Introduction

In 2016, India spent 0.85% of its GDP on research and development. Although this may lag
behind some of the research commitments of its Asian neighbours, (China spent 1.98% and
South Korea lead the region with a significant investment of 4% of its GDP), it still
represents a non-trivial funding amount of ~$70 Billion annually. In recent years, Indian
Research Institutes have significantly increased their influence in global rankings for research
output, with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) now ranking 41 globally, and in the top
10 in the Asia-Pacific region [1].

DST Funding Overview

In this post, we’re focussing on funding opportunities from the Indian Department of Science
and Technology (DST). The department has a multi-functional role that includes setting
scientific policy, advising the government, supporting its 21 research institutions and
promoting emerging areas of science and technology (S&T). Additionally, together with its
subsidiary body — the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), it allocates S&T
research grants within its funding criteria to undertake research at its institutions and beyond.
Note, there are several other Indian governmental departments, including the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), that also support grants in scientific research fields. The full list of all
departments can be found here.

The funding focus available from the DST in India falls into the following 6 broad categories:
Scientific & engineering research; technology development; international S&T cooperation;
S&T socio-economic programmes; technology missions division and women scientists
programmes.

There initiatives and projects funded in these categories are diverse. Some examples include:
the technology mission division supporting solar energy research though a dedicated Clean
Energy Research Initiative (CERI); women scientists programmes providing funding for
those women returning to work after career breaks; the technology development funding a
new quantum computation and communication systems project.

Calls for proposals have a definitive submission deadline and those currently available can be
found listed at http://www.dst.gov.in/call-for-proposals. Announcements, in the form of
ongoing funding opportunities are also invited throughout the year, with no definitive
deadline, and are available here. The format and requirements for funding applications differ
and researchers should play close attention to the guidelines stipulated in the individual call
or announcement.The DST has adopted an electronic project management system portal (e-
PMS) for the online submission of research proposals. Researchers are required to register on
the portal (onlinedst.gov.in) and then upload the proposal in the given format specified in the
call.

Proposals will be sent to at least three peer reviewers selected by DST. Applicants can
nominate three reviewers and the DST guarantees to select at least one of these, subject to
ensuring there are no conflicts of interest. Applicants have an opportunity to respond to
reviewers’ comments in writing. In addition, applicants may also be called to an interview
before a panel to gather more information and clarity on the proposals. The expert panel may
review and moderate peer review reports and seek further information based the what it
presented by the applicant at interview.

Other Dept Funding Schemes

Links:

 All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

 Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
 Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
 Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoepathy (AYUSH)
 Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
 Ministry of Coal (MOC)
 Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
 Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)
 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
 India Meteorological Department (IMD)
 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
 Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY)
 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
 Ministry of Power
 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MOSJE)
 Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
 Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
 University Grants Commission (UGC)

Are there any papers based on the current research gap in 3D Printing using FDM printers?

Scrapping of carbon reinforced thermoplastic materials

End of Life (EoL) for biomaterials

The aim of this topic is the development of new innovative and green technologies for End of Life
(EoL) of either common used bio-fibres (flax, hemp, kenaf, etc.) or bio-resins or both. Different
approaches have to be evaluated including among others: recycling, reclaiming, incineration and
others. The roadmap will cover all scientific area from small scale (proof of concept) to big real
components EoL. Please refer to the full topic descriptions document published in this call.

Coupon and element testing and manufacturing of test article for morphing
technologies

Specific Challenge:

In line with the Clean Sky 2 objectives, the main objective of this topic is to contribute to the
reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by increasing the effectivity of movables through
application of morphing technology. The applicant will develop a test plan and execute coupon and
elements tests. Furthermore, the applicant will use a simulation tool to correlate the test results
with analysis results. In addition, the applicant will develop a manufacturing process for a morphing
structure using fluid actuated cells. Based on this, the applicant will manufacture and deliver a full-
scale test article, which will be used for further testing, which is not part of this call. Please refer to
the full topic descriptions document published in this call.

Development of short fibre reinforced thermoplastic airframe clips and brackets using
factory waste

Specific Challenge:

Thermoplastic composites offer great potential to recycle factory waste by reusing it in the form of
short fibre compounds for products such as airframe clips and system brackets. Key aspects of this
topic are the development, manufacturing and structural validation of frame clips and system
brackets to be installed in a fuselage demonstrator together with an environmental, economical, and
technical assessment of the technology. Please refer to the full topic descriptions document
published in this call.

