Demand of “smart” electrodes/systems has recently increased due to significant role of various devices/equipment based on these electrodes - urgent needs of present and forthcoming human activities. The multi- and interdisciplinary project SMARTELECTRODES is proposing elaboration of advanced systems covered under umbrella of “smart” electrodes which will be involved and play significant roles in several important electrochemical/electrophysical applications as catalysis/electrocatalysis, sensoring, thermoelectrics, electrowinning, electrochemical machining and electrospark alloying. The development of multiscaled (from nano- to macro-; from nanodot to volumized 3D-) metallic and semiconductor electrodes and integration of them into working systems/equipment is the main target of SMARTELECTRODES. The project is well-balanced, highly innovative R&D training network, which aims: To develop long lasting collaborations between four academic (Vilnius University, Lithuania; Institute of Applied Physics, Moldova; Northeastern University, USA; Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of BSU, Belarus) and two companies (JSC Topaz, Moldova and JSC “Electronics Treatment Technologies”, EPT, Lithuania); To develop new electrodes (based on chalcogenides, iron group metals and “technological” electrodes) by well-established institutions; To increase career perspectives of each participant that will lead to benefit of each member and partnership as a whole. Partners will be complimentary involved into realization of the proposed research. The research tasks will be implemented through multidisciplinary Work Packages devoted to the fabrication, adapting and investigation of electrodes/materials, also they include the activities towards training and management. Namely, advanced training will be provided to the seconded staff through well-integrated programs, including workshops and conferences.

The overall aim of the HOLO project is to boost the scientific excellence and innovation capacity in digital holographic microscopy of the Institute of Applied Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (IAP-ASM) by creating a network with the high-quality Twinning partners: Universität Stuttgart (USTUTT), Tampere University of Technology (TUT) and Intelligentsia Consultants (Intelligentsia). To achieve this aim, the 3 year project will build upon the existing strong research and innovation base of IAP-ASM and its Twinning partners. To boost their scientific excellence and innovation capacity in digital holographic microscopy, the partners will implement a science and innovation strategy focused on two sub-topics: 1. Design and optimization of diffractive optical elements (DOE) to improve digital holographic microscopy (DHM), and 2. Development of advanced image processing algorithms for digital holographic microscopy (DHM) using diffractive optical elements (DOE) The science and innovation strategy takes into account the recent SWOT analysis of IAP-ASM and has the following objectives: • Objective 1: Strengthen IAP-ASM’s research excellence in DHM • Objective 2: Enhance the research and innovation capacity of IAP-ASM and the Twinning partners • Objective 3: Raise the research profile of IAP-ASM and the Twinning Partners • Objective 4: Contribute to the research and innovation priorities of Moldova • Objective 5: Support research and innovation on a European level In order to achieve these objectives, the consortium partners will implement a comprehensive set of measures via the project’s work packages: • Short term staff exchanges (WP1); • Training workshops, conferences and summer schools (WP2); • Dissemination and outreach (WP3).