Early Stage Researchers

Country of Origin: Brazil

ESR 1 High Friction & Acoustic Surfacing for Pavements (Hi-FASP)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

I always loved to discover and understand different things, and I choose engineering was with this intent. Since I discovered, and even fell in love with, the field during my bachelors degree I try to understand, learn an make more people aware or even get passionate about this subject that is so important to our lives.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

Making roads safe for users and people living or working near by is directly related, pavements that help to mitigate or reduce noise improve quality of life of everyone. And improving the texture in order to enhance safety is also an obvious important step to make.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action in research and training?

Connecting with fellow researchers and industries to help realize the full potential of our research as soon as possible!

Country of Origin: Honduras

ESR2. SAFER HYDRONIC URBAN PAVEMENTS (SAFERHP)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

During my master’s degree studies, I realised that I was interested in how to improve our pavement surfaces into more sustainable and safer ones, throughout the testing of novel materials and learning new technologies. This experience inspired me to pursue a research career, and have the opportunity of being part of an international community joined by common interests and be able to make a contribution to reach more livable cities.

In few words, how will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

By developing a tempered urban pavement, we will be able to keep road surface temperatures within limits that improve traffic safety in winter and pavement durability year-round.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

Having the opportunity to work and learn from outstanding senior academics in the field that will help me to develop the skills and achieve the knowledge necessary to apply my research in real life situations.

Country of Origin: France

ESR3. VULNERABLE USERS PROTECTION WITH ADVANCED RECYCLING PAVING MATERIALS (PROTECTVU)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

When I entered university, my professional dream was to work in a multidisciplinary field. One in which I could combine sciences, environment issues, and real-life trials for users and humans.

I am a chemist, something that seems perfect for my aims, because chemistry skills are needed in a lot of different areas! Thanks to my education in chemistry, I recently discover Civil and Road engineering during my final thesis, and understood that joining this civil engineering world was a perfect blend of skills and applications – with a tangible benefit to people’s lives.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

We will be working to improve tire recycling and reduce road accidents through better materials. Good for people, the planet and new developments in material sciences innovation.

Nowadays, many people are concerned by road issues because of the emergence of new transportation devices. Our research will reflect evolving use or road space and of users and help solve upcoming issues. We can also imagine our easy to apply and green materials not only for roads infrastructures, but also for sports surfaces for example.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

Being part of a European project as a European citizen. I realise that learning by mobility is something that I really appreciate because of a lot of shared moment and legacy. I did an Erasmus volunteer project in my personal life and I wanted to have the same feeling and approach in my professional one too. Building connections with researchers from all over the world and developing new skills to apply in daily life as researcher or as person are also some points I wanted to develop as well.

Country of Origin: Palestine

ESR4. EFFECTS OF ROAD SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS & GEOMETRIES ON SAFER USERS' BEHAVIOUR (SAFERUB)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

Road safety and its relation to human behavior has been a focus since my early undergraduate studies. There is a global need to reduce the number and severity of accidents. Statistics show that 90% of accident causes are related to driver behavior. By identifying and eliminating endangering behavior, we will be able to remarkably reduce accidents. I am enthusiastic to get involved in this research contributing to positive development in road safety in the interest of society.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

By examining driver behavior and enhancing vehicle safety we will be able to reduce accidents, as well as better adapt to special needs of individuals. The improvement in mobility especially for disabled and elderly people will give them more independence and confidence in daily life.

With our focus on cycling, we will offer improvement to an environmental friendly transportation alternative, which could significantly enhance quality of life by reducing pollution in cities.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

I am looking forward to being part of this international and interdisciplinary project - interacting and sharing ideas with fellow researchers and to form research collaborations in order to achieve valuable scientific progress. It will give me the opportunity to gain interdisciplinary knowledge, indispensable in finding promising and sustainable solutions.

Country of Origin: Mexico

ESR5. ACCESSIBLE URBAN SURFACES

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

I truly believe that we need to pause and re-think how our cities are designed. The current focus on automobiles certainly needs to be shifted toward healthier, more sustainable and, more human modes of transport.

My personal experiences of switching from automobile dependence to cycling, walking and public transport have been inspirational. This contributed greatly to develop deeper interest and curiosity in finding the best solutions to help people to understand and appreciate the impacts of a more active life. Additionally, Urban Mobility is a highly multidisciplinary sector, spanning across various knowledge domains that I find stimulating.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

Waking is a human’s intrinsic mode of transport and we are specifically designed to walk each day of our lives. Amongst the goals pursued by this research, we can highlight the development of novel walkway surfaces that minimize the effect walking over hard surfaces exerts on our bodies. The effects of this technology will provide not only health benefits in the long term, but also is expected to reduce the impact severity in case of a fall. We will also be working with greener and more sustainable materials.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action in research and training?

