The aim of DOKONARA - doctoral colloquium in sustainable spatial planning - is to provide scientific debates and an interdisciplinary dialogue on ongoing dissertations, including their research questions, theoretical backgrounds and empirical designs. Submissions from PhD candidates working in sustainability dimensions of Regional Development and Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Planning, Regional Science, Geography, Sociology, Social and Cultural Anthropology and related field.In addition DOKONARA offers an integrated definition of sustainability studies and planning studies, which a) supports PhD candidates with their dissertations in the field sustainable spatial planning b) helps PhD candidates understand what it means to work in the field of sustainable spatial planning in terms of cognitive abilities, values, and traits and skills that exposure to sustainability studies fosters c) introduces candidates to important controversies and recent advances in the field d) facilitates candidates ability to think critically about real-world problems and intellectual questions that span a range of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields e) introduces an environment that enables Candidates to assess the quality of work in the field of sustainable planning work by others as well their own f) integrates discussions concerning intellectual autobiographies, PhD candidates portfolios and service learning g) presents material that is consistent with a constructivist and pragmatic approach to researching and h) prepares PhD candidates for future challenges

The terahertz (THz) frequency region within the electromagnetic spectrum, covers a frequency range of about one hundred times that currently occupied by all radio, television, cellular radio, Wi-Fi, radar and other users and has proven and potential applications ranging from molecular spectroscopy through to communications, high resolution imaging (e.g. in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors) and security screening. Yet, the underpinning technology for the generation and detection of radiation in this spectral range remains severely limited, being based principally on Ti:sapphire (femtosecond) pulsed laser and photoconductive detector technology, the THz equivalent of the spark transmitter and coherer receiver for radio signals. The THz frequency range therefore does not benefit from the coherent techniques routinely used at microwave/optical frequencies. Our programme grant will address this. We have recently demonstrated optical communications technology-based techniques for the generation of high spectral purity continuous wave THz signals at UCL, together with state-of-the-art THz quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology at Cambridge/Leeds. We will bring together these internationally-leading researchers to create coherent systems across the entire THz spectrum. These will be exploited both for fundamental science (e.g. the study of nanostructured and mesoscopic electron systems) and for applications including short-range high-data-rate wireless communications, information processing, materials detection and high resolution imaging in three dimensions.

The proposed research effort provides methods for a faster and more efficient development process of safety- or operation-critical cyber-physical systems in (partially) unknown environments. Cyber-physical systems are very hard to control and verify because of the mix of discrete dynamics (originating from computing elements) and continuous dynamics (originating from physical elements). We present completely new methods for de-verticalisation of the development processes by a generic and holistic approach towards reliable cyber-physical systems development with formal guarantees. In order to guarantee that specifications are met in unknown environments and in unanticipated situations, we synthesise and verify controllers on-the-fly during system execution. This requires to unify control and verification approaches, which were previously considered separately by developers. For instance, each action of an automated car (e.g. lane change) is verified before execution, guaranteeing safety of the passengers. We will develop completely new methods, which are integrated in tools for modelling, control design, verification, and code generation that will leverage the development towards reliable and at the same time open cyber-physical systems. Our approach leverages future certification needs of open and critical cyber-physical systems. The impact of this project is far-reaching and long-term: UnCoVerCPS prepares the EU to be able to develop critical cyber-physical systems that can only be realised and certified when uncertainties in the environment are adequately considered. This is demonstrated by applying our ground-breaking methods to automated vehicles, human-robot collaborative manufacturing, and smart grids within a consortium that has a balanced participation of academic and industrial partners.

MENS is a project conceived in order to provide an enhance the NZEB skills of building managers such as engineers and architect through a series of accredited training activities developed by 9 universities and 3 market players. MENS aims: - To increase the knowledre and skills of at least 1800 building managers (engineers, architects) in NZEB design and construction, out of which 50% would be women or unemployed. - To create and implement a new education and training program for such professionals in 10 countries, under the European Qualifications Framework provisions and based on desired and common learning outcomes of Level 7. - To create and implement an innovative, interdisciplinary education and training program with an integrated approach, focusing on real case studies - To accredit courses using the formal procedure in each country and assign ECTS credits. - To enhance and support the development of a professional network in Europe specifically focused on retrofitting of housing stocks towards NZEB. A connection with over 250,000 stakeholders and market players. - To provide working opportunities to unemployed professionals, by bringing them closer to possible employers and improving their qualifications, at a percentage of 30% of those attending. - To continue the education and training courses for at least 5 years after the end of the project based on concrete sustainability plans agreed by University partners. - To result in energy savings and/or increased use of renewables of at least 28,96 GWh/year. MENS is developed through 3 sets of training activities: national accreditation professional courses; e- learning and webinars: and case studies experiences around Europe and it involves involves major universities and stakeholders either directly or as Associated Partners engaged with LOS. MENS finally benefits from a strong media promotional activity through a wide network of local TVs and RTBF.