What is Horizon 2020?
Horizon 2020 is the largest European Union research and innovation program, with nearly €80 billion of funding available over seven years (2014 to 2020). It aims to secure Europe's global competitiveness by driving
research and innovation excellence. The program covers a wide range of disciplines, including fundamental research, industrial leadership, and societal challenges, with a significant focus on
catalysis.
Why is Catalysis Important in Horizon 2020?
Catalysis is a critical area of research in Horizon 2020 due to its pivotal role in numerous industrial processes and its potential to address key societal challenges. Catalysts are essential for the production of chemicals, fuels, and pharmaceuticals, and they contribute to environmental protection by enabling more efficient and sustainable processes. By advancing catalysis, Horizon 2020 aims to foster
green chemistry, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste production.
Homogeneous catalysis: Developing catalysts that operate in the same phase as the reactants, often in solution.
Heterogeneous catalysis: Creating solid catalysts that facilitate reactions in a different phase, typically gas or liquid.
Enzyme catalysis: Utilizing biological molecules to accelerate chemical reactions, often with high specificity and under mild conditions.
Photocatalysis: Harnessing light energy to drive chemical reactions, with applications in renewable energy and environmental cleanup.
Electrocatalysis: Enabling reactions through the application of electrical energy, crucial for energy storage and conversion technologies.
How Does Horizon 2020 Support Collaboration in Catalysis Research?
Horizon 2020 encourages collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions across Europe and beyond. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing complex challenges in catalysis. By funding
collaborative projects, the program promotes the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise, leading to significant advancements and innovative solutions. These collaborations also help bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial applications.
CHAPLIN: A project aimed at developing new catalytic processes for sustainable chemical production, focusing on the use of abundant and renewable resources.
SUNFLOWER: This project explores photocatalysis for solar fuel production, aiming to convert sunlight into chemical energy efficiently.
BIOCASCADES: An initiative to develop enzyme cascade reactions for the production of high-value chemicals, leveraging the specificity and sustainability of biocatalysts.
ELECTRA: Focused on advancing electrocatalysis for energy storage and conversion, crucial for the development of sustainable energy systems.
What Are the Future Prospects of Catalysis Research Post Horizon 2020?
As Horizon 2020 concludes, the momentum in catalysis research is expected to continue under the new Horizon Europe program (2021-2027). This successor program will build on the successes of Horizon 2020, with even greater emphasis on sustainability, climate action, and industrial innovation. The advancements made under Horizon 2020 provide a strong foundation for future breakthroughs in catalysis, driving the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive Europe.
Conclusion
Horizon 2020 has played a pivotal role in advancing catalysis research, fostering collaboration, and addressing critical societal challenges. The funding and support provided by this program have led to significant innovations and set the stage for continued progress in the field. As we move forward, the lessons learned and achievements made under Horizon 2020 will continue to influence and inspire future research and development in catalysis.