I am very looking forward to deepening my knowledge in the different areas of expertise of the project; particularly the amazing opportunity to develop new areas of understanding, such as Bio-mechanics and neuroscience. This project will be a thrilling experience that will allow us to work closely with high-calibre experts and game-changing personalities, providing not only guidance but inspiration.

Country of Origin: Greece

ESR6. COOL PAVEMENTS FOR URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT MITIGATION (COOLUM)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

Both my Bachelor and Master's studies in Physics and Environmental Physics correspondingly, made me understand the importance of science for humanity’s welfare. At the same time my engagement with the Group of Building Environmental Studies in National and Kapodistrian University of Athens enabled me for a deeper and practical specialisation in topics highly related with citizens’ health, such as the mitigation of Urban Heat Islands, energy refurbishment of the buildings sector and fuel poverty to name but few, all critical issues for our cities today and tomorrow.
 

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

Climate change and consequently the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon affects directly or indirectly citizens’ health. Moreover, UHI alongside heat waves could become a severe threat for their life. Therefore, since pavements such us streets, sidewalks, parking lots and hardscape playgrounds typically cover over 40% of cities the mitigation of Urban Heat Island is of paramount importance.

To that end, the implementation of novel high cooling materials able to manipulate the incident solar radiation and consequently the ambient temperature, according to citizens’ need, will contribute towards more sustainable pavements and thus a better living standard for all of us.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

Having already worked on multi-scale physical problems through National and European programs, I have an ambition to specialise on not only physical but engineering issues as well, while conducting the demanding and at the same time challenging research required to prepare a Phd. Working alongside other scientists with different backgrounds and skills will help me to develop a high degree of professionalism. At the same time, being a member of an inspiring, international working environment at the nexus of market and research enhanced by the opportunity of being seconded in Academic and Non-Academic participating organisations will enable me to grow as an independent and highly qualified scientist who could possibly see his research effectively applied in an industrial placement.

Country of Origin: India

ESR7. 100% RECYLCED ASPHALT (RA) FOR URBAN SURFACES (100%RAUS)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

A large section of India’s rural population is isolated due to poor connectivity or quality of roads. And, growing up in a remote location made me realize the extent of this problem and scope for development. My intent to address these issues has inspired me to choose this field. The knowledge that I have acquired in past few years of my research has further narrowed my area of interest to work on developing a cost-effective and environment friendly pavement technology.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

My work focuses on implementing an “urban mining” approach using asphalt 100% mined in cities for producing new hot asphalt mixtures. It aims to reduce the life cycle green house gases emissions from road construction, which will make the environment safer for road users as well as for construction workers. It will also reduce the cost of pavement construction, giving huge benefit to taxpayers of the country. The reduced cost will encourage the government to expand existing road networks thereby connecting people from distant areas to cities, which will provide them access to better healthcare, educational and commercial facilities.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

At SaferUp!, I intend to drive innovations in sustainable pavement construction that can be translated and applied at grassroots level. The guidance from the senior researchers and collaboration with the industry will help me to achieve my goals and allow me to prosper as a researcher in this area. I am also looking forward to collaborating with other ESRs’ for exchange of multidisciplinary knowledge through various secondments and training programme. 

Country of Origin: IRAN

ESR 8 WASTE MINERAL FILLER RECYCLING IN NEW PAVEMENT SOLUTIONS (WASTERP)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

During my Bachelor studies I had decided to follow my career in academia and gained interest in doing research. I believed, and still do, that the most popular field in civil engineering is the structural design. I was looking for something less popular with a better job future. So when I attended the pavement engineering classes I was more interested in this field than ever. I think that the lecturers also gave me positive vibes which increased my interest towards this field. I then moved to Malaysia and studied highway and transportation engineering. I don’t regret my choice a single day.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

Our work will reduce the impact of paving materials on the environment, principally through new materials developed, tested and for use by the industrial sector. We will help overcome practical technical issues at manufacturing plants to mainstream these sustainable advantages.

