BIONFIN - PROTECTING AND RESTORING BIODIVERSITY USING MAINSTREAM FINANCE

Coordinator: John Garvey (University of Limerick) Lusofona team leader: Francisco Silva Pinto

If biodiversity is to be placed back on a path to recovery, new tools and knowledge are required to redirect financial resources from destructive economic activity towards nature-positive investment. The financial system consists of interacting and dynamic actors who value certainty (rules and governance structures) and efficiency (outcome transparency and low monitoring costs). We aim to create a unifying framework and technology that creates the enabling conditions for nature-positive investments. Activities that protect and restore biodiversity (such as nature-based solutions) are frequently unique, multi-actor efforts carried out at a local scale with positive, but complex outcomes. We resolve this by establishing a categorisation of nature based solutions (NBS) alongside a menu of good governance structures and a library of stakeholder engagement. This will draw on expertise and best practice in natural capital and economics to streamline decision making and accelerate transaction completion by standardising the investment process and creating the enabling conditions for large-scale finance. To accelerate nature-positive business models, we create a data analytics and underwriting engine to advance conventional project appraisal and risk assessment and account for and model expected outcomes. We will assess and validate our approach across diverse real-life case studies (learning sites). Our findings and approach will initiate a twin green and digital transition that resolves transaction complexity and creates the enabling conditions for large-scale investment that are required if the EU is to achieve its biodiversity goals. Our outcomes will identify remaining gaps in the Taxonomy and support policy forming through evidence-based recommendations and we will co-design, develop and establish pathways for skills and knowledge accelerators for the European financial services industry.

FILMEU PLUS - EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES ALLIANCE FOR FILM AND MEDIA ARTS

Coordinator: Manuel José Damásio (Lusófona University) Researcher: Pedro Matias (Lusófona University)

FilmEU+ is the next stage in the European Universities Alliance for Film and Media Arts consolidation towards the deepening, expansion and intensification of the existing cooperation. The current project will advance ongoing cooperation and transformations involving all higher education institutions (HEIs) participating in the Alliance, towards the consolidation of a fully-fledged ‘European University of Film and Media Arts’. FilmEU+ builds on the Alliance' previous efforts and results and will continue to test diverse innovative and structural models for implementing and achieving systemic, structural and sustainable cooperation between participant HEIs. FilmEU + is an association of eight leading HEIs from across the member states and all parts of Europe. FilmEU fully represents Europe’s geographical, cultural and linguistic differences, but also the diversity and richness of its European Higher Education Area. What began as four partners during the design phase will now enlarge into an Alliance of eight partners in order to promote a much stronger, richer and more diverse partnership of eight like-minded institutions. We start from a clear disciplinary focus – namely the film and media arts, and now move to embrace the varied domains that the cultural and creative industries encompass. With FilmEU+ we want to consolidate our manifold but complementary programmes in filmic arts and other diverse but related fields across the cultural and creative industries, in order to further advance the positioning of Europe as a cutting- edge global provider of education, research and innovation in these domains. With FilmEU+ we want to fully attain all features of the new framework for cooperation set out in the European Strategy for Universities. This means we will make our European University concrete via its European degrees, joint structures and resources, and research initiatives that are supported and impelled by a legal statute that mutualises our strengths and empowers our institutions and the next generation of talents within the cultural and creative sectors in Europe. With FilmEU+ we foster sustainability, cohesion, entrepreneurship, employment, and, importantly, innovation and creativity as core constituents when shaping the future of Europe.

WIRE - WIDENING INNOVATION+RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN FILMEU) (WIRE FILMEU)

Coordinator :Manuel José Damásio (Lusófona University) Researcher: Pedro Matias (Lusófona University)

WIRE is promoted by all eight HEIs currently members or soon to be members in the FilmEU Alliance. FilmEU fully represents Europe’s geographical, cultural, and linguistic differences, combined with the diversity and richness of its European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and its Research Area (ERA). WIRE integrates five out of eight academic partners each coming from widening countries, a majority of less research-intensive institutions and is led by an institution from a widening country. All WIRE activities are centered in widening countries, and it is these countries and less research-intensive HEIs that are beneficiaries of the of the project. WIRE’s main objective is to catalyse a step change in the excellence and innovation of the science and value creation activities carried out by and across the FilmEU Alliance via its capacity building and the promotion of several reforms across the HEIs in widening countries participating in the Alliance. WIRE will capacitate the FilmEU Alliance Research and Innovation R&I dimensions, notably by focusing on management and administrative competencies, for the benefit of its members in widening countries, and through that increase the overall competitiveness of the Alliance. WIRE will achieve this through deeper and more geographically inclusive cooperation between all members of the Alliance. WIRE will contribute significantly to the expected outcomes of the call via the consolidation of an inclusive Alliance of HEIs which mostly (5 of 8) come from widening countries. Through collaboration between themselves and with other actors in local ecosystems, they will promote institutional and country-level reforms and upgrades, facilitate an embedded culture of excellence and value creation driven by artistic research, and focus on the cultural and creative industries, in view of increased competitiveness and accelerated institutional reforms in their R&I dimension.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: HORIZON-MSCA-SE-2023 DETMED 101129879

