Novel materials by design for substituting critical materials

Specific challenge:Many technologies with significant socio-economic benefits face material requirements that are, or may be, problematic due to their instable, insecure or price-volatile supply. Research is needed in particular to improve our fundamental understanding of the development of new material solutions with a reduced or completely eliminated critical content, while maintaining or enhancing the performance of the materials, components and products. Examples may be the critical raw materials (see COM(2011)25 and related documents) or those materials which may be hazardous or pose a risk to human health and/or the environment.

Scope: Proposals are called for to investigate the development of such materials by rational design, with focus on the combination of theory with large-scale computational screening. Validation by experimental methods should be included.

In line with the objectives of the Union's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation (COM(2012)497), international cooperation according to the current rules of participation is encouraged, in particular with Japan and the United States of America. The quality of the international cooperation will be rewarded in the evaluation of the proposal.

Activities expected to focus on Technology Readiness Level 3-4.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 3 and 5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact:

                   Reduced use or substitution of critical materials for well-defined technologies;

                   Improved performance of industrial products in the longer term;

                   Safer and/or more sustainable materials, components and products;

                   Contribute to achieving the EU policy COM(2011)25: Tackling the challenges in commodity markets and on raw materials; and other relevant EU policies.

                   Contribute to achieving the objectives of the EIP on Raw Materials.

Type of action: Research & Innovation Actions