Hello and welcome to the 20th edition of The Innovation Platform.
Featuring conversations with the likes of NASA, U.S. Department of Energy, European Commission and many more, The Innovation Platform Issue 20 is jam-packed with exciting pieces to end the year on a high!
Kickstarting the issue in our foreword, Hydrogen Europe’s CEO, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, shares his thoughts on hydrogen’s role in achieving net zero targets. He explains how renewable and low-carbon hydrogen is key when it comes to decarbonisation. We also hear from Jorgo later on in the issue, in our dedicated Hydrogen focus.
The issue begins with our Science section, featuring topics from Space & Astrophysics through to Antimicrobial Resistance. It was a pleasure speaking with Dave Salvagnini, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at NASA, to find out how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are shaping the trajectory of NASA’s work.
Our Physics section features insights from not one but two experts from CERN. Verena Kain, Project Leader, details the Efficient Particle Accelerator (EPA) project, which aims to revolutionise the operation of particle accelerators at CERN. In addition, Katharine Leney discusses the latest findings from the ATLAS Collaboration.
On the health side of our Science section, this issue features the addition of an extensive Antimicrobial Resistance focus. Here, the World Health Organization explains how tackling the increasing global threat of AMR requires a ‘One Health’ approach. This is also supported by further comment from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Moving into our Energy section, Wind Europe’s Christoph Zipf explains why EU governments must make implementation exciting and efficient in order to ramp up the wind energy sector. We also spoke to Dr Avi Shultz, Director of the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office at the U.S. Department of Energy, to learn how the DOE is prioritising industrial decarbonisation and supporting innovation for a sustainable future. Taking centre stage in our Energy section, our Fusion focus features commentary from the European Commission’s Massimo Garribba and EUROfusion’s Karl Tischler, amongst many others.
From sustainable chemicals through to ocean innovation, our Environment section covers a wide range of interesting subjects. Charlie Tan, CEO of the Global Impact Coalition, explains how the organisation is shaping the future of sustainable chemistry by addressing systemic barriers and spearheading innovation.
James McManus, Director for the Division of Ocean Sciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation, outlines how ocean science can help to address major global challenges. Also on the subject of ocean science, The Ocean Foundation’s President, Mark J Spalding, discusses how investing in innovative ocean companies can maximise returns and help to make the world a better place.
Once again, we have a segment on Horizon Europe Collaborations, showcasing the key projects being supported through the recent partnership of Canada and Horizon Europe. We chose to take a deep dive into what the partnership means for different Canadian provinces, and spoke to a number of Ministers to find out how they are driving research and innovation in their respective areas. From a European perspective, we also hear from European Commission Spokesperson Thomas Regnier about the magnitude of the partnership for the EU.
Our issue concludes with a look at Electric Vehicles, Battery Research and Development. The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) highlights advancements in clean-propulsion technologies and details updates to its automotive technology roadmaps. Florian Anderhuber, Deputy Director General of Euromines, offers an in-depth look at Europe’s mining sector, as well as the work of Euromines. In addition, The Critical Minerals Association’s Becca Kirk explains how recycling copper within our homes could be the answer to the UK copper shortage.
This is just a snapshot of the plethora of content we have in this edition. We hope you enjoy the read! From all of us here at The Innovation Platform, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2025!
Georgie Purcell
Editor
The Innovation Platform
Maddie Hall
Editor
The Innovation Platform