Novel detector concept for medical gamma probe Coordinator: Svitlana Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 Oct, 2023- 30 Sept, 2027

The increase in the number of oncological diseases is one of the main factors contributing to the improvement of scientific, technical, and medical solutions. Every year in Europe, more than a million people die from various types of cancer, so the development and research of modern methods of medical diagnosis, treatment, and technical improvements are an integral part of the work and research of scientists. One of the current technological advances in the surgical removal of tumors is the gamma probe, which provides precise locations of cancer cells in a patient. For the successful implementation of the project, a coordinated exchange of experience and knowledge gained in the field of physics, engineering, and technology will be carried out; by strengthening modern knowledge in the field of optoelectronics and applying modern technological approaches and methods, as well as international cooperation of highly qualified scientists and engineers from Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine, Germany, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. The project participants have many years of experience in the development and research of optical detectors, which resulted in the development of high-performance photodetectors with unique structures and parameters that surpass their counterparts. The successful implementation of this project will lead to the scientific development of a new generation of highly sensitive gamma detectors and, as a result, to the creation of an improved detection device. The aim of the project is to develop a high-precision, more compact prototype gamma probe for surgical operations. Within the framework of this project, the collaboration will carry out both, research and technological components using the latest research methods and technical potential and through multi-purpose business trips.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: HORIZON-MSCA-SE-2021 INNMEDSCAN 101086178

Innovative Photodetector Module for advanced Hybrid “Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Positron Emission Tomography” Scanners for Nuclear Medicine Coordinator: Svitlana Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 March, 2023- 30 January, 2027

The development of modern methods of medical diagnostics is an integral part of the work and research of scientists. And it is constantly being improved, as high-precision early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery for people suffering from dangerous diseases. One of the key developments in this area is a new hybrid PET / MRI machine that provides simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography. The successful implementation of the project will be ensured by a coordinated exchange of experience and knowledge gained in the field of physics, technology and engineering; by strengthening modern knowledge in the field of optoelectronics and applying modern technological approaches and methods, as well as international cooperation of highly qualified scientists and engineers from Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Russia. This consortium will assess both technological (for example, development and production of highly sensitive detectors) and fundamental (mechanisms of internal amplification of ultra-weak photosignals) issues. The project participants have many years of experience in the development of semiconductor optical devices, research of detection methods. The successful implementation of this project will lead to the scientific development of high-sensitivity detectors of a new generation and, as a result, to the creation of advanced detection devices. The aim of the project is to develop a highly sensitive prototype of a detector module for a new generation of PET-MRI scanners. Within the framework of this project, the collaboration will carry out both research and technological components through multipurpose business trips.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: HORIZON-MSCA-SE-2021 Aqua-Synapse 101086453

The health benefits of deuterium depletion on synaptic function, regional metabolism, and behaviour Coordinator: Svitlana Lyubchyk, Sergiy Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 January, 2023- 30 December, 2026

Core idea of this project is to establish the mechanistic basis for the positive health effects of deuterium depleted water and determine what regimens are most efficacious. Isotope content of drinking water has been shown affect the pathogenesis of cancers to ameliorate the stress response and reduce susceptibility to many diseases, but it remains unclear how the positive biological effects of heavy isotope reduction in drinking water are mediated. High concentrations of deuterium induce mitochondrial dysfunction, and very high concentrations can induce cell death, but the administration of deuterium at 91 ppm has antidepressant effects that were comparable to that of citalopram in a mouse model of depression. Use of deuterium depleted water appears to represent a safe intervention with few, if any, reported side effects, but it remains unclear at what concentrations the positive metabolic and behavioural effects become apparent. Companies in Europe now sell DDW at different concentrations to the public amidst a plethora of health claims that mostly lack in any sound scientific basis or safety data Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the impact of DDW on brain and behaviour at a molecular level. We will use state-of-the art imaging techniques to measure regional metabolic fluxes in the body of animals in healthy individuals throughout life and those subject to stress following the administration of DDW at different concentrations and for different periods. Also we examine how deuterium depletion affects the behaviours of neurons in vitro and electrophysiological levels and in terms of their metabolism. The project is made possible by bringing together a consortium of chemists, cell biologists, pharmacologists, imaging specialists, psychiatrists, and DDW producers for ‘medicinal needs’ in fully translational work packages to discover, in an empiric manner, how the manipulation of metabolic pathways with DDW can be employed for the benefit of human health.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: HORIZON-MSCA-SE-2021 EWALD 101086250

