Integrating a thermoelectric (TE) module into a PV module can convert the accumulated heat of the PV into electricity, thus increasing electricity yield of the unit. A traditional spectrum integration PV-TE unit, by coupling the equal sized TE and PV modules, can harvest 30% more electricity than the PV unit alone. However, the pair-arrangement between the PV and TE modules appears to be economically unfeasible, owing to the significantly higher cost and lower power output of the TE module. By introducing a low cost and high efficiency micro-channel heat pipe (MCHP) and placing the PV onto the evaporator of the MCHP and TE underneath its condenser, the system’s cost will be significantly reduced while its power output remains almost same as to the pair-arranged PV-TE system. The proposed MSCA programme aims to characterise and optimise the novel PV-TE-MCHP, by integrating the excellence of the host applicant in PV and MCHP and the expertise of the researcher applicant in TE, solar energy and heat transfer technology, and by sharing the knowledge of both the host and researcher applicants in PV/T and computer simulation. The tasks involved include (a) conceptual design; (b) computer modelling/optimisation; (c) prototype construction & testing; and (d) economic and environmental performance analyses. As a result, the programme will deliver a novel PV-TE-MCHP prototype that, compared to the existing PV-TE systems, has a significantly lower cost while the electrical output remains the same. From the MSCA point of view, the project will attract an experienced researcher with particular knowledge in PV/T, TE and computer simulation into Europe. This will (a) achieve transfer of knowledge from outside into Europe, thus helping growing EU’s knowledge-based economy and society; (b) develop a long term contact network among the researcher, host organisation, partner organisation and other associated institutions; and (c) enable advanced training to the researcher.

Ocean acidification represents one of many severe global consequences of climate change. Increased atmospheric CO2 has already lowered the pH of oceans from 8.2 to 8.07 since the beginning of the industrial revolution and a pH of 7.7 is predicted by year 2100 with an increase in daily pH fluctuations. Past research focused mainly on the impact of lower pH on calcifying species and the process of biomineralization. Another potential and poorly understood impact of ocean acidification is the disruption of chemical communication within and between species. Chemical communication is important for finding mating partners or for the detection of preys and predators and its alteration in lower pH could have dramatic consequences on marine communities. AcidICC proposes a systematic study of the effect of ocean acidification on chemical communication in an experimentally tractable laboratory model species, the globally distributed marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii. The project will combine chemical analyses, behavioral assays, electrophysiology, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to study the production and detection of the sperm release pheromone (uric acid) in P. dumerilii and how these change in low pH. To study under controlled conditions a characterized receptor-ligand pair involved in chemical communication, this project aims to identify the P. dumerilii receptor for uric acid. This study will help to better predict how ocean acidification impacts marine communities by modifying their chemical communication. With AcidICC, VM will learn to design, manage and carry out a complex interdisciplinary project and broaden her knowledge on chemical ecology in marine species, being supervised by Prof. Hardege (UHull) and during secondments by Prof. Jekely (Exeter). The fellowship would pave the way for her to become a leading researcher in ocean acidification and climate change to obtain an independent position at a leading academic institution in the future.

1st year is the PG Diploma and research and Industry preparation Years 2-4 are a PhD at one of the CDT universities

1st year is the PG Diploma and research and Industry preparation Years 2-4 are a PhD at one of the CDT universities

Acute wound healing involves a tightly regulated cascade of cellular signalling and functional events. Deterioration at any stage of this sophisticated system can lead to healing impairment and chronic, non-healing wounds. Chronic wounds, which are prevalent in the elderly and diabetic, are a global socioeconomic burden and remain a major area of clinical unmet need. Improved understanding of the cellular and molecular aetiology of chronic wounds is essential to develop new therapies. The aim of this projcet is to explore the role of cellular senescence and the metallome in governing normal and pathological wound repair.