Featured Stories
Queensland Budget 2026: UQ experts
BRISBANE, Australia, June 22 -- The University of Queensland posted the following news:
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Queensland Budget 2026: UQ experts
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The 2026 state budget will be handed down tomorrow and is expected to address cost-of-living relief, infrastructure investment and health funding.
The University of Queensland has experts available to analyse the budget and comment across a range of topics.
Finance
Dr Natalie Peng, UQ Business School
Expertise: household financial wellbeing, cost-of-living pressures, household saving and financial security, retirement savings and gender equity in financial
... Show Full Article
BRISBANE, Australia, June 22 -- The University of Queensland posted the following news:
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Queensland Budget 2026: UQ experts
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The 2026 state budget will be handed down tomorrow and is expected to address cost-of-living relief, infrastructure investment and health funding.
The University of Queensland has experts available to analyse the budget and comment across a range of topics.
Finance
Dr Natalie Peng, UQ Business School
Expertise: household financial wellbeing, cost-of-living pressures, household saving and financial security, retirement savings and gender equity in financialoutcomes.
Contact: x.peng@business.uq.edu.au.
Housing
Professor Shaun Bond, UQ Business School
Expertise: economics of housing, real-estate market and volatility in financial markets.
Contact: s.bond@business.uq.edu.au.
Health
Professor Brenda Gannon, School of Economics and Mater Research Institute
Expertise: health and ageing economics, economic evaluation of health and social care systems and policies including Medicare, PBS, and the care economy across the lifespan.
Contact: brenda.gannon@uq.edu.au.
Dr Sabrina Lenzen, Centre for the Business and Economics of Health
Expertise: health, aged care, ageing, mental health and health service planning.
Contact: s.lenzen@uq.edu.au.
Education
Associate Professor Ian Hardy, School of Education
Expertise: educational policy and politics in relation to schooling and higher education.
Contact: ian.hardy@uq.edu.au.
Small business and innovation
Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
Expertise: small business management and policy, innovation policy and research translation.
Contact: m.verreynne@business.uq.edu.au.
Social policy and disadvantage
Professor Tim Reddel, Institute for Social Science Research
Expertise: social policy and place-based disadvantage.
Contact: tim.reddel@uq.edu.au.
Environment and climate
Professor Belinda Wade, Chair in Climate Action and Ethical Transitions, UQ Business School
Expertise: the business of decarbonisation, climate transition and sustainability.
Contact: b.wade@business.uq.edu.au.
Professor Matt McDonald, School of Political Science and International Studies
Expertise: climate change policy, foreign and security policy.
Contact: matt.mcdonald@uq.edu.au.
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Original text here: https://news.uq.edu.au/2026-06-queensland-budget-2026-uq-experts
Universitat Heidelberg: Humboldt Professorship for Leading International Researcher
HEIDELBERG, Germany, June 20 -- Heidelberg University issued the following news release:
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Universitat Heidelberg: Humboldt Professorship for Leading International Researcher
Highly endowed research prize goes to Harvard scientist Mathias Lichterfeld on the proposal of Ruperto Carola
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In order to further strengthen Heidelberg University as an internationally recognized location of infection research, Prof. Dr Mathias Lichterfeld has been selected for an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship endowed with 7.8 million euros. Leading international academics are granted this most valuable of
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HEIDELBERG, Germany, June 20 -- Heidelberg University issued the following news release:
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Universitat Heidelberg: Humboldt Professorship for Leading International Researcher
Highly endowed research prize goes to Harvard scientist Mathias Lichterfeld on the proposal of Ruperto Carola
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In order to further strengthen Heidelberg University as an internationally recognized location of infection research, Prof. Dr Mathias Lichterfeld has been selected for an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship endowed with 7.8 million euros. Leading international academics are granted this most valuable ofGerman research awards to enable them to conduct long-term, cutting-edge research at German universities. A virologist and infectious disease physician, Prof. Lichterfeld works at the interface of basic research and clinical medicine in order to develop curative strategies for HIV infection - an objective that has remained elusive to date. Mathias Lichterfeld - Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School - currently conducts research at leading institutions in Boston (USA). Nominated by Ruperto Carola, he is to transfer to the Medical Faculty Heidelberg and play a key role in advancing the Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research.
