Euradwaste '08 - EU Bookshop - Europa

mental solid state physics and chemistry in the gas phase and in solution. Apart from a general introduction
to calculation methods and actinide-specific approximation techniques, experimental results
on speciation processes were discussed. The lectures on theory were combined with computer
exercises on small applications.
3.3. Joint Research Projects
3.3.1. Research Areas
The NoE ACTINET covers three main research areas in actinide sciences. The first area “Partitioning
Chemistry of Actinides and Basic Actinide Sciences” includes fundamental chemistry and physics
of actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle, but also issues like partitioning. The research area “Actinides
in the Geological Environment” concerns the behaviour of actinides in waste disposal systems
and, hence, contributes to the long-term safety assessment. The area of “Actinide Materials under
and after Irradiation” focuses on fuel matrices for advanced reactors or transmutation facilities, but
also on aspects of long-term interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. These research areas are coordinated
by working groups, with the responsible scientists coming from ITU (area 1), from FZK-INE
(area 2), and from CEA (area 3). It is the task of the groups to stimulate joint R&D projects, to support
and coordinate the development of project proposals, and to identify and integrate new issues.
3.3.2. Funding of Joint Research Projects
The most important instrument of the NoE ACTINET to integrate European actinide research is the
joint definition and execution of research projects using the pool facilities. Calls for proposals are
made by ACTINET two times per year in May and December. The proposal must be submitted by
at least two members of the consortium from different European countries. Funds are not granted
for labour costs, but for integration and mobility, i.e. to cover expenses of travelling and accommodation
to/at other research institutions. In particular, integration and mobility of young scientists is
supported. The first call was published in May 2004 (a couple of months after the implementation
of the Network), and the eighth call had its deadline in December 2007.
Proposals of joint research projects are collected by the executive committee via the coordinator of
ACTINET and handed over to the scientific advisory committee (SAC). The SAC reviews the proposals
from the scientific point of view and ranks them in three classes from scientifically excellent
to unacceptable. A project proposal may also not be accepted, because it is outside the scope and
goal of ACTINET or because it does not fulfil the integration requirements. Based on the SAC
evaluation, the executive committee decides on the acceptance and funding of the proposals.
A total of approximately 150 proposals have been received, and reviewed by the Scientific Advisory
Committee. Among these proposals, 83 research projects have been selected by the Executive
Committee, ranging from instrumentation to quantum chemistry, from solution chemistry to the
physics of irradiated actinide materials. For these projects, access is given to the requested pooled
facilities, and support is given for mobility, accommodation, sample transports. A list of approved
projects and more information on each project may be found on the internet (http://www.actinetnetwork.org/joint_projects.)
A new instrument to enhance integration and mobility that has been available since the 5th call for
proposals for ACTINET: specific funding of excellent young scientists by grants. These grants are
given within the framework of joint research projects and are subject to prior scientific evaluation.
The grants have one year duration. 13 fellowships have been granted.
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