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Activity Funded

Centre for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies

Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Mecânicas e Aeroespaciais

Reference
UIDB/00151/2020
Project Start Date
2020-01-01
Project End Date
2024-12-31
Principal Investigator
Funding Program
Concurso de avaliação no âmbito do Programa Plurianual de Financiamento de Unidades de I&D (2017/2018) - Financiamento Base

Abstract

10.2 Summary in English for general dissemination purposes The research unit "Centre for Aerospace Science and Technologies" (CAST) was created in 1994 by a group of six aerospace engineers. Now the Research Center develops studies in Energy, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within a wide spectrum of areas, from Astrodynamics to Technological Innovation. In 2013 the name of the unit was changed accordingly to the active research topics, becoming "Centre for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies" (C-MAST). The contribution of C-MAST is perfectly aligned with the strategy of UBI, and its collaborating institutions; to maintain and increase the excellence of science and technological research in the specific areas of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The centre is organized in two research groups (RG): -AeroMaS, Aerospace Materials and Structures -EnerMeF, Energy and Mechanics of Fluids and two cross-cutting thematic lines that provide cross-fertilization between the two groups: -Space Systems -Optimization of Production and Technological Innovation. AeroMaS performs research on materials and structures for aerospace with several applications for other purposes: -Space structures and systems -Composites, structures and nanotechnologies -Multifunctional materials -Sustainability and innovation EnerMeF gathers researchers working in specific topics, namely: -Optimization of Energy Systems -Heat Transfer and Thermal Systems -Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion Systems -Computational Models for Rheology and Magnetohydrodynamics/Electrohydrodynamics C-MAST main objective is to create the melting pot that helps researchers feel a motivating research environment in which they can reach their full potential. This is achieved through specific objectives: -Carrying-out high-level focused research on its strategic topics; -Promoting international research collaboration, specially through C-MAST Twinning Program, and the participation in international scientific and technological networks and cross-disciplinary project teams; -Improving the national and EU macro-regional economic development through technology transfer by maximizing companies gross added value; -Train researchers through research in ambitious master, doctorate and Post-Doc programs. -Using fully funded research contracts to promote the scientific employment and career development of a new generation of scientists; -Promote the scientific culture with outreach activities to the general public. The Strategic Plan of Development of C-MAST focuses on highly qualified human resources in the areas of its activity, as well as the intensification of research, internationalization, development of cooperation with industrial partners and dedication of additional effort to the technology transfer and communication of science. 10.3 Summary in English for evaluation The contribution of C-MAST is perfectly aligned with the strategy of UBI, and its two external collaborating institutions,; to maintain and increase the excellence of science and technology research in the areas of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The centre is organized in two research groups (RG): -AeroMaS, Aerospace Materials and Structures -EnerMeF, Energy and Mechanics of Fluids and two cross-cutting thematic lines that provide cross-fertilization between the two groups: -Space Systems -Optimization of Production and Technological Innovation C-MAST main objective is to create the melting pot that helps researchers feel a motivating research environment in which they can reach their full potential. This is achieved through specific objectives: -Carrying-out high-level focused research in its strategic topics; -Promoting international research collaboration, specially through C-MAST Twinning Program, and the participation in international scientific and technological networks and cross-disciplinary project teams; -Improving the national and EU macro-regional economic development through technology transfer by maximizing companies gross added value; -Train researchers through research in ambitious master, doctorate and Post-Doc programs. -Using fully funded research contracts to promote the scientific employment and career development of a new generation of scientists; -Promote the scientific culture with outreach activities to the general public. To achieve these objectives, the Centre joins integrated and collaborative members from several Portuguese institutions (Universities and Polytechnics), as well as researchers from another countries (e.g. U.K., Brazil, Italy, Spain, Russia, ...). Several efforts were taken to increase internationalization of the research, to promote the engagement of the Center in the international research networks, and to augment the C-MAST visibility in the modern scientific scenery through research training and qualification, the promotion of scientific employment, technology transfer and outreach activities. INTERNATIONAL IMPACT C-MAST has been actively co-organizing events with the IAF (International Astronautical Federation), was present with a stand at Aerodays 2015 in London, among others. The Center is an active member of International Research Networks, such as EASN and CYTED (Ibero-American network), and ASME among others. C-MAST researchers co-authored 175 papers with international scientists from 26 countries (e.g. U.K., Italy, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, USA,...) This cooperation has been financially supported by international research project grants from EU and other International Agencies. More recently C-MAST is promoting its International Twinning Program (ITP), this is a gemination program that aims to strengthen long lasting relations with international renowned research centers, and labs, with which C-MAST research topics are strategically aligned. RESEARCH TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION Members of C-MAST lectured in MSc, and PhD national and international programs related with Mechanical, Electromechanical, Industrial Management and Aeronautical Engineering. Supported by Erasmus, PhD and postdoc training programs, in cooperation with Portuguese language countries (e.g. Brazil, Angola) within specific projects that promote high level qualification. PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC EMPLOYMENT C-MAST assumes that the development, strengthening, renovation and sustainability of its human resources should be directly correlated with an employment strategy, in order to ensure the incorporation of highly qualified and internationally competitive scientists. This was followed in previous years and, since the last assessment in 2013, C-MAST increased by 40% the number of integrated researchers, with around 20% being young doctorates. Additional contracts are foreseen in the current proposal. C-MAST aims to stimulate the creation of jobs in science and technology, and some of his young researchers have now engaged in entrepreneurial activities, holding start-up companies. Besides, UBI is actively promoting the rejuvenation of the research staff in order to enhance its scientific research activities and technological development. C-MAST was also invited by CEIIA to cooperate in a “Laboratorio Colaborativo” for the Space area related to Azores. This multiple and collaborative partnerships will stimulate an economic, productive, social and cultural ecosystem that will promote the scientific employment of new a generations of scientists. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER This kind of activities are supported on: a) the collaboration with Proespaço - Portuguese association of the space industries; CEIIA and INFANTE consortium in the framework of a cooperation protocols; Participation in entrepreneurship activities (ESA-BIC, INESPO II); consulting activities including large-scale industry-related projects and patents registered. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES Dissemination of research between academic and general public through local and national-level initiatives, such as the “UBI Open Day”, “FCT Week of Science and Technology”, and through regular research seminars contributed to fast dissemination and many times led to thinking "out of the box", involving specialists from different scientific domains. In addition, C-MAST researchers are involved in several projects with primary and secondary schools (Ilídio Pinho Foundation) and popular contests (e.g. spaghetti bridges). The Strategic Plan of Development of C-MAST has a focus on highly qualified human resources in the areas of its activity, as well as the intensification of research, internationalization, development of cooperation with industrial partners and dedication of additional effort to the technology transfer and communication of science.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Centro da Ciências e Tecnologias Mecânicas e Aeroespaciais (C-MAST/UBI)
  • Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI)

Funding 356.250,00 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

356.250,00 €