Prof. Lichterfeld's research focuses on the mechanisms that allow HIV to persist in the human body despite effective antiretroviral treatment, which currently requires lifelong administration. This also involves the processes that enable viral rebound after treatment is discontinued. Particular attention is paid to HIV-infected immune cells, in which the virus remains latent but replication-competent for life. Using state-of-the-art single cell and sequencing technologies, Prof. Lichterfeld and his team examine the vulnerabilities of these cells and develop strategies for their targeted elimination. In parallel, his team analyzes the responses of these infected immune cells to therapeutic interventions in the context of human clinical trials. Other emphases of his research include viral reservoirs and antiviral immune responses in newborns, children, and adolescents. Prof. Lichterfeld has made groundbreaking contributions, particularly in the area of pediatric HIV research. His work aims to generate fundamental insights into how the immune system can be activated in a targeted manner to recognize and eradicate persistent viral reservoirs.
With Mathias Lichterfeld, Heidelberg University wants to attract a world-class scientist and physician to the Heidelberg location who is recognized in the scientific community as a top-level representative of his field of research and work. Besides the outstanding scientific qualifications of candidates for a Humboldt Professorship, a crucial factor is the strategy of the universities, which are expected to offer the researchers and their teams lasting prospects in Germany. Prof. Lichterfeld's appointment is intended to further enhance the outstanding profile of Heidelberg University's Medical Faculty Heidelberg and of Heidelberg University Hospital in infection research with a focus in virology, in particular regarding the translation of basic research results in interventional clinical studies. Mathias Lichterfeld currently does research at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT and Harvard, a leading center for collaborative biomedical research. He also works as an infectious disease physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital and at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the two principal teaching hospitals affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
International academics who have a leading position worldwide in their field can be nominated for the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship. The intention is that - with the support of the highly endowed prize - their research studies can make a sustainable contribution to the international competitiveness of Germany as a research location. The professorship is awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and financed by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The prize money is meant for financing the first seven years of their work. Up to ten professorships can be granted annually. After successful appointment negotiations with the respective universities, the prizes will be awarded next year.
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Original text here: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/newsroom/universitat-heidelberg-humboldt-professorship-for-leading-international-researcher
Teesside Research Highlights World Cup Travel Challenge for Elite Football Teams
MIDDLESBROUGH, England, June 20 (TNSjou) -- Teesside University issued the following news release:
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Teesside research highlights World Cup travel challenge for elite football teams
New research co-authored by a Teesside University PhD graduate has revealed how extensive travel in North American football is perceived to be negatively impacting player performance and recovery - with findings particularly relevant during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The study was led by Luke Jenkinson, now Head of Human Performance at Major League Soccer club San Diego FC, and formed a key part of his doctoral
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MIDDLESBROUGH, England, June 20 (TNSjou) -- Teesside University issued the following news release:
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Teesside research highlights World Cup travel challenge for elite football teams
New research co-authored by a Teesside University PhD graduate has revealed how extensive travel in North American football is perceived to be negatively impacting player performance and recovery - with findings particularly relevant during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The study was led by Luke Jenkinson, now Head of Human Performance at Major League Soccer club San Diego FC, and formed a key part of his doctoralresearch at Teesside University. It was co-authored with academics from the University's School of Health & Life Sciences.
Published in Science and Medicine in Football, the research examines the effect of travel demands in elite North American soccer, where teams routinely cross vast distances and multiple time zones.
The findings come at a crucial time, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, a tournament that requires teams to travel thousands of miles between venues.
Drawing on surveys with medical and performance staff from professional clubs, the study found that travel duration, disrupted routines and sleep disturbance were among the most significant challenges facing players.
More than 90% of practitioners reported that the cumulative effect of travel across a season, or during congested fixture schedules, further worsens its impact on performance and recovery.
The research also highlights the sheer scale of travel involved in North American soccer. Teams may face flights of up to six hours and cross as many as three time zones for a single match, with some journeys spanning over 2,800 miles - distances far greater than those typically experienced in European leagues.
Similar challenges could also affect international teams at the 2026 World Cup, where travel logistics and recovery strategies are likely to play a crucial role in performance outcomes.
Luke Jenkinson said: 'Coaches, operation teams and performance staff understand that adaptation is not simply physiological but it is also a behavioral, psychological and operational stressor.
'Players must adapt not only to climate and environment but address the altered hydration requirements, sleep routines, nutritional timing, recovery demands and training tolerances.
'The challenge becomes even more complicated when these environmental stressors are layered on top of long-haul travel and compressed match schedules.
