead and participate in projects across the program.