 |
 Workpackages Evaluation and Development Strategy for PPIMC (WP1) The activities under this WP are intended to highlight areas for further improvement within the PPIMC and are focused on internal activities, infrastructure and human resource potential. The research strategy to be established together with the outstanding personalities of the International Advisory Board (IAB) will define the future research profile of PPIMC, concentrating on high added value multifunctional polymers with applications in medicine, environment protection or as electro- and photoactive materials. A coherent strategy will optimize PPIMC response to wider societal and economic needs. PPIMC Research Integration and Networking (WP2)This area of activity focuses on the development of the PPIMC research capability. Short research stages of experienced scientists from abroad, active not only in chemistry but also in biology, medicine, materials science will stimulate the implementing of top level research topics and will strengthen the inter-sectorial and interdisciplinary dimension of the research to be performed. Visits of PPIMC researchers in laboratories abroad in order to prepare joint RTD proposals will widen the worldwide connections of the Institute and will allow the acquiring of new skills and expertise not only in new research topics but also in research management, international cooperation, results dissemination etc. The immediate impact will be on PPIMC personnel who will become better informed technically; will obtain peer recognition outside the country and will through travel and contacts become more knowledgeable of life in the wider European community. In addition, we anticipate increased participation in various funded projects through closer cooperation with other ‘like minded’ partners within Romania and Europe, thus succeeding in raising the national profile abroad. To summarize, this WP will result in: » exchange of ideas between people of like mind and development of new skills and knowledge » sharing of newly acquired knowledge within the Institute and externally with all interested parties » development of new and innovative topics for ongoing research » increased networking opportunities and new contacts in the wider international scientific and business community » recognising and developing opportunities for new joint RTD proposals either nationally or through the auspices of the EU, EBRD, World Bank, etc. » development of invaluable and long term contacts as well as ‘voices of support’ for the PPIMC in its long term aspirations. Improving PPIMC Research Capacity (WP3)This WP is concerned with improving the RTD capacity of PPIMC through hiring young scientists, training of young people (PhD students and post-doctoral researchers) and upgrading/renewal of S&T equipment. The in-house teaching activity (provided by world-class scientists from abroad and senior researchers from PPIMC) as well as the new PhD programs containing visits of PhD students in foreign laboratories will strongly increase the capabilities of human resources in the Centre and in the country. These training activities will present different aspects of high level research performed in EU countries; will involve the PhD students in interdisciplinary research; will increase the interest of the young generation toward the scientific careers. The following benefits will appear from this activity: » a focused recruitment policy supported at national level; it is anticipated that the ‘knock-on’ effects of this policy would be to influence and encourage other scientific institutions to address similar issues, thereby creating even greater job opportunities in the scientific field; the research staff of the Institute will be rejuvenated through the Project » greater improvements in educational programmes for PhD students resulting in a higher level of expertise, a deeper understanding of their subjects and a bigger awareness of life and cultures in the expanded European Community » visiting Fellows from abroad will not only increase the expertise of PPIMC students through ‘free and frank’ discussions, lectures and seminars and sharing of knowledge, but will also understand and experience the culture and traditions of the country which play an integral and vital role in the integration process » upgraded/new equipment combined with new research techniques and ideas will: - stimulate greater interest in research activities in-house and in the wider scientific environment and will also make the PPIMC a ‘must visit’ destination for other European scientists - increase opportunities for joint EU wide RTD development proposals - encourage the business community to engage the Institute in new and innovative research projects for the benefit of the wider community and economic development of the country. Modernising the Administrative Structure and Working Environment within PPIMC (WP4)The development of support functions within the Institute so as to sustain the new structure and smooth progress under the Project is considered as an indispensable task. The hiring and training of young people for newly organized office will rejuvenate the administrative staff and will reinforce the research-related administrative capacity of PPIMC. The actions planned for improving the salary structure and living conditions as indicated in WP4 will significantly influence the standard of living for some younger students. At national level RAINS will attack the main weaknesses evidenced in the Romania Country Report 2003 related to science and research: difficulties in implementing of science and research activities; reduced participation in the Framework Programmes; reduced cooperation between RTD performers and enterprises; bad management/administration of R&D activity and of budgetary funds. To achieve a strong impact of Project results, an active dissemination work (organization of international symposia, workshops, training seminars, Project website, face-to-face contacts with industrial groups, general information through media) is planned. The key impact under this action will be felt by target groups (RTD performers - universities, other research centres, SMEs or other companies), as well as by the general public. An important way to disseminate and exploit the results of the Project consists in organizing training seminars dedicated to our regional/national partners for acquiring new skills and knowledge related to the use of modern instrumentation and methodologies available in PPIMC. This activity will result in the creation of a multi-user laboratory that will insure the lasting of project results after the end of EC financing. All activities within the Project are carried out in cooperation with associate European partners, which are not Project partners but are actively involved in RAINS development. Their implication gives a European dimension to RAINS and promotes the integration of PPIMC and its national network into the ERA. The disseminating activities of WP5 will be sustained by the existing partnerships in the European Networks of Excellence Nano2Life and Polysaccharides. Joint RTD proposals will contribute to the direct implication of PPIMC in solving scientific, technological and societal problems at European level. The teaching activity provided by world-class scientists at the Institute as well as the new PhD programs involving visits of PhD students to laboratories abroad will strongly increase the capabilities of human resources in the country, accommodating the new generation to European rules, exigencies, opportunities. All these achievements will increase competitiveness at European market level, while meeting the requirements of sustainable development. Further longer term benefits for Europe from this project will be to achieve a critical mass of S&T capacities in a candidate country that will join the European family in the near future. Dissemination of project results (WP5)Objectives: » Promote the achievements under the RAINS Project through website, workshops and media coverage » Strengthen the connection with education and business sectors in order to increase the RTD potential of the NE Region and of the country » Share the knowledge and skills acquired including the use of new equipment with regional partners » Improve the perception of the general public and in particular women towards science and chemistry. Project Management (WP6)Objectives: » Ensure an efficient and timely management of the Project evidenced by Reports, Deliverables and Milestones and Project audit. |
