Tyndall National Institute will play a major role in two projects selected for funding through the 2024 HORIZON Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme.
Dr Daniela Iacopino, of Tyndall’s Nanotechnology Group, is set to coordinate FERNS, a €4.1 million pan-European initiative that will train 15 doctoral researchers to embed circular approaches into electronics design. FERNS supports the EU’s Green and Digital transition goals, aiming to redefine how future electronic products are conceived and created.
The project will incorporate eco-design and co-creation in the electronic products development phase; develop novel sustainable materials and integration processes for next generation sustainable electronics, targeting three specific application areas (Fitness, Short Use Health, and Farming); create novel models promoting societal and economical acceptance and appropriation of sustainable electronics.
Dr Iacopino commented,
FERNS addresses the need to train next generation material scientists, engineers, and social scientists in the use of natural materials and low-cost fabrication techniques to make future sustainable electronics. This holistic approach is necessary to dismantle the linear economic model of make, use, dispose and to promote circularity, in support of EU and national environmental policies, enforcements and ambitions
In the same funding round, Tyndall’s Dr Kafil M. Razeeb will participate as a beneficiary partner in the MGICIAN project, Magnesium Alloys for Efficient Solid-State Cooling. MGICIAN was awarded €682,174 to develop an immersive, interdisciplinary, inter-sectorial, and international research and training program and provide training and mentoring to 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in cutting-edge research and innovation in thermoelectric-based solid-state cooling for a low-carbon, sustainable future.
Both projects were awarded under the prestigious MSCA Doctoral Networks, which promote structured PhD training through partnerships across academia, industry, and research organisations. Learn more about the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Networks programme here.