We also will be working with silt. This material can cause air pollution in windy and dry climatic areas. So being able to find a novel solution of incorporating this material into new products will definitely improve environmental conditions.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

I am very happy that I have been selected as an ESR. It took me about three years of searching and applying but I finally won. I had job offers to work as a consultant but I declined them. I always wanted a job or a position that involved both academic and actual practical work. Doing mere research is not satisfying enough for me. So, I am hoping that I can work with wider audience and collaborate in international (and cross-reference) projects. To meet with highly talented and famous experts in my field (during my Masters I worked on Bitumen characterization and I had read a lot of Prof. Airey’s work…always admired his work and now I will be heading to Nottingham to work in his lab). I will be working at industrial firm SAPABA so my industrial-academic dream job has come true. And I am sure that it will boost my career in the future.

As a researcher, I believed in the fact “publish, or perish”, but honestly, all the work and plans SaferUp! has in mind for us is very new and valuable. I am really looking forward to it.

Country of Origin: BRAZIL

ESR: 9 SUSTAINABILITY POTENTIAL OF INNOVATIVE URBAN PAVING MATERIALS

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

Discovering solutions to help society it is my life goal. Being a researcher and have the opportunity to make the difference in people’s life is definitely what inspires me every day, doing that and at the same time work with something I love it is like a dream coming true.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

My work intends to increase economic, environmental and social sustainability by helping at the decision making process in infrastructure and road constructions.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action in research and training?

Become an expert in sustainable assessment tools applied to civil engineering industry, consolidating my network and collaboration partners and expanding my scientific frontiers.

Country of Origin: INDIA

ESR10. RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS FOR URBAN FLOOD MITIGATION (REPP4FM)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

“To be poor is to be isolated” - this quote defines the problem underserved are facing even in modern period. I intend to contribute my research skills and experience in the development of the society, which is deprived of the basic facilities. In developing countries where scarcity of resources results in improper road networks, the isolated are not properly served, which prolongs development of the place. This inspired me to carry out my research in the field of pavement engineering to find alternative cost effective solutions. I am also attracted to the pedagogical side of being a researcher as I will be able to share my research work with others.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

My work aims at designing stronger as well as more resilient permeable pavements resulting in longer design life, which will reduce the problems and delays faced by road users due to construction. Permeable pavements also reduce noise, which will improve living conditions for those residing near busy roads. One of the most important benefits is reduction in possibility of accidents as it absorbs water and maintains friction of the surface. Furthermore, it also mitigates the splashing of water, which improves the road visibility during rainfall.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

With this opportunity, I will be able to explore different pavement design practices carried out around the world. I am looking forward to collaborate with other ESRs and learn concepts from senior academics in this field during various secondments of the project. This opportunity will not only hone my research skills but it will also improve my communication and presentation skills, which will be beneficial for my professional and personal growth.

Country of Origin: Iran

ESR: 11 ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL SUITABILITY OF NEW PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS IN SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SUDS)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

I always had a strong curiosity to learn science and its applications, and this made me chose engineering as an undergraduate. After scoring impressively in my class, I opted to study Civil Engineering at one of the most reputed universities in Iran, Kharazmi University of Tehran. The exhaustive curriculum at Kharazmi University not only helped me develop a sound foundation in all major areas of Civil Engineering but also provided me with an insight on to how the economy of an industry works.

My interest in Environmental Engineering further deepened thanks to my bachelor degree with Dr. Mohammad Ali Abdoli. During this training, I appreciated the various theoretical classroom concepts put into practice to manufacture useful products. At the same time, I made the decision to pursue Environmental Engineering in a Master's program. Hence, I joined Environmental Engineering at University of Tehran. My thesis was ‘Fate and transport of pesticides in soil’ which led me to understand the principles of soil behaviors and its influence on fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concern. After my MSc I co-supervised several master’s thesis as Dr Mohamad Ali Abdoli’s research assistant which urged me to work more and more and gain experiment for my future as a researcher and also expand my knowledge in environmental science and engineering.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

My research area is assessing environmental suitability of new permeable pavements. In todays world the most important concerns of human being are environmental related issues. As an environmentalist I have seen many occasions in which industry forces too much hazards to the environment. My research will be focused on reducing the environmental problems caused by pavement industry, which will have a direct impact on people’s daily lives.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

Being able to be involved in an international scaled research in which many talented and well known researchers are cooperating, gaining experience and knowledge from different universities and companies contributing in the project. SaferUp! is also an opportunity to be trained by well known and influential researchers in my field, publish my research results in international journals, and knowing that my research results will be relevant and adopted by industry. All together, we are working as a team to improve people’s quality of life and experiences.

