Prizes and grants from European Academy of Surface Technology

The European Academy of Surface Technology (EAST) promotes Europe-wide science, research, training, and education in the field of surface technology with the purpose of contributing to the integration, understanding and friendship between European people and individuals. To meet this goal, EAST has established three tools used annually, namely, the Schwäbisch Gmünd Prize for Young Scientists, the Schwäbisch Gmünd Scientific Exchange Grant, and the annual conference EAST Forum. The last is often integrated into other scientific events to stimulate new interactions. In addition, EAST members are also cooperating in setting up research projects and training actions.

Konrad Eiler wins the Schwäbisch Gmünd Prize for Young Scientists 2021

Awarded now for the fifth time, the Schwäbisch Gmünd Prize for Young Scientists is given with the purpose of encouraging promising young scientists within surface technology to continue their career in the spirit of EAST. Konrad Eiler, from Department de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain (Figure 1) has won the 2021 prize based on his analytical materials research leading to the paper entitled Mesoporous Ni-rich Ni–Pt thin films: Electrodeposition, characterization and performance toward hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media.¹ The prize ceremony and invited talk will be held during EAST Forum 2021, which is integrated into the International Process Metallurgy IPM Symposium 2021, 9–10th November 2021, Espoo, Finland (ipms2021.aalto.fi).

Figure 1. Konrad Eiler, winner of the Schwäbisch Gmünd Prize for Young Scientists 2021.

Application for the Schwäbisch Gmünd Prize for Young Scientists 2022

EAST is inviting young scientists active in surface technology to apply for the Schwäbisch Gmünd prize 2022. Applications will be judged according to the following criteria:

Who can apply? The applicant must hold a university degree and have published research performed in Europe. The applicant might be a Ph.D. student or hold a Ph.D. degree awarded not before 2019. There is no age limit, but the applicant should be in the early stage of her/his career.

The criteria of evaluation will be based on originality, creativity and excellence in surface technology. The experience of the applicant will be taken into account, meaning that expectations are higher for e.g. a post doc than for a Ph.D. student.

The application should be based on published research performed in Europe and should contain a published peer reviewed paper with the applicant as main or co-author, and a motivation letter (of maximum 5 pages in total) containing:

• Personal presentation (short CV)

• Motivation on how the paper meets the criteria of the prize

• Description of your personal contribution to the paper

• Description and motivation of your future ambitions within surface technology

Deadline. The application should be mailed to [email protected] no later than 24th of November 2021. By no later than 1st of December 2021, the applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt from EAST.

The jury will this year be led by Professor Dr M. Ürgen, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey. Other members of the jury are:

Professor Dr J. Bajat, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Professor Dr U. Klement, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Professor Dr L. Magagnin, Politechnico di Milano, Italy

The prize consists of a prize sum of €500, a diploma, and an electroformed statuette. The prize winner is expected to give an invited talk in connection with the research to the prize ceremony at the EAST Forum 2022 (time and place to be announced on www.east-site.net). Travel costs will be covered. Young scientists within surface technology all over Europe are encouraged to apply.

Schwäbisch Gmünd Scientific Exchange Grant

Last year EAST launched a new grant, called the Schwäbisch Gmünd Scientific Exchange Grant, with the purpose of encouraging European cooperation by supporting scientific exchange among European research groups working in the area of surface technology through the means of granting short term exchange for performing specific research or teaching activities. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, no exchange has been granted so far. EAST is now relaunching the grant and the upcoming deadlines for application are 30th of September 2021 and 30th of March 2022. It is our sincere hope that European scientists soon will be able to meet in person and that the grant will stimulate revitalised cooperation. The application should meet the following criteria:

• Scientific exchange between members of European research groups for performing a specific research or teaching activity (not for conference participation),

• Exchange between industry and research groups are welcome,

• Travel and accommodation costs are eligible costs (but neither salary nor project costs),

• €20/day of daily allowance is accepted,

• No limit in age or experience,

• Typical budget of the applied exchange is €1500–3000; part funding of the budget is possible,

• Minimum duration: at least 8 working days at the host organisation,

• By receiving the grant, you agree to, within a month after the exchange, deliver a popular description of the exchange activity to be published by EAST.

Detailed information about the grant and how to apply is available at the EAST homepage (www.east-site.net).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).