'In North American soccer, research has demonstrated that it is often not one isolated journey that creates problems, but the cumulative effect of repeated exposure over time exponentially increases these challenges.'
Teesside University has a strong and growing reputation in elite sport, maintaining ongoing research and knowledge exchange relationships with several professional teams in Major League Soccer. This latest study reflects that continued collaboration, bringing practitioner insight directly into applied research.
Professor Paul Chesterton, from Teesside University's School of Health & Life Sciences, who also contributed to the paper, said: 'This research highlights that travel in elite North American soccer should not be viewed as isolated journeys, but as a cumulative load that can influence performance across a season.
'With the World Cup taking place across three countries, understanding how factors such as travel duration, time zones and disrupted sleep affect players is increasingly important.
'Our findings point to the need for careful planning and evidence-based strategies to minimise these impacts and support athlete performance at the highest level.'
The study identifies several practical steps that teams can take to mitigate the effects of travel, including prioritising sleep, optimising arrival times, managing nutrition and maintaining consistent routines wherever possible.
Researchers also found that arriving earlier in the day and avoiding late-night travel is believed to help reduce disruption, while staying overnight rather than travelling immediately after matches may support recovery.
While the impact of a single journey may be relatively small, the research shows that repeated travel, particularly during busy fixture periods, can have a meaningful effect on player readiness and performance over time.
The study forms part of Teesside University's ongoing work to support elite sport through applied research, combining academic expertise with real-world professional practice in high-performance environments.
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Original text here: https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/news/pressreleases_story.cfm?story_id=9028
NWCC Instructor Dr. Regan Sellers Chosen as Moody Institute Fellow
SENATOBIA, Mississippi, June 20 -- Northwest Mississippi Community College issued the following news release:
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NWCC Instructor Dr. Regan Sellers Chosen as Moody Institute Fellow
Northwest Mississippi Community College Social Science Instructor Dr. Regan Sellers of Senatobia was chosen as a Moody Institute Fellow, and as part of the honor will receive an award to help fund her advancement.
The Moody Institute is funded by the Mississippi Community College Foundation as a faculty enrichment program which helps fund a project, advancement, or conference attendance to further their knowledge.
Dr.
... Show Full Article
SENATOBIA, Mississippi, June 20 -- Northwest Mississippi Community College issued the following news release:
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NWCC Instructor Dr. Regan Sellers Chosen as Moody Institute Fellow
Northwest Mississippi Community College Social Science Instructor Dr. Regan Sellers of Senatobia was chosen as a Moody Institute Fellow, and as part of the honor will receive an award to help fund her advancement.
The Moody Institute is funded by the Mississippi Community College Foundation as a faculty enrichment program which helps fund a project, advancement, or conference attendance to further their knowledge.
Dr.Sellers said she was surprised and honored to be chosen as a Moody Institute Fellow. She said that as part of the community college system there is a strong commitment to student success and instructional excellence, which she feels the Moody Institute represents well.
"This fellowship represents an opportunity to continue growing as an educator while bringing new knowledge and resources back to Northwest," said Dr. Sellers. "As faculty members, we have a responsibility to continually adapt to changes in higher education and to seek new ways to support student learning. Through this fellowship, I will complete professional development focused on the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. I am excited not only about what I will learn, but also about the opportunity to share those insights with colleagues through faculty development initiatives."
Dr. Sellers, originally from Arkansas has become a Mississippian through years of working here and serving north Mississippi and Delta communities. She earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a master's degree in Community Development, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Administration. In May 2026, she received her Doctor of Education in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education from Delta State University.
Dr. Sellers has been with Northwest since 2022 where she has taught sociology courses. Prior to her career as a college educator she worked in K-12 education as a teacher, assistant principal, assistant director of Special Education, and director of Human Resources.
To learn more about Northwest, please visit northwestms.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.northwestms.edu/news-events/news-post/~board/press-releases-2022/post/nwcc-instructor-dr-regan-sellers-chosen-as-moody-institute-fellow
MIT researchers' approach captures subtle atomic patterns, improving predictions of material properties
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 20 -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted the following news:
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A better way to model the behavior of metal alloys
MIT researchers' approach captures subtle atomic patterns, improving predictions of material properties.
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Companies working at the frontier of aerospace, energy, and computing are constantly looking for new materials to improve performance. But in order to understand how those materials will actually behave once they're inside rockets or on computer chips, companies first have to make the material and then test it. That's because
... Show Full Article
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 20 -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted the following news:
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A better way to model the behavior of metal alloys
MIT researchers' approach captures subtle atomic patterns, improving predictions of material properties.