Country of Origin: Brazil

ESR12. ENHANCED DURABILITY OF BITUMINOUS LAYERS BY STUDING BINDERS' MICROSTRUCTURE (DURABM)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

During my graduation I wondered how engineering could contribute to the improvement of people's lives. At that time I was researching better management of electronic waste generated by my university and I realised how profound the impacts of incorrect management waste could negatively impact society and the environment.

Since then I have never stopped looking for ways to reduce the use of non-renewable raw materials and the amount of garbage produced in the world. During an internship at a Swiss Research Institute (EMPA) I realised there are interesting fields in sustainable pavements. Since then I have fallen in love with the possibility that through my technical knowledge I can contribute to the development of more sustainable roads.

In few words, how will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

I believe that my research will contribute to reducing the extraction of non-renewable resources (asphalt and stone aggregates) without compromising the quality of the highways.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

I am looking forward to broadening my perception of the world and my technical knowledge.

Country of Origin: Ghana

ESR13. ROBOTIC FAST REPAIR OF ASPHALT CONCRETES (RoboFRAC)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

 At age 12 I had developed a passion for engineering. I loved to visualise infrastructure and build prototypes with bamboo and clay - something I still do anyway but obviously with advanced materials. Certainly, I did not know anything about pavement engineering. My physics teacher, who mentored me at the high school level and shared in my dream of making the world more habitable advised me to study civil engineering at the university. That was a big milestone in my academic career, and I remain grateful for his guidance. Even before I completed my undergraduate studies, I was convinced I wanted to devote my career to helping connecting communities through roads and bridges. I studied Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Engineering during my postgraduate, covering both sustainable highways and railways. Through the program, I was exposed to the application of Artificial Intelligence in engineering and it has since become one field I have admired greatly. Now, my vision for the future is to see roads that can live in a healthy symbiosis with the urban environment and help build SMARTer cities. I dream that one day I will simply tell a computer the requirements of a road and a robot will do all the design and construction work for me. 

 How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

 Can you imagine having a road network where road defects get repaired without disrupting traffic? Well, that dream could be a reality soon. At SaferUP! we are thinking beyond the pavement. My research work, RoboFRAC, involves fixing road defects with robots without human intervention. Robotic repairs through 3D-printing will mean a reduction in traffic disruption, CO₂ emissions, and maintenance costs. Also, we could fix roads with greater accuracy and at any time of the day. The autonomous robots will also save humans from undertaking dirty and dangerous jobs on our highways.

 What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

Networking! Marie Curie is, arguably, the biggest fellowship in the world as far as Early Stage Researching is concerned. It has early-stage researchers who are talents in their field of research and world-famous supervisors whose work results have influenced generations of engineers. The SaferUP! project, most importantly, has high cross-field researchers and I am proud to be apart. SaferUP! is a blend of industry and academia with packages for researchers to build the right attitude to succeed in the future.  I have the chance to travel across Europe for secondments and attend training programs. Already, I am meeting experts whom I am collaborating with to amplify my work and talent. SaferUp! is also giving me a platform to better prepare for my academic career journey and I cannot imagine researching under a different network.

Country of Origin: Iran

ESR14. ENERGY HARVESTING FROM ROAD PAVEMENTS (NRGHRP)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

I have always been interested in conducting experimental research, and as I started my graduate studies in civil engineering, building materials were my research focus. Sustainable development of infrastructures is another matter, which is in my opinion crucially important our lives and well-being. And so my research on building and construction materials with a sustainability focus has developed.  

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

Harvesting energy from pavements lets people have access to a new form of energy “power plant”, available right at our feet all over the place. Consequently, along with reducing the environmental impacts of pavements, we will be able to provide a new source of energy to the societies and possibly reduce its overall costs.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

Building a solid and well-established research career, working in a collaborative and international environment, employing advanced and cutting-edge techniques. SaferUp! is above all a platform for implementing my research in industry and possibly seeing the impacts on people’s lives.

Country of Origin: Turkey

ESR15. NANOTECHNOLOGIES FOR SELF-SENSING & SELF-INSPECTING SMART URBAN PAVEMENTS (NANOSUP)

What inspired you to become a researcher in your field of expertise?

Known scientists of the ancient era and those who have helped humanity build the world we know today.

How will your work help improve people’s quality of life?

My work will help to regulate the flows of urban life better and enable more engineers to save time. At the heart of this is an automated infrastructure monitoring system that will help cities get smarter.

What are you most looking forward to as part of your Marie Curie Action?

I can’t wait to build my knowledge, exchange ideas, be productive and achieve our SaferUp! objectives with a strong team spirit.