The overall aim of MVDC-ERS is to investigate the next generation railway electrification systems, DC power electronic traction transformers and technologies for integrating renewable sources, to challenge the traditional rail approach to develop innovative and breakthrough technological concepts. The key objectives of the project are to: RO1: To introduce new high-efficiency topologies of power conversion systems to convert medium-voltage AC power into medium-voltage DC power with the capability of limiting the short-circuit current. RO2: To introduce high-power density topologies of power converters for on-board DC transformers. RO3: To investigate the impact of the forthcoming wide band-gap semiconductor devices in terms of efficiency and voltage level for the converters of the feeder stations and in terms of weight and volume for the traction converters. RO4: To understand how the new railway electrification system should be controlled and protected when renewable power sources are integrated. RO5: To understand how on-board energy storage can be exploited and how it can optimise the operations of the network. RO6: To work with industrial stakeholders to investigate the marketability of the new electrification system and trains.

BIGALPS aims at creating a market breakthrough in the soil stabilization field by offering a unique bio-technology for soil treatment, a complete environmentally friendly solution with the capacity to treat some of the most critical soil stability problems related to current societal challenges (landslides, erosion, foundation soil stabilization, etc.). Bio-cementation is an innovative nature-inspired soil improvement technique, based on the metabolic activity of microorganisms to produce calcium carbonate that binds the soil particles together. The technology has the potential to substitute energy-intensive and polluting soil improvement methods currently available that are hazardous to the natural environment, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The project builds up on two previous ERC projects (Advanced ERC and Proof of Concept) that allowed among others the development of three patents. BIGALPS is the natural continuation of previous accomplishments and will further mature and validate the bio-cementation technology to achieve full compatibility with real environment, existing norms and industry standards while explore the most efficient business model. The work will address two interconnected objectives: (1) mature and validate the bio-cementation technology in solving real engineering problems related to current society needs (landslides, erosion and foundation soil stabilization) and (2) achieve the market uptake as an alternative to traditional cement-based soil improvement techniques. Three pilot sites will be used to mature and demonstrate the technology in real environment as well as to introduce the technology in specific markets of Europe with direct feedback and help from main players of the industry. The goal is to have a market-ready solution which will be investment ready and “de-risked” to ultimately create a market breakthrough and grow into the next big thing in geo-technical and geo-environmental engineering.

"We believe that peer learning, i.e. learning with and from each other, is one of the most important forms of learning. The aim of the XP2P-project is to implement peer-to-peer learning during a semester/module for post-graduate students in mechatronics, connected to the implementation of a suitable Competency Portfolio Assessment for guidance and documentation of the progress. Project-based learning in combination with this innovative approach on peer-to-peer learning will allow the students to acquire improved cross-functional skills such as:- social skills (coordinating with others, negotiation, persuasion, training and teaching others), - resource management skills (management of materials resources, time management),- systems skills (judgement and decision-making, systems analysis), - technical skills.Mechatronics is usually defined as a synergistic and integrated process of several sciences and skills (among which control and computer sciences, electronics, mechanics). It allows to conceive products and systems with augmented or improved functionality and it requires to consider the conception of the product or system in its overall lifecycle in a cooperative interdisciplinary approach.With the learning methodology examined in XP2P, peer-to-peer learning can act as a motivational instrument to gradually enhance the interest of current and future engineering students in mechatronics. The expected impact of the XP2P-project on our organisations is to gradually loosen itself from traditional teaching patterns and show possibilities beyond. On the market, different models of peer learning already exist. One of them is the model in which senior students tutor junior students. Another one is formation of partnerships in which students in the same year assist each other. Other models involved discussion seminars, private study groups, a buddy system or counselling, peer assessment schemes, collaborative project or laboratory work, projects in different sized (cascading) groups, workplace mentoring and community activities [D. Boud, ""Making the move to peer learning""].Our project proposal involves the set-up of innovative learning and teaching practice in mechatronics at master level. Special attention is given to the documentation and guidance of the learning process by a Competency Portfolio Assessment. To meet this need, our consortium aims at setting up peer-to-peer learning and project-based learning during a study semester/module thanks to collaborative projects proposed by partners’ staffs or by their partner companies. This study semester/module is one of the Intellectual Outputs of the project. Peer learning is an active learning method, and a student-centered instructional method in which students learn from each other. In our project, peer-to-peer learning (and teaching) will take place between master’s students themselves as they originate from different scientific background (mechanics, electronics, control science, computer science, mechatronics) and from different countries. 30 ECTS will be allotted to the semester, 10 to 20 ECTS being devoted to peer-to-peer learning (10 ECTS for HSKL and UTCN, and 20 ECTS for USMB). Peer-to-peer learning will take place in every learning mode and will use digital platforms such as Moodle and OLAT.Linked to this aim, our objective is first the integration of didactic tools and methods in the context of peer-to-peer teaching and learning through project-based learning, customization of learning pathways and their corresponding teaching and assessment methods as well as the definition of the corresponding relevant reference competency framework in mechatronics. We identify 3 target groups in our project. First, the master students in mechatronics involved in this programme will gain skills and competencies positive for their employability and for their potential employers. Second, the involved teaching staffs will increase their teaching skills by facing this challenging way of student-centered teaching, by working in crossed environment: several disciplines and students from different countries with different backgrounds and “student cultures”. Third, employers and laboratories will benefit from the increased competencies of graduated students in complex and collaborative problem solving. As a result, the institutions involved in the project will gain a strategic expertise in mechatronics peer-to-peer teaching and learning on a European scale. The international perspective will be necessary to implement and validate different ways of teaching and of learning and to obtain generic results which will be transferable in other higher education institutions.Finally, it is our goal to widely share the results of the XP2P-project into the academic community as part of our individual strategies for improving the universities’ reputation."