Bio-GENTLE will train 12 doctoral candidates (DCs) with an overarching goal to propel Europe to the forefront of research and development of biomolecules that can be used as high-volume commodities or low-volume, but high-value compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The scientific aim of this network will be to produce and share knowledge, insights, and solutions to these objectives, thereby enabling major steps towards, and providing evidence of sustainable biomaterials production on larger scales for application in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics in Europe. Furthermore, the implementation of the actions will connect professionals of various backgrounds from academics and from industry in this network, thus strengthening collaboration and discussions to bring the biomolecules separation and utilization field to the next level of the circular economy. Bio-GENTLE is both original and innovative because it utilizes a unique interdisciplinary approach combining the power of fundamental analysis, experimentation, and mathematical modeling, to create a flexible bioseparation platform geared toward a green and circular economy. The holistic approach, from material to process, is enclosed in this training network. Such an approach is strongly recommended for the successful development of novel membrane processes. The 12 DCs will be trained and experience the complete chain from materials properties to complete process design and evaluation.

As a response to the need to decrease the transportation related emissions and energy consumption, today, all major passenger car and other light-duty vehicle manufacturers are broadening their electric vehicle portfolio. The dependency of the present electrical traction motors on the rare materials, such as rare earth permanent magnet materials, namely Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnets, is problematic from several viewpoints: they are imported and expensive and there is a real risk for supply problems in the coming years. To strengthen the European competitiveness, VOLTCAR ('Design, manufacturing, and validation of ecocycle electric traction motor') proposes high-speed, permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance technology with a drastic reduction in rare materials' utilisation. During VOLTCAR, the motor prototype is perfected to meet the strictest performance requirements (power density, efficiency), sustainability criteria (recyclability, circularity and low use of rare resources and copper) and the expectations of the automotive sector (cost, reliability, integrability). This major goal is supported by introducing digital design and optimisation methodologies that are capable of assessing the life cycle costs, energy consumption, and carbon footprint in the early phase, guiding the outcomes towards maximised sustainability with reduced use of rare materials and efficient recycling and repurposing patterns. The validity of the VOLTCAR motor prototypes, 50 kW and 120 kW motor, and related technologies is proved according to the automotive standards, presenting an X-in-the-loop (XiL) experimentation environments. With this development, VOLTCAR will simultaneously lead to more green jobs in local SMEs throughout Europe to reduce unemployment rate. The VOLTCAR consortium comprises world-leading automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies and research partners with complementary knowledge and expertise for the successful execution of the proposed work.