What is Horizon 2020?
Horizon 2020 is the European Union's largest Research and Innovation program ever, with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020). It aims to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation, and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.
Importance of Catalysis in Horizon 2020
Catalysis plays a crucial role in Horizon 2020 as it is fundamental to the development of new technologies that can address societal challenges such as energy sustainability, environmental protection, and improved industrial processes. By focusing on
innovative catalytic processes, Horizon 2020 aims to foster advancements that can lead to significant economic and environmental benefits.
Key Areas of Catalysis Research Funded
Several key areas within the field of catalysis have received funding under Horizon 2020, including: Green Catalysis: Research focused on developing eco-friendly catalysts that can reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances.
Energy Catalysis: Projects aimed at improving the efficiency of energy conversion and storage systems, such as fuel cells and batteries.
Biocatalysis: Studies on using natural catalysts, like enzymes, to carry out chemical reactions in a more sustainable manner.
Industrial Catalysis: Enhancing catalytic processes used in manufacturing to increase productivity and reduce waste.
Collaborative Projects: Funding for joint research initiatives involving multiple partners from different countries, fostering cross-border collaboration.
Individual Fellowships: Grants for researchers to carry out their work at institutions across Europe, promoting mobility and knowledge exchange.
Public-Private Partnerships: Initiatives that bring together public research bodies and private enterprises to drive innovation and commercialize research findings.
Innovation Actions: Funding for projects that are closer to the market, including demonstration activities and prototyping.
Success Stories and Impact
Horizon 2020 has led to numerous breakthroughs in catalysis. For instance, the
SUNERGY project developed novel photo-catalysts capable of converting sunlight directly into chemical energy, which has significant implications for renewable energy. Another example is the
BioCatPolymers project, which created new biocatalysts for producing biodegradable plastics, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing plastic waste.
Future of Catalysis under Horizon Europe
As Horizon 2020 transitions to its successor,
Horizon Europe (2021-2027), the emphasis on catalysis is expected to continue. This new framework program will further support cutting-edge research and innovation in catalysis, with increased funding and a stronger focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
