BrainMap

Mrs. Flori Toanca

PhD

Scientific Researcher III - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (03/09/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Cooperation and AgReements enhancing Global interOperability for Aerosol, Cloud and Trace gas research infrastructures Call name: EC - Horizon Europe
Horizon-257713-101132093 2024 - 2027

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institution

Project partners: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OAR Earth System Research Laboratories (US); Oak Ridge National Laboratory (US); NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (US); University System of Maryland (US); BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATES LLC (US); BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE NON PROFIT CORPORATION (US); ILMATIETEEN LAITOS (FI); LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE); HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (FI); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 (RO); STIFTELSEN NILU (NO); REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (US); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (IT); INSTITUT ROYAL D'AERONOMIE SPATIALEDE BELGIQUE (BE); CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR)

Affiliation: LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE)

Project website:

Abstract:

Research Infrastructures Services Reinforcing Air Quality Monitoring Capacities in European Urban & Industrial AreaS (RI-URBANS) Call name: EC - H2020
H2020-237082-101036245 2021 - 2025

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institution

Project partners: AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (ES); LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE); VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V. (BE); UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (PL); HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (FI); FEDERAL STATE BUDGETARY INSTITUTIONOF SCIENCE ST. PETERSBURG FEDERALRESEARCH CENTER OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (RU); IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE (GB); FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH (DE); NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO (NL); SAINT PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY (RU); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 (RO); INSTITUT NATIONAL DE L ENVIRONNEMENT INDUSTRIEL ET DES RISQUES - INERIS (FR); FUNDACION PRIVADA INSTITUTO DE SALUD GLOBAL BARCELONA (ES); THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (GB); IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS (GR); STIFTELSEN NILU (NO); INSTITUT MINES-TELECOM (FR); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (IT); KONINKLIJK NEDERLANDS METEOROLOGISCH INSTITUUT-KNMI (NL); ILMATIETEEN LAITOS (FI); PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT (CH); METEOROLOGISK INSTITUTT (NO); ETHNIKO ASTEROSKOPEIO ATHINON (GR); UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT (NL); CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR); M.V. LOMONOSOV MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY (RU); EIDGENOSSISCHE MATERIALPRUFUNGS- UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALT (CH); BARCELONA SUPERCOMPUTING CENTER CENTRO NACIONAL DE SUPERCOMPUTACION (ES); JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSION (BE); ACTRIS ERIC (FI); COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES (FR); "NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ""DEMOKRITOS""" (GR); ECOLE NATIONALE DES PONTS ET CHAUSSEES (FR); UNIVERSITE PARIS XII VAL DE MARNE (FR); UNIVERSITE PAUL SABATIER TOULOUSE III (FR); INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT (FR); TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT (NL); SORBONNE UNIVERSITE (FR)

Affiliation: LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE)

Project website: https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5fc688f59&appId=PPGMS

Abstract:

Solutions for Sustainable Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities Call name: EC - H2020
H2020-234824-101008004 2021 - 2025