Revalorisation of recycled carbon fibers and CFRP preparation through Eco design
[ECO]

Specific Challenge:

The aircraft industry uses high performance and costly materials for the production of composite
components. In some cases, the manufacturing process generates a significant amount of carbon
fiber scraps having still good potential properties. This topic aims to investigate technologies to
manufacture new semi-products such as yarns, non-crimp fabrics, mats or short fiber
reinforcements, which permit to reuse these recycled carbon fibers in semi-structural composite
components for engine industry. Procedures to extent the shelf-life and enable the use of unused
uncured prepreg material will be investigated as well. Please refer to the full topic descriptions
document published in this call.

Fiber reinforced thermoplastics manufacturing for stiffened, complex, double curved

structures

Specific Challenge:

The main objective of this call is the contributions to a mid-scale demonstration of a thermoplastic
rear-end part by developing: a thermal simulation model for a Xenon heating lamp in combination
with a heated tooling; process, manufacturing and demonstration of complex double curved
stringers and stiffeners out of fiber reinforced thermoplastic; design and manufacturing of an
innovative self- heated, double curved tooling for thermoplastic rear-end structures. Please refer to
the full topic descriptions document published in this call.

Development and simulation of a forming process for LE HLFC wing outer skins

Specific Challenge:

Future engine architectures require advanced performance pitch control mechanism featuring
reduced mass; enhanced stiffness; improved maintainability; high accuracy and increased actuation
capability. The project intends to identify most relevant concept; to design it from concept to
detailed design; to manufacture, assemble and test it in representative testing conditions (vibration,
endurance, performance, actuation; etc). Please refer to the full topic descriptions document
published in this call.

Development of FEM fastener parametric/adaptable sizing tool including EMC impact,

and manufacturing and EMC/LSP testing of demonstrators

Specific Challenge:

The scope of the project is to develop FEM sizing methodology and parametric/adaptable sizing tool
for CFRP-metal or CFRP-CFRP joint interfaces. The Topic manager will provide experimental data of
tested specimens and appropriate CAD data to facilitate completion of FEM models and
manufacturing of innovative composite part referring to the nose part of EV-55. The sizing tool shall
be free-expandable for different fasteners, providing that developed sizing methodology will be kept
together with appropriate strength/EMC test validation. Final evaluation of innovative joining
solutions will be carried out by EMC tests on reference and innovative demonstrators conducted in
relevant EMC test facilities. Please refer to the full topic descriptions document published in this call.

Materials for additive manufacturing

Develop bio-based fibres and/or functional molecules to improve the performance of

textile products

Specific Challenge:

The global consumption of textile fibres is increasing rapidly. This market has been growing with an
annual rate of approximately 4%, reaching around 103 Mt in 20171. Synthetic and traditional natural
bio-based fibres like cotton cannot meet the increasing demand in a context of limited resources.
The production capacity of cotton, for example, is limited by sustainability constraints linked to
resources consumption (land, water, fertilisers, pesticides, etc.).

Concurrently, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable high-quality textiles: from

renewable feedstock, sustainably produced, and with clear end-of-life qualities to support a circular
economy. Innovative bio-based yarns and textiles can enter and compete in the established textile
markets by meeting all of consumers’ evolving sustainability requirements, combined with
performance levels that exceed the state of the art.

In the same context, also bio-based additives for textiles have the potential to guarantee
environmental sustainability while providing specific technical properties to meet consumers’
demand. Moreover, bio-based functional molecules can represent valuable, non-hazardous
alternatives for fossil-based additives currently used in textile applications.

The new bio-based fibres, as well as improved or tailor-made bio-based additives, can, for example,
provide better mechanical or physical properties than the existing fibres in specific applications.

The specific challenge is to meet market requirements for new textile products outperforming the
state of the art in terms of technical properties and sustainability aspects.

1 The Fiber Year GmbH. The Fiber Year 2018 - World Survey on Textiles & Nonwovens. Issue 18, May
2018

Scope:

Develop innovative bio-based fibres and/or bio-based additives for textile applications that
outperform conventional (synthetic or natural) counterparts in terms of both technical and
sustainability performance.

Proposals may address either bio-based fibres or bio-based additives, or both.

