Frequently Asked Questions
How many ESRs are in the project?
15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) have been recruited for the NanoCarb project.
How often do the ESRs meet?
ESRs meet for the consortium meeting held twice a year, in autumn and spring when the entire consortium gathers to talk about the project.
There are also two training weeks for ERS only during which ESR come together and have the possibility to be trained in a characterization technique or training about management and business.
Where can I find further information about the individual projects?
Information about the individual pojects can be found on the NanoCarb website in the ‘People’ section.
How many partners are involved in the NanoCarb project?
There are eight beneficiaries and ten partner organisations involved in NanoCarb. Further information can be found on the NanoCarb website in the ‘Network’ section.
What is Horizon 2020?
Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020).
What are Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)?
Within Horizon 2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are a set of major research fellowships created by the European Union and European Commission to support research in the European Research Area (ERA). These fellowships are among Europe’s most competitive and prestigious research and innovation awards.
Do you have social media accounts?
Yes, you can follow us from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What is the duration of the project?
The project is four years in total. The ESRs are involved in the project for three years.
Is this broad collaboration difficult and risky?
There are more advantages than difficulties. A broad collaboration allows you to study different aspects of the same subject and have multiple inputs and help.
Are you dependent on each other?
Each ESR has their own project, but the collaboration is essential to achieve the common goal of the NanoCarb project.
What is the duration of the secondments?
If the project lasts more than 18 months, secondment can be max. six months; if the project lasts less than 18 months, secondments can be max. three months. The secondment phase can be a single period or can be divided into shorter mobility periods at one or more organisation.
How many journal articles do ESRs publish as part of the project?
All ESRs are expected to each publish a minimum of three journal articles.
How many countries are involved into the project?
There are nine different countries involved: Ireland, the UK, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, and Portugal.
Why is nanotechnology so important?
Nanomaterials have unique physical and chemical properties, due to their characteristic structure, size and shape. Depending on the desired application, they can be tailored in order to interact with cells and tissue. Therefore, nanomaterials have a high potential in being used as a therapeutic tool.
Do you perform animal experiments?
Animal experimentation is strictly regulated by country-specific laws and EU laws on animal welfare. If we want to develop new medications and new treatment methods, animal experiments may only be used when no alternative methods are available. Unfortunately, living beings are so complex that it is not possible to do it without animal experiments.
Can you use alternatives to the animal use?
Reduce animal experiments by replacing them with other methods in accordance with the 3R principle (Refine, Reduce and Replace) is very important. Also, much of the medical research it is done using in vitro or ex vivo techniques.