Archaea are the most recently discovered domain of life. These micro-organisms thrive in many environments, from hydrothermal vents to our gut. Viruses infect archaea. During infection, viruses change the behavior of micro-organisms, for example by altering the cell surface. This results in increased attachment to materials or an escape from the human immune system. These changes are hardly mapped for archaeal viruses. This project will unravel the underlying mechanisms, stimulating the development of methods to characterize and manipulate the virus-induced changes in archaea. It will thus contribute to application of archaea in bioenergy-production and restoring the balance in our gut.

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This new research infrastructure will enable researchers to understand how (smart) materials and biological processes behave and function on the molecular level. Combining light and microwaves together with a form of molecular MRI scanning allows for new insights of how molecules move and interact. A central focus is on seeing processes on surfaces of materials, such as catalysts and solar panel materials. These new abilities will be deployed in studies of molecular machines, ‘green’ materials, drug carriers, and ageing-associated diseases.

Subsurface activities (e.g., geothermal energy or CO2 storage) taking place in geological reservoirs deep underground are crucial for reducing CO2 emissions. Our knowledge of these reservoirs is incomplete because it is impossible to collect all the data needed to characterise them. Hence there are uncertainties, which can be evaluated using computer models of the reservoir. This project will develop new technologies to build better reservoir models and ensure that subsurface activities can be executed safely and sustainably. This project will also develop a new Q&A process that improves the trust by engaging the wider public when developing such subsurface activities.

Thermally reversible materials are well known in academia in industry. However, to the best of our knowledge, applications in the domain of digital printing are completely unknown. This results in a relevant challenge since a proof-of principle has not been yet provided. This constitutes the first aim of the present LIFT project. In case of a successful proof of principle, many unique advantages are envisioned. These include an improved performance as well as sustainability-related factors. In this last context, the transition to from fossil-based to renewable new materials, possibility for cradle-to-cradle recycling and use of less toxic materials constitute relevant concepts. In view of the potential market for digital printing, this research is envisioned to display a significant impact in terms of economic feasibility, but also from a social and environmental point of view.