Requested budget: 3.399.000 EUR

Data accessibility plays an increased role in humanities and represents the core of research and social innovation processes. Open data access offers a unique scientific opportunity to scholars who would otherwise have a difficult access to the data sets or would not be able to cumulate the critical mass of information needed to conduct a high quality research. Research in humanities produces process and state descriptions a society; it focuses on a better understanding of social processes that have always included intercultural communication. Therefore we believe that assessment of the issues associated with intercultural communication in the relations between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean is an important prerequisite for further steps of the EU integration, as well as for future policy making, which is often clearer if the historical expertise is taken into account. When dealing with complex discourses, such as othering and the power manipulation with representations, the range of accessible sources is extremely important. Phenomena of othering and power manipulation are very pervasive and have impact in various socio-cultural processes. In order to identify and understand complex cultural issues and their own solving mechanisms, the contemporary historical, comparative research needs internationally accessible data. CERENE aims at providing an open access to and preserve materials concerning Central and South-Eastern European relations (with a specific focus on the countries of the former Hapsburg Monarchy) towards the Islamic Mediterranean (on the example of Egypt, an anomalous province of the Ottoman Empire). Emphasis will be put on the key era of the “long nineteenth century” (1798-1914), with relevant extensions. In order to achieve a broad data accessibility, an electronic archive.

Applicant: Charles University

Requested budget: 1.304.000 EUR

The overall objective of the COSARS project is to develop a new building system based on an alternative sustainable construction material using the mixture of wood waste and other locally available biomass waste (technical hemp, juta fibres etc.). Such material will benefit from favourable construction qualities, light weight, and low environmental impact. The new material will combine traditional cement binder or alkali activated binder (geopolymer) with biomass chips. Apart from the stability and durability provided by binder, the biomass component will have positive effects on insulation and air humidity regulation qualities. Recycling of the wood and other biomass waste is better solution than burning process. Recycling of the wood, a usual by-product of the construction supply chain, represents another positive aspect of this project, as it allows cost saving both for the waste producers (in terms of free of charge recycling) and for its recipients (in terms of a reasonable price for a part of their product material).

Applicant: Brno University of Technology

Requested budget: 2.231.693 EUR

The IncoNet CA project aim is to support the advancement of the bi-regional STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) policy dialogue between the EU Member States/Associated Countries and Central Asia, with an explicit focus on the Societal Challenges that had been identified to be of mutual interest for the two regions, namely: Climate Change, Energy and Health. In particular the project strove to identify actions and stakeholders and implement innovative pilot activities to strengthen the coordination and impact of the individual actions. In terms of policy dialogue, the project provided analytical evidence and monitoring to feed the dialogue and to support joint agenda setting. A policy mix peer review was be implemented along with capacity building activities with an emphasis on the promotion of innovation. More specifically, the project aimed to establish links with the EU technology platforms allowing mutual learning and exchange of best practices for enhanced public-private partnerships between the two regions. In addition, support to FP contacts was provided to strengthen their role and to adapt their functioning to the challenges of Horizon 2020. The project built on the experience of its predecessor IncoNet CA/SC and developed synergies with its sister project IncoNet EaP, which will continue until December 2016.

Applicant: Instytut Podstawowych Problemow Techniki Polskiej Akademii Nauk