Earth Observation for Early Warning of Land Degradation at European Frontier Coordinator: Svitlana Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 December, 2022- 30 November, 2026

Land degradation (LD) is the world's greatest environmental challenge affecting the environment, agriculture, and human wellbeing. Intensified by natural disasters and desertification, the LD may present potential risks and socioeconomic tension at the European Union (EU) frontier. The project aims to develop an innovative framework to provide an Early Warning System (EWS) and responses to the LD threatening the EU from its external border, using multi-source and multi-scale Earth Observation (EO) data. The consortium consists of the University Lusofona, PT, which will work with big data management, smart computation, and risk analysis, - Center for Remote Sensing of Land Surfaces of the University of Bonn, GE, bringing their long-term research expertise on the LD, - Scientific Centre for Aerospace Research of the Earth, UA, supporting with in-depth knowledge on development and application of advanced EO-based technologies, - SME ECOMM, UA, implementing the emergent geo-informational solutions, - the University of Zilina, SL working in multi-state simulation system for the LD risk assessment and advanced cloud computing, - the University of Marrakech, MOROCCO, with long term experience in the inland LD and desertification evaluation using the EO data, - The Resource Engineering Company (RESING) implementing the developed EWS Prototype, providing the necessary data and logistic support. The EWS Prototype will be delivered to the EU and tested in complementary conditions in Ukraine, facing anthropogenic impact risks, and in Morocco where desertification risks are intensifying. The intersectoral region-specific expertise and skill-transfer secondments will ensure the self-sustainability and further evolution of the delivered system and of the Consortium. Dissemination of the approach to the agricultural consumers will support the development of environmental and socioeconomic factors, reach out to the remote rural society and enhance cooperation with and within the EU.

Project: 101046307 — CATCHER — HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01

Creation of innovative "humidity to electricity" renewable energy conversion technology towards sustainable energy challenge Coordinator: Svitlana Lyubchyk, Andriy Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 April, 2022- 30 March, 2026

CATCHER project is aimed at development of innovative technology to exploit the atmospheric humidity for direct conversion to the electricity, thus gain a new sustainable source of renewable energy and to contribute to implementing the specific priorities for strengthening the EU leadership on renewables. The successful realization of the project is assured by implementation of knowledge sharing in material science, physics, nanoelectronics, green chemistry, nanoengineering, sustainability and research marketing via international and intersectorial collaboration of highly qualified research and business from Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Spain and Ukraine. Up to date we developed the theoretical basis for the “humidity to electricity” conversion mechanism, delivered proof of the concept and elaborated the first-generation converter Prototype - advanced “humidity to electricity” converter within accomplished 2016-2019 H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 HUNTER project; attested and further patented [PCT/UA2019/000147] in 2020. Project is targeted on advancement, optimization and scalability of a previously developed technology that converts atmospheric humidity into electrical current [up to date value of 3.6 mW/g or 1.82 mW/cm2], with an expected output power density of ~36 mW/g or [15 - 20 mW/ cm2], which will be ready for scaling up, thus could be prepared for further integration with existed EU electrical system for general energy use. The proposed solution is expected to contribute to implementing the specific priorities for strengthening the EU leadership on renewables laid out in the Communication for Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation. Sharing the culture of research and innovation, the CATCHER project will allow applying recent advancements in nanotechnology science and engineering to address DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, EU Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and EU Re-thinking 2050 strategy.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: HORIZON-MSCA-RISE-2020 PhytoAPP 101007642

Innovative Water-Soluble Phytomaterial Inhibitors for Alzheimers and Parkinsons Diseases Prevention Coordinator: Sergiy Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 March, 2021- 30 Oct, 2025

