Maximizing the Impact of Graphene Research in Science and Innovation (EuroGRAPHENE)

Background and Objectives

Courtesy of V. Palermo, ISOF, Bologna

The term graphene stands for a single atomic layer (monolayer graphene) or bilayer of graphite. In graphene, the trend to reduce the dimensions of the conducting elements of electronics has, unexpectedly, led one into a new world of peculiar physical properties, not encountered in standard electronic materials. Despite being only one-atom thick, graphene is chemically and thermally stable, so that graphene-based devices, such as field-effect transistors have already been manufactured, and they withstand ambient conditions. It has been understood theoretically, and confirmed experimentally, that both monolayer and bilayer graphene are gapless semiconductors, with peculiar properties of charge carriers. Whereas the interest in graphene as a qualitatively new two-dimensional electronic system boosts the rapid development of the physics of graphene and graphene-based nanostructures, so far, chemical, mechanical, magnetic and other properties of this new material remain an unexplored territory.

EuroGRAPHENE is a four year programme, which recognises that there is a clear need for European-wide cooperation to tackle the challenges of deepening understanding of the physical properties of graphene; expanding research into new areas of chemical modifications of the material and searching for methods to design it electronic properties; investigating its mechanical and electro-mechanical properties, broadly studying kinetic processes in graphene aiming at understanding optoelectronic effects; and modelling graphene-based devices for any functional applications.

EuroGRAPHENE will provide the framework for bringing together the complementary expertise of technologists, experimentalist and theorists within small and medium-size consortia of world-leading European research groups, in order to accelerate the pace of European research in graphene and its applications by concentrating and networking the activities.

Programme Structure and Management

The overall responsibility for the governance of the programme lies with a Management Committee, whose membership is formed by one representative from each participating funding organisation (usually a senior science manager) together with an ESF representative.

Proposal assessment and selection are the responsibility of an independent international Review Panel consisting of leading experts in the field. 

The Scientific Committee which is formed by the Project Leaders of all funded CRPs will be responsible for proposing a Programme work-plan including networking activities for scientific synergy in the EUROCORES Programme. They will also advise and support the EUROCORES Programme Coordinator in the coordination of networking activities. 

EUROCORES is a  truly “bottom-up” funding mechanism, where -  through its annual call for theme proposals – the ESF solicits new ideas from the scientific community with a view to creating large-scale collaborative research programmes in and across all scientific domains. Out of these submitted ideas - the EUROCORES theme proposals – around five will be selected each year to be developed into EUROCORES programmes.

The EuroGRAPHENE programme was put forward by the following Theme Proposers.