Eight years ago, conflicts in the Middle East drove migration across Europe to a level not seen since World War II. Decision makers at local, national and European level had to adapt quickly, and created a vast range of new tools and approaches to integrate refugees. The SPRING project enables decision makers to identify best practices from that era that can help them face the migration challenges of today.
Migrants and fragile communities often feel ostracised from the societies in which they live. The EU-funded MEMEX project helped communities at risk of sociocultural exclusion tell their stories through augmented reality. Similar projects could help social integration across Europe.
Europe faces an influx of refugees, part of the 16 million plus people worldwide experiencing protracted displacement. The EU-funded TRAFIG project developed solutions better tailored to the needs and capacities of displaced persons. The work is already helping displaced people thrive in their new homes.
Most stars today can be found in giant, dead ellipticals which have long been considered by scientists the end of an evolutionary line for galaxies. How these galaxies formed and died so quickly has been an open question. The ConTExt project provides an explanation that is already paving the way to a new generation of astronomical studies.
Scientists are working to understand novel fundamental properties of sound to improve acoustic technologies. The EU-funded PHONOMETA project turned to quantum physics to pioneer a new class of acoustic mesoscopic materials. The research could improve our understanding of sound and also lead to new camouflage technologies.
Despite a long history of scientific achievements, women remain acutely under-represented in scientific research and academia. By promoting the use of Gender Equality Plans, the EU-funded SUPERA project aimed to address the inequalities, stereotypes and discrimination that contribute to this shortfall. As a result, several institutions have already started to close their gender gap.
Understanding how the brain regulates bodily functions is critical for tackling metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The EU-funded WATCH project is shedding light on the molecular mechanisms that underpin this process. The work supports novel therapies that could benefit citizens affected by Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and COVID-19.
Ancient European hunter-gatherers have been characterised as mainly meat eaters. Yet the EU-funded HIDDEN FOODS project unearthed clear evidence that they in fact routinely ate plant-based foods. This suggests that alongside protein and fat, glucose was potentially key to the survival of the ancestors of European citizens.
Many fear that automation could lead to severe unemployment and that our education systems are not fit for purpose. To address these concerns, the EU-funded TECHNEQUALITY project is examining the potential social consequences of our digital age. The findings could help governments to devise policies that maximise economic growth to benefit citizens, whilst mitigating potential social harm.
Until electric cars and other energy-efficient innovations are practical and affordable to all, the internal combustion engine will continue to be widely used, with the consequent greenhouse gas emissions. To help reduce pollution levels, EU-funded researchers have developed new laser ignition techniques, which have the potential to make combustion engines far more energy-efficient.