Under PhytoAPP project it is expected to build new and enhance existing network of international and inter-sectoral cooperation in the form of joint research and innovation activities between the project Partners with multidisciplinary skills and complementary competences in nanomaterials, physics, engineering, green chemistry, biochemistry and medical science. It will significantly strengthen the interaction between academic and non-academic sectors within MS/AC Countries Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, United Kingdom, Ukraine and Third Country the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan in the field of the innovative phytoproducts application for the health and well-being. The main objectives of the PhytoAPP project are design, development and delivery of the innovative water-soluble Phytochemical Inhibitors for Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases prevention. To achieve this goal the PhytoAPP project will explore the innovative nanotechnological solutions to overcome phytochemicals limitation faced by their low water-solubility via fullerene-enhanced innovative synthesis of water-soluble green Phytocomplexes, by means of cooperation between Researchers and SMEs Partners from EU and Partner’s Countries. On the other hand, the involved parties are eager to promote innovation in this area in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community which seek to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of Community industry and encourage it to “become more competitive at the international level.

Projeto FOODSENSE – LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-039989

Development of an integrated system in a filling line for detecting contaminants in food products.

The main objective of the FoodSense project is to develop, build, test and validate an innovative filling line for the food industry, particularly to be applied in the production process of mayo and ice creams, which allows a fast-on-line detection of different microorganisms. This is an initiative of R&D in co-promotion that is led by AFINOMAQ, which will use the technology to be developed, in collaboration with FS – Functional Steel and WSBP Electronics companies, and with two national scientific and technologic entities – the INESC-MN and the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. The FoodSense project aims at developing a solution that will allow monitoring and controlling, in quasi-real time, the microbiological parameters of the product in the reactor of a filling line, where the ingredients of the final product are mixed, and later on in the other stages of the filling line. The solution consists of 4 components that will constitute the industrial prototype denominated the FoodSense system: 1) device with biosensor for analysis of microbiological parameters, consisting of a microfluidic module for sample preparation and dynamic and/or static modules for microbiological detection; 2) a reactor tank, where the food products remain before proceeding to the 3) 4-station automatic filler; and a 4) FoodSense Interface, composed by a management system and an intuitive interface for the user, which will include an alert system for non-compliant samples. The FoodSense project will have a significant impact on the food industry, namely with respect to monitoring and controlling food quality and safety, speed in decision making and reduction of downtime of production lines, and food safety management systems HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) implemented by the companies. This will provide a competitive added value with economic, environmental and social gains to companies that may adopt it. It will also give the AFINOMAQ company a competitive advantage, considering that by placing this innovative system on the market, it will allow it to differentiate itself from the competition, providing a new solution for both current and new customers in geographic markets such as Germany, Spain, France and the USA.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 SSHARE 871284

Self-sufficient “humidity to electricity” innovative radiant adsorption system toward net zero energy buildings. Coordinator: Andriy Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 November, 2019- 30 October, 2023

Amid rising energy prices, energy independence, and the impact of climate change, buildings are the primary consumers of energy. This underscores the importance net-zero buildings that produce as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. The EU-funded SSHARE project aims to develop innovative envelopes for buildings aimed at net zero energy, contributing significantly to European technology and creativity. Envelope is a combination of two technologies that cool or heat the building depending on the time of year using only atmospheric humidity as both thermal and electric energy supply. The goal of the SSHARE project is the development of the innovative Self-Sufficient Panels for the Buildings to address net zero energy buildings demands. Proposed solution is a combination of two breaking through technologies HUNTER-Humidity to Electricity Converter fully integrated into Advanced Radiant Panel for Buildings that controls the temperature imitating perspiration or sweating of living beings in order to cool or heat the environment inside or outside using only atmospheric humidity as source of both thermal and electrical energy to supply this panel.

Projeto M-SMART

Professor José Oliveira Santos participates in the project as promoter and Technical Director from the leading company, The Power of Touch Tecnnologies (ZFM), Lda.

The M-SMART Project - Development of multifunctional biometric technology for supporting multi-sectorial applications transversal to Madeira society in the Madeira Living Labis supported by the PROCIENCIA2020 program integrated in the System of Incentives for the Production of Scientific and Technological Knowledge in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The promoter and leader of the project is the PoTT – The Power of Touch Technologies (ZFM) company, which brings together 3 of the biggest information technology companies of the Madeira archipelago. The other participants are the UMA – Universidade da Madeira and the Tactilis, which provides the technology for card payments of the type BsoC- Biometric System on Card. It consists of a project of R&D in Biometric Safety Technology in the Living Lab of Madeira, in which the PoTT, the Tactilis with headquarters in Singapore, and the UMA develop biometric technology by using smart cards of the type “BSoC Smart Cards”, applied to e-ID digital identification, payments and health. To this end, an agreement was signed with the Regional Government to carry out multiple multi-sectorial pilot demonstration projects.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchange (SE) Call: HORIZON-MSCA-RISE-2015 NANOGUAR2AR 690968