This topic excludes the use ‘as such’ of fibres and materials that already have a significant use in
Europe. If proposals aim at these high-volume fibres and materials, the focus must be on innovative
components (such as new bio-based additives) or treatments to improve their properties.

Proposals should target the fibre composition and its performance in specific applications, and/or
functional molecules to improve the properties of specific textile products in identified applications.
These functional bio-based molecules/additives can include colourants, flame retardants, water or
gas proofing agents, UV and heat stability agents, fillers, photo- or thermo-reacting molecules,
hydrophobic or hydrophilic agents, biocides, etc.

This topic includes any bio-based feedstock, provided it can be sourced in a way that is sustainable
both from an environmental and an economic perspective.

Proposals should target mild operating conditions and resource-efficient processes to add
sustainable processing steps to a value chain.

Proposals that focus on yarns should deliver new yarns that are compatible with conventional textile
machinery.
Proposals should include an experimental validation of the proposed concept via direct comparison
with existing comparable options.

Proposals should involve consumers, designers, trend influencers and/or specific end-user
organisations to identify requested and feasible performance requirements in for example clothing,
technical textiles and geotextiles.

Proposals should address all requirements for RIA as shown in Table 3 in the Introduction of the
Annual Work plan 2019.

The technology readiness level (TRL) at the end of the project should be 4-5 for the bio-based value
chain in question. Proposals should clearly state the starting and end TRLs of the key technology or
technologies targeted in the project.

Industry participation in the project would be considered as an added value because it can play a
supportive role to demonstrate the potential for integrating the developed concepts and
technologies into current industrial landscapes or existing plants so they can be deployed more
quickly and scaled up to apply industry-wide.

Indicative funding:

It is considered that proposals requesting a contribution of between EUR 2 million and EUR 5 million
would be able to address this specific challenge appropriately. However, this does not preclude the
submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact:

Expected impacts linked to BBI JU KPIs:

 contribute to KPI 1 – create at least one new cross-sector interconnection in the bio-based
economy;

 contribute to KPI 2 – set the basis for at least one new bio-based value chain;

 contribute to KPI 5 – validate at least two new bio-based materials;

 contribute to KPI 8 – validate at least one new and improved processing technology
reflecting the ‘TRL gain’ since the start of the project.

Environmental impacts:

 reduce the environmental impacts associated with the developed textile products as
compared with the state of the art;

 increase the overall resource efficiency;

 reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic impacts:
  develop textile products, either entirely bio-based or containing bio-based additives, with
improved properties and performances as compared with the state of the art for the
targeted applications, thus enhancing their market deployment;

 increase the competitiveness of bio-based industry in the textile sector;

 increase income and business opportunities for stakeholders and actors (including primary
producers) in the bio-based sectors, in particular in the textile sector.

Social impacts:

 create new job opportunities in the bio-based sector, particularly the rural, coastal and/or
urban areas.

Type of action: Research and innovation action.

Cross-cutting Priorities:

Socio-economic science and humanities

Develop sustainable bio-based materials for high-volume consumer products

Specific Challenge:

Bio-based materials are promising alternatives to fossil-based plastic counterparts in several high-
volume consumer applications: for example, they can be used for transparent films, in packaging and
hygiene products, non-woven products, superabsorbent polymers and reinforced bio-composites.
These bio-based materials can be made biocompostable, and/or biodegradable or recyclable if not
degradable, lowering the environmental burden versus fossil-based alternatives.

The specific challenge is to provide bio-based materials for high-volume consumer products with a
lower environmental footprint at end of life than their fossil-based plastic counterparts.

Scope:

Develop bio-based materials with functional properties for high-volume consumer products, making
them perform better than fossil-based plastics in comparable applications.

Proposals should test the properties of the new bio-based materials against those of fossil-based
counterparts, and prove that the end products meet market requirements and have a higher
performance on relevant aspects as compared with fossil-based counterparts.

Proposals should include sustainable solutions for the end-of-life phase of the resultant new bio-
based products, increasing their competitive advantage as compared with their fossil-based
counterparts. To that end, proposals should measure their environmental footprint at end of life and
compare this with the fossil-based plastic counterparts.

Proposals may cover physical, chemical or biotechnological routes (or combinations thereof).
This topic includes any bio-based feedstock, provided it can be sourced in a way that is sustainable
both from an environmental and an economic perspective.