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS

Project partners: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR); IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS (GR); CESKY HYDROMETEOROLOGICKY USTAV (CZ); STIFTELSEN NILU (NO); INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND NUCLEAR ENERGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (BG); AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (ES); UNIVERSITATEA ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA DIN IASI (RO); MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAT INNSBRUCK (AT); TAMPEREEN KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR (FI); INSTITUT MINES-TELECOM (FR); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (IT); KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE (DE); BERGISCHE UNIVERSITAET WUPPERTAL (DE); AGENCIA ESTATAL DE METEOROLOGIA (ES); EESTI MAAULIKOOL (EE); ILMATIETEEN LAITOS (FI); PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT (CH); ETHNIKO ASTEROSKOPEIO ATHINON (GR); INSTITUT ROYAL D'AERONOMIE SPATIALEDE BELGIQUE (BE); FUNDACION CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS AMBIENTALES DEL MEDITERRANEO (ES); ITA-SUOMEN YLIOPISTO (FI); UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK (IE); THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE (CY); EIDGENOSSISCHE MATERIALPRUFUNGS- UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALT (CH); TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT (NL); JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSION (BE); AARHUS UNIVERSITET (DK); LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE); UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (PL); HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (FI); THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (GB); LUNDS UNIVERSITET (SE); FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH (DE); INTEGRATED CARBON OBSERVATION SYSTEM EUROPEAN RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURECONSORTIUM (FI); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 (RO); UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA (ES); UNIVERSIDADE DE EVORA (PT); GEOSPHERE AUSTRIA - BUNDESANSTALT FUR GEOLOGIE, GEOPHYSIK, KLIMATOLOGIE UND METEOROLOGIE (AT); INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNICA AEROESPACIAL ESTEBAN TERRADAS (ES); UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY (IE); ACTRIS ERIC (FI); USTAV CHEMICKYCH PROCESU AV CR, v. v. i. (CZ); ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE (FR); USTAV VYZKUMU GLOBALNI ZMENY AV CR VVI (CZ); Masarykova univerzita (CZ); UNIVERSIDAD DE VALLADOLID (ES); COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES (FR); UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPES (FR); UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA (ES); KONINKLIJK NEDERLANDS METEOROLOGISCH INSTITUUT-KNMI (NL); "NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ""DEMOKRITOS""" (GR); UNIVERSITE PARIS XII VAL DE MARNE (FR); UNIVERSITE DE LA REUNION (FR); UNIVERSITE CLERMONT AUVERGNE (FR); RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN (NL); UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT (NL); UNIVERSITE PAUL SABATIER TOULOUSE III (FR); UNIVERSITE DE VERSAILLES SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES. (FR); ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI FISICA NUCLEARE (IT); UNIWERSYTET SLASKI W KATOWICACH (PL); UNIWERSYTET WROCLAWSKI (PL)

Affiliation: IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS (GR)

Project website: https://www.atmo-access.eu/

Abstract:

Advanced Research on Convective Clouds using Remote Sensing Instruments from New Exploratory Platforms Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1938 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); Academia Fortelor Aeriene "Henri Coanda" Brasov (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://accuresy.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

The ACCuReSy project (Advanced Research on Convective Clouds using Remote Sensing Instruments from new Exploratory Platforms) aims to perform advanced research of the atmospheric environment before, during and after the convective events in order to investigate the aerosol-cloud interactions with special attention on the factors that contribute to the hail formation. The novelty of this proposal resides in the top-class ground-based infrastructures that will be used to accomplish the goals of the project. Two research team will be involved in this project: Remote Sensing Department of INOE and Aviation Department of “Henri Coanda” Air Force Academy, both relying on state-of-the-art facilities with radar systems operating on various frequencies, meteorological sensors and sondes, and UAVs.

The project will be implemented in two locations, Măgurele and Brașov, chosen by their relevance for the environmental factors that meet the conditions for various type of convective development. Intensive campaigns will be performed during the convective seasons of 2022 and 2023 in order to build a consistent convective database to be analysed later. During the implementation of the project intervention squads will be organized to proceed for a rapid displacement into the areas where the convective development are ongoing for on-site documentation, launching the probes in the unstable environment, and if possible to collect samples (i.e. hail stones). Physico-chemical analyses will be performed on hydrometeor samples investigate the content of suspended particles in the convective environment.

Overall, with this project we aim to produce new insight to the way aerosols affect convective storm and to open ways for implementation these details for a better prediction of convective storms and also to improve the cal/val techniques for the EO satellite missions dedicated to cloud observations.

Dual telescope module for clear air turbulence detection - DETECT Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2088 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/264/proiect-detect

Abstract:

One of the missing developments in air transport services (for passengers and cargo) is related to the need to detect and avoid Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) events that may occur at high altitudes during airline flights. The project aims the development of an experimental prototype for the detection of air turbulences used in airline operation. The technique used for the development of this module is called backscatter amplification effect and the technology developed within the project will be of real interest both for airline companies and also for the private sector aiming to develop this product for future marketing purposes.

Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure Implementation Project Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0016 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/263/about-actris-imp

Abstract:

ACTRIS IMP (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure Implementation Project) is a project funded by the European Commission through the Research Program Horizon 2020 (Grant No. 871115 - ACTRIS IMP - H2020-INFRADEV-2