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Companies working at the frontier of aerospace, energy, and computing are constantly looking for new materials to improve performance. But in order to understand how those materials will actually behave once they're inside rockets or on computer chips, companies first have to make the material and then test it. That's becauseeven the most powerful simulation techniques struggle to model the complex chemical arrangements in most of today's solid materials. The problem adds costs and time to materials innovation.
Now a team of MIT researchers has created a way to accurately model the behavior of metals, regardless of the complexity of their chemical arrangement. At the center of the approach are machine-learning models that make simulations of materials faster and more accurate. The researchers improved those models by building training datasets that capture the diversity of atomic environments in chemically disordered materials.
In a new paper in Sciences Advances, the researchers showed their approach could be used to accurately predict material properties for a diverse group of metal alloys under a range of conditions. They also showed how the approach could be used to develop new materials, especially in scenarios where experimentation is expensive.
"The focus of the paper is metallic alloys, which is the field I work in, but this could be adapted to other types of materials, like semiconductors," says senior author Rodrigo Freitas, MIT's TDK Career Development Professor in Materials Science and Engineering. "This is not specific to any one application -you could use this approach to create new sustainable steels, new materials for aerospace, and more. That's what makes this exciting."
Joining Freitas on the paper are first author Killian Sheriff PhD '26; MIT PhD students Daniel Xiao and Yifan Cao; and University of Sheffield Senior Lecturer Lewis R. Owen.
Modeling metals
Material properties are mostly determined by the internal arrangement of their chemical elements. Even if two materials have the same mix of chemical elements, different chemical arrangements can make the difference between a brittle material and one that deforms without breaking.
Capturing that distinction requires simulating materials atom by atom. To do that, researchers rely on models that describe how atoms interact with each other. Over the last two decades, machine learning has become the most accurate way to build those models. Such models work well when the chemical arrangements inside materials follow highly ordered patterns, but that's not the case with most solid materials, whose atomic chemical arrangements are disordered and vary from one region to another.
"The real challenge in our field is modelling these chemically disordered phases," Freitas says. "Chemical disorder means there's a huge variety of local chemical environments, which is hard for the machine-learning model to learn. This is a problem because every single metal we use in practice is chemically disordered."
The problem comes down to a lack of representative training data for those atom-by-atom simulations. The current leading approach for creating such data works by brute force, often requiring more than 100,000 hours of computation to create the training data for a single material. Even then, it does not transfer well when researchers change the material's composition.
In previous work, Freitas' group had developed a way to measure the chemical complexity of solid materials by analyzing the frequency and spacing of tiny groups of atoms. For this study, the researchers used that capability to build better training datasets. They used a mathematical approach known as information theory to generate training datasets that capture a wider variety of local chemical environments inside disordered materials. The method works by swapping out atoms from samples to reduce repetition and expose the model to chemical environments it might otherwise miss.
"We kept optimizing the training set so it captured as many different local environments as possible," Freitas says. "If the same kind of environment showed up many times, we replaced redundant examples with ones the model hadn't seen before. That makes the training set much more informative because each example adds something new."
When trained on the researchers' datasets, the models predicted material properties more accurately than models trained using random sampling or another popular sampling method.
"The starting point for all these atom-by-atom simulations is: Are you able to accurately describe the chemical bond between atoms?" Freitas explains. "If not, it can still teach you about materials in general, but it doesn't tell you what will happen to specific materials in the real world. This approach makes the simulations high fidelity in terms of their chemistry, to better reflect what's happening to materials."
The researchers applied their technique to create machine-learning training datasets for a group of chemically diverse metal alloys. Using a set of machine-learning models, they showed the models trained on their datasets are more accurate than much larger models created by companies like Google and Microsoft.
"We got to a point where we were convinced it worked without using these expensive brute-force methods," Freitas says. "I told Killian, 'This is a good paper. But if you can show that simulations with these models can now accurately predict useful materials properties, then it becomes a very good paper.' Killian took that to heart and tested this as widely as he could."
Sheriff worked with Xiao and Cao to test the approach across different alloys and properties. The team also drew on Owen's experimental data to compare the simulations against real measurements of atomic ordering in alloys.
From the lab to industry
The method works, in part, by capturing hidden patterns in the sample data. The researchers describe the patterns in the paper as "subtle energetic biases toward certain local chemical configurations."
