CPLS - Creative & Professional Language Specialists

Researchers at the University of Reading have found that a soft and squidgy water-rich gel is not only able to play the video game Pong, but gets better at it over time. The findings come almost two years after brain cells in a dish were taught how to play the 1970s classic, a result the researchers involved said showed “something that resembles intelligence.” As The Guardian reports, the work could offer a simpler way to develop algorithms for #neuralnetworks – models that underpin #AI systems, including #ChatGPT – noting that at present they are based on how biological structures work.

Due to the increase in the use of plastics, the formation of #microplastics in the environment is rising. However, the impact of these tiny #plastic particles is not yet included in environmental and #sustainability analyses. TNO is changing this using a new method. The new method calculates in a lifecycle analysis how many microplastics are released during the production, use and disposal of a specific type of plastic. Anna Schwarz, one of the lead researchers, explains how this method works and what the implications are for future environmental analyses.

At the heart of #diversity is the cultivation of #equality, openness, and a sense of belonging. These fundamental principles are also important in the ITEA Community, often referred to as the ITEA Family. The term ‘family’ conveys notions of inclusivity, support, and connection. Within the ITEA Community, innovative ideas thrive in an open and familial culture; individuals of different nationalities, cultures, levels of experience, and backgrounds come together, stimulating each other to create impactful innovations. Exemplifying this commitment to diversity is the ITEA project VMAP (2017-2020), which united individuals from #Germany, #Canada, #Belgium, the #Netherlands, #Switzerland, and #Austria. On behalf of the ITEA Office, we spoke to project leaders Klaus Wolf and Priyanka Gulati of Fraunhofer SCAI on how inclusivity and diversity drove innovation and contributed to their project and beyond.

In 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the #USA announced its Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization competition whereby scientists could submit new #encryption methods that are resistant to #quantum attacks. 82 proposals were submitted and, in 2022, four were selected for standardization and widescale use. Now, NIST has published the standards for three of these methods; one method, known as SPHINCS+, was co-developed by Eindhoven University of Technology researchers Andreas Hülsing – who also led the proposal – and Tanja Lange.

In February, we had the pleasure of attending the ECS Brokerage Event in #Brussels. In bringing together the members of the three industry associations – AENEAS Association, EPoSS Association and Inside Industry Association – this annual gathering connects the #ECS community and sets the ball rolling on proposals and consortia that will mould the contours of research and development. This year’s Brokerage was particularly noteworthy as the first to take place since the launch of the Chips Joint Undertaking (JU). For a comprehensive look at what this means for the future of technological innovation in #Europe, take a look at this article that we co-wrote on behalf of Inside.

The #Netherlands lags seriously behind most #EU countries when it comes to #genderequality among professors. And for a long time, Eindhoven University of Technology lagged behind even other Dutch institutions. The figures were startling: 12% of full professors and 16% of associate professors were women in 2017. The university turned to a more radical approach: making all vacancies for academic staff open only to women for six months, after which, men would be welcome to apply too. A fellowship was also created. The newly accepted scientists were given a mentor and €100,000 to set up a lab. Five years later, it's good to see the story being noticed outside of the Netherlands with this story in The Guardian!

We must overhaul how we produce, transport, store and use #energy. This requires scalable technologies and an adaptive energy system. But we also face key challenges, such as infrastructure upgrades, material shortages, financial investments and #cybersecurity risks. Do we need a more system-wide approach? How do we tackle these issues? To discuss this, Eindhoven Engine will welcome EIRES – Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems Managing Director Mark Boneschanscher to their next Thematic Session on Thursday 26 September at 0.35 Disruptor on the Eindhoven University of Technology Campus. There, he will present the current status and promising paths forward, emphasizing the crucial role of the #manufacturing industry in shifting from energy as a commodity to energy devices as a commodity.

In industries that produce #steel and other metal products, achieving optimal heating and quality control is crucial for ensuring efficient production. The Furnace Optimisation Control System (FOCS), co-developed by Prevas AB and Swerim AB together with industry organisations in #Sweden, offers advanced features such as precise temperature calculations, zone temperature control, and intelligent pacing control. About 90% of all steel produced in #Scandinavia is heated in furnaces controlled by FOCS and the implementation on an existing furnace can typically lead to 5-10% #energy savings. However, even with such capabilities, challenges like skid marks (insufficiently heated spots) on reheated slabs in walking beam furnaces persist, causing quality issues during subsequent hot rolling processing. On behalf of the ITEA Office, we helped edit this article outlining a use-case of the VMAP analytics projects that addressed the skid mark problem by developing a new numerical simulation tool as a new feature in FOCS. The new FOCS solution is a specialised 3D model to handle skid marks during slab heating. This model works online with the factory machine, accurately calculating temperature differences and quickly quantifying the skid mark effects. Subsequently, FOCS can account for the defects and adjust the furnace to avoid making skid marks.

For Foodvalley NL, we recently had the opportunity to proofread an insightful article on the transformative role of Shared Facilities in the #food and #agriculture sector. The piece explores how these collaborative spaces are driving innovation, fostering partnerships and accelerating #sustainability. Take a look!

In de nieuwe podcastserie van Het Financieele Dagblad, praten FD-journalisten Bert van Dijk en Pieter Couwenbergh over de vraag of #Nederland is vastgelopen en hoe het weer verder moet. In deze aflevering spreken zij met Robert-Jan Smits, voorzitter van het College van Bestuur van Eindhoven University of Technology. In het gesprek analyseert hij het succes van #Brainport. Welke lessen kan Nederland trekken uit de prestaties van #Eindhoven en de bedrijven daar? Wat vraagt dat aan samenwerking? En wil de rest van het land eigenlijk wel luisteren?