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The Aalto Science Institute (AScI) coordinated a call for thematic research programmes involving the joint efforts of the School of Science (SCI) and the School of Engineering (ENG) in summer 2018. The goal of the programmes is to enhance research collaboration between the two schools and support the long-term renewal of their research agendas. A total of seven proposals were received, and in October, the following programmes were selected for funding by the SCI and ENG Deans:

• Advanced analytics for planning future energy systems (PlanFES, coordinated by Fabricio Oliveira / SCI, Sanna Syri / ENG)
• Penguin-inspired active surfaces (PENGUIN, coordinated by Heikki Nieminen, Robin Ras / SCI, Ville Vuorinen / ENG)

Each programme will receive a funding of €50 000 per year, divided evenly between the two sponsoring Schools, for the period of 01 Jan 2019 - 31 Dec 2021. The programmes will report to the AScI Steering Group, and AScI will assist in their practical coordination. The programmes presented their plans to the AScI Steering Group in a joint kickoff event on Tuesday 12 Mar 2019.

Advanced analytics for planning future energy systems (PlanFES)

Replacing fossil fuels with energy from renewable sources is the cornerstone for reducing CO₂ emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. One pathway to a cleaner energy matrix is to devise policies and infrastructure expansion plans that encourage the adoption of cleaner energy sources. Mathematical optimisation models play a central role in supporting decision-making by providing analytical evidence of new technologies’ impacts. This project will develop novel methods and models tailored to support the planning of the energy systems of the future. Consequently, policymakers will be able to use such a framework to craft robust long-term measures to foster the adoption of cleaner energy sources, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Penguin-inspired active surfaces (PENGUIN)

The PENGUIN programme is inspired by flow dynamics of swimming penguins. Flow simulations and advanced materials will be combined to improve/control fluid mechanics at liquid-solid interfaces in a new way. Future applications of this field range from ships to micro-robotics and drug delivery systems.