Nanomaterials-Based Innovative Engineering Solution To Ensure Sustainable Safeguard To Indoor Air Coordinator: Svitlana Lyubchyk Starting/Ending date: 01 January, 2016- 30 December, 2019

The overall project idea is on contribution to European culture and creativity through developing technological readiness of the breakthrough engineering solution for indoor air safeguard via inter-sectoral European and international cooperation, knowledge sharing, broad skills development and mobility of researchers and innovation staff. Under NANOGUARD2AR it is expected to build new and enhance existing network of international and inter-sectoral cooperation in the form of joint research and innovation activities between the project Partners with multidisciplinary skills and complementary competences in nanomaterials, physics, civil engineering, chemical engineering, green chemistry, microbiology, environmental protection, indoor air quality control and safety. It will significantly strengthen the interaction between academic and non-academic sectors within MS/AC Countries France, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine and Third Country Belarus in the field of the innovative nanomaterials engineering application for the environmental protection. The main objectives of the NANOGUARD2AR project are to develop and design, test, validate and demonstrate an innovative nanomaterials-based “microbial free” engineering solutions and responsive system [NANOGUARD2AR system] for the indoor air safeguard to support concept of green buildings. To achieve this goal the NANOGUARD2AR project will explore the use of nanomaterials (NMs) as photosensitizers coupled with advanced air-curtains technology and innovative interactive dark operating oxidizing composite materials being able to generate adsorbed hydroxyl radicals without any external energetic excitation. The emphasis of the project activities is on the proof of the concept of the innovative nanomaterials-enhanced air-barrier engineering solution towards efficient and sustainable protection of the indoor environment from microbial contaminations (fungus, fungal propagules, bacteria, their spores and germination).

F4F Project

The F4F project has as its main objective the demonstration of innovative technologies that allow to increase the value chain of the forest sector, with particular emphasis on the pine sector. The various stages of the chain are included, from the plants to the final products. Demonstration actions are based on pilot projects and proofs of concept carried out in a real context, taking into account the various realities of the territory of the Center region. To ensure the success of the actions, all the economic agents involved in each component are involved, with a strong articulation between them, globally ranging from forestry producers to end users.

Transform

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The promotors of the Agenda TransForm firmly believe that through cooperative action the Portuguese forest sector will meet society demand contributing to a better place for living, better products from forests and a prosperous economy. Agenda TransForm is the single national initiative of agents from the forest sector, to induce the transformation of the value chains trough R&D and innovation, towards digital transition, economic resilience and carbon neutrality. The 59 participants belong to the entire forest value chain, forestry producers, companies, territorial management entities and knowledge centers. Involved entities foresee productive investments over 93 million € and investments in R&D and innovation of around 44 million € for the main forest sub-sectors in Portugal – pine, eucalyptus, and cork oak. The agenda mobilizes public and private funds for executing collective projects, enforcing a sound and circular industry. Impacts are also crucial upstream and downstream the value chain. Examples are as wide as forest management and wood supply, greener forests operations & logistics, reinforcing the forests capacity for carbon sequestration and new markets for forest products, while meeting societal demand for a non-fossil and low-carbon economy. The Agenda may provide complementary action to structural reforms foreseen in Component 8 of the PRR- Forests, under main responsibility of Public Administration. Competitiveness will be reinforced though five innovative bioproducts as outcomes from this agenda: Biofertilizers, biochemicals, new particle boards and wood materials for sustainable construction, furniture eco-design. Four new specialized services will be provided by companies specialized in IT and in forest engineering, with impact specially in the forest owners/managers, machine operators and forest service providers, including: (i) sustainable management of forests and resilience to climate change (including biodiversity and provision of other ecosystem services); (ii) data-drive services and decision support; (iii) 4HUB: digital and training hubs for the forest sector; (iv) client-centric design of plastic alternative moulds for eco-packaging. Improvements in environmental and cost efficiency aspects of core industrial and logistics processes will be attained trough the incorporation of circular economy practices and digitization. Costs savings of up to 25 million€ for 2027 and reduction of GHG emissions of up to 174.344 tons CO2 are expected in the long run. Novel productive processes will reinforce Portuguese non-wood value chains.