Those small energetic differences matter because they determine which phases form in an alloy, how those phases change with temperature and composition, and ultimately which properties the material will have. As one test, Daniel Xiao led simulations showing that the team's models could predict phase diagrams that closely matched experimental data. Phase diagrams map which phases are stable across different temperatures and chemical compositions, and they are a central tool for designing and processing alloys.
"Phase diagrams are one of the main ways people connect materials modeling to real processing decisions," Freitas says. "If you are welding, casting, or heat-treating an alloy, you need to know which phases are likely to form under different conditions. Our goal is to make these kinds of predictions accurate enough, and accessible enough, that they become part of how people design materials."
The researchers are now using the approach to study how changing an alloy's composition affects mechanical properties and radiation tolerance, with the goal of designing materials that remain strong and damage-tolerant in harsh environments. They are also working to make the method easier to use with the kinds of tools and workflows materials engineers already rely on.
"Industry isn't going to change the way they do things if what you're creating doesn't fit into their existing operating procedures," Freitas says. "The goal is to make these predictions useful in the places where materials decisions are actually made."
The research was supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
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Original text here: https://news.mit.edu/2026/better-way-to-model-metal-alloys-behavior-0619
Embryologist Ioannis Sfontouris Delivers Lecture on Medically Assisted Reproduction at UNIC Athens
NICOSIA, Cyprus, June 20 -- The University of Nicosia issued the following news:
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Embryologist Ioannis Sfontouris delivers lecture on medically assisted reproduction at UNIC Athens
The Medical School's Public Health lecture series at UNIC Athens, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli, continued yesterday, with a lecture by Dr Ioannis Sfontouris, Associate Professor of Embryology at UNIC Athens and Director of the Embryology Laboratory at Hygeia IVF Embryogenesis.
In his lecture, titled 'Medically Assisted Reproduction for the Treatment of Infertility:
... Show Full Article
NICOSIA, Cyprus, June 20 -- The University of Nicosia issued the following news:
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Embryologist Ioannis Sfontouris delivers lecture on medically assisted reproduction at UNIC Athens
The Medical School's Public Health lecture series at UNIC Athens, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli, continued yesterday, with a lecture by Dr Ioannis Sfontouris, Associate Professor of Embryology at UNIC Athens and Director of the Embryology Laboratory at Hygeia IVF Embryogenesis.
In his lecture, titled 'Medically Assisted Reproduction for the Treatment of Infertility:Developments and Future Perspectives', Dr Sfontouris provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and upcoming breakthroughs in assisted reproductive technologies, highlighting innovative solutions for treating infertility and outlining their clinical significance for the future.
Dr Sfontouris analysed the multifaceted causes of infertility, examining both anatomical and environmental factors affecting couples today. He provided a detailed breakdown of the In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) process, tailoring his analysis to the significant variation in success rates and treatment options across maternal age groups. A major focus of his lecture was the transformative role of advanced technology - such as artificial intelligence and automated laboratory techniques - in evolving reproductive procedures and maximising positive outcomes.
Dr Sfontouris also emphasised the vital role of the current regulatory framework, discussing how legal guidelines and bioethical boundaries influence clinical practices, safeguard patients, and shape the future landscape of assisted reproduction.
This was the third lecture in the Medical School's Public Health series in Athens, which aims to strengthen dialogue between academia, healthcare professionals and the wider public while promoting informed discussion on prevention, early diagnosis and advances in modern medical practice.
The series will resume next autumn following the summer break.
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Original text here: https://www.unic.ac.cy/embryologist-ioannis-sfontouris-delivers-lecture-on-medically-assisted-reproduction-at-unic-athens/
Eindhoven University of Technology: EIRES and EU Policymakers Discuss the Future of Metal Energy Carriers
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, June 20 -- Eindhoven University of Technology issued the following news:
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EIRES and EU policymakers discuss the future of metal energy carriers
How can Europe safely store, transport, and make renewable energy available when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing? This question took centre stage during a roundtable meeting hosted at the European Commission in Brussels on 18 June.
The meeting took place at DG Research & Innovation (DG RTD) and brought together representatives from DG Energy (DG ENER) and EIRES. The aim was to share the latest technological
... Show Full Article
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, June 20 -- Eindhoven University of Technology issued the following news:
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EIRES and EU policymakers discuss the future of metal energy carriers
How can Europe safely store, transport, and make renewable energy available when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing? This question took centre stage during a roundtable meeting hosted at the European Commission in Brussels on 18 June.
The meeting took place at DG Research & Innovation (DG RTD) and brought together representatives from DG Energy (DG ENER) and EIRES. The aim was to share the latest technologicaldevelopments and discuss how European regulatory and funding framework can support the further development and scale-up of this promising technology.
Representing TU/e and EIRES at the roundtable were Prof. Niels Deen, Vice Dean of Mechanical Engineering and Principal Scientist at EIRES, and Dr. Roy Hermanns, Senior Scientist within the Power & Flow group of Mechanical Engineering and EIRES. They were joined by Delia Mitcan, TU/e's EU Representative. The industrial and societal stakeholders are represented by Anthony van de Ven from Brainport Development, bringing the regional perspective, and Jan Hubers, Manager, Funding & Public Affairs, RIFT, shared insights from industry and the market deployment of metal energy carriers.
From research to European impact
At EIRES, researchers work on solutions to some of the key challenges following from the energy transition, including the need for safe and long-duration renewable energy storage. Metal energy carriers are considered a promising technology in this context. Using renewable electricity, metals such as iron can be converted into energy-dense powders that can store energy (seasonal as well as strategic reserve), transport, and later release energy without CO2 and low NOx emissions. Thanks to their safe handling characteristics and compatibility with existing logistics infrastructure, metal energy carriers offer significant opportunities for the transition towards a stable future European energy system.
"According to EIRES, close collaboration between science, industry, and policymakers is essential to further develop and scale this technology."
A strategic moment for Europe
The roundtable took place at a pivotal moment. Over the past years, the Brainport Eindhoven region has made significant progress in advancing metal energy carriers technology. Researchers at TU/e and partners across the ecosystem have contributed to the development of demonstration systems, while companies such as RIFT and Iron+ are already working towards commercial applications.
During the meeting, TU/e and EIRES researchers presented the current state of the technology and outlined opportunities for developing a European metal energy carriers value chain. The participants highlighted the urgency of the technology to ensure a continued development towards a sustainable and stable energy system that is capable of meeting ever increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, coupled with increased self-reliance. Particular attention was given to the collaboration between knowledge institutes, industry, and regional stakeholders required to bring the technology to scale.
Why this dialogue matters
For EIRES, this meeting represented more than a knowledge exchange. The roundtable offered a unique opportunity to provide policymakers with direct insight into both the opportunities and challenges associated with this emerging technology.
The meeting also came at a time that local and European energy system is under duress. Traditional fossil fuel options must be phased out because of climate change concerns and, more urgently, because of dependency risks. The transition towards more sustainable mobility options, towards more sustainable heating and cooling and industrial processes all combine to a massive surge in demand, which cannot be matched by production at the right moment, making (short term and long term) storage a key component in the transition.
New energy technologies require not only technological breakthroughs but also supportive regulations, investment mechanisms, and favourable market conditions. By bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and European policymakers, the meeting created a platform to explore the framework conditions needed to accelerate the path from innovation to societal impact.
The discussion also contributed to creating a level playing field for metal energy carriers within the broader European energy landscape, where considerable attention is currently focused on technologies such as hydrogen and batteries.
As Roy Hermanns, Senior Scientist at EIRES, explains:
"The entire ecosystem has proven that the metal energy carriers concept works. We are now approaching large-scale deployment. To enable this next step, it is crucial that metal energy carriers are included in all relevant policy frameworks and instruments. This will help ensure that their large-scale rollout is not impeded by policy or regulatory obstacles."
Looking ahead
The insights shared during the meeting can contribute to future European research and innovation programmes, foster new collaborations between Member States, and support the scaling of pilot projects into commercial applications.
In the longer term, metal energy carriers have the potential to become an important building block of a sustainable, resilient, and energy-independent European energy system. By connecting science, industry, and policy, EIRES aims to help accelerate that transition.
With this initiative, EIRES takes another important step in its mission to connect groundbreaking energy research with societal impact and European innovation leadership.
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Original text here: https://www.tue.nl/en/news-and-events/news-overview/19-06-2026-eires-and-eu-policymakers-discuss-the-future-of-metal-energy-carriers?_gl=1*134s5f0*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjAwOTI1MjYwLjE3ODE5NTkxNDM.*_ga_JN37M497TT*czE3ODE5NTkxNDIkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODE5NTkxNDIkajYwJGwwJGgw