Proposals should address all requirements for RIA as shown in Table 3 in the Introduction of the
Annual Work plan 2019.

The technology readiness level (TRL) at the end of the project should be 4-5 for the bio-based value
chain in question. Proposals should clearly state the starting and end TRLs of the key technology or
technologies targeted in the project.

Industry participation in the project would be considered as an added value because it can play a
supportive role to demonstrate the potential for integrating the developed concepts and
technologies into current industrial landscapes or existing plants so they can be deployed more
quickly and scaled up to apply industry-wide.

Develop bio-based high-performance materials for various and demanding applications

Adopting materials modelling to challenges in manufacturing processes

Specific Challenge:

Improved decision making for materials producers and product manufacturers needs an
environment that gives fast access to information and thereby allows reacting to changing feedstock,
markets and regulatory demands. This would need an open translation environment that translates
a specific manufacturing challenge into a materials modelling workflow that provides knowledge to
support optimal material and process design.

Scope:

The translation environment should be one coherent and seamless system for optimised
development of novel materials and products. This environment should allow reuse of materials
modelling software, knowledge and expertise in different industrial domains, by use of the models,
protocols and systems in other relevant areas or sectors.

 The environment should contain a suite of integrated and interoperable apps that combine
existing materials models, and databases of materials properties in a standardised manner;

 Apps should be developed that will enhance the ability for manufacturing companies (end-
users) to do an effective search of numerical tools and/or providers of numerical
simulations. They should facilitate the building of the required workflows, while removing
the underlying complexity of the model in order to address a specific challenge;

 Apps should improve decision making on the level of differentiating materials and processes.
These translation environments should facilitate the operations of a pan-European network
supported by Open Innovation Test Beds.

Proposals submitted under this topic should include actions designed to facilitate cooperation with
other projects; to enhance user involvement; and to ensure the accessibility and reusability of data
produced in the course of the project.

Activities should start at TRL 4 and achieve TRL 6 at the end of the project.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU around EUR 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:

 Remove barriers to the use of materials models by lowering the learning curve, increase the
knowledge-base of European industry and the total cost of ownership leading to an
industrial user base of companies increased by a factor 2;

 Increased speed of material/and or product development time and rapid design from
concept to market by factor 5 and allow industry to react to changing market and regulatory
demands;

 Change the operational practice of companies by making them more data driven, agile, light
and competitive and thus support the Digital Single Market (DSM) objectives and thus
drastically reduced development costs for industry by a factor 2;

Allow reuse of materials modelling knowledge and expertise in different industrial domains and
cross-industry fertilisation by use of the protocols and systems in other relevant areas or sectors
beyond the ones covered by the proposal.

Relevant indicators and metrics, with baseline values, should be clearly stated in the proposal.

Real-time nano-characterisation technologies

Advanced materials for additive manufacturing (IA)

Bulk metallic glasses for spacecraft applications

The Materials Development and Manufacturing Technology Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, California Institute of Technology is seeking a postdoctoral scholar for basic science
research related to the development of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and their related composites.
JPL runs a premier research laboratory on BMGs, with a well-established record in the academic
community and in industry. Previous research has been related to alloy development, suction
casting, injection molding, development and testing of gears, infrared imaging science, rapid
capacitive discharge welding, cellular structures, spacecraft debris shielding, compliant mechanisms
and flexures, mirrors, inserts, and the development of ultratough composites. A postdoctoral scholar
is sought who has a Ph.D. directly related to the development and mechanical properties of BMGs
and could immediately make contributions to the areas listed above. The candidate is expected to
rapidly integrate into the laboratory and perform independent scientific research in support of
current NASA programs. The candidate is expected to vigorously lead, perform and publish peer-
reviewed scientific papers and file relevant intellectual property. The candidate will have access to
two arc-melters, two FLIR infrared thermal cameras, injection molding equipment, thermoplastic
forming equipment, vacuum chambers, RF power supplies, metallography equipment, gear testing
equipment, a load frame, microscopes, Vicker’s hardness tester, machining capability and 3D
polymer printers all within the primary group. The candidate will also have access, where
appropriate and where funding permits, to other JPL groups and resources. The intent of the
postdoctoral position is to do independent scientific research with little physical support. As such,
the candidate must be able to perform all relevant experiments, fix and maintain equipment,
perform all microscopy or characterization, and completely write scientific publications based on the
results with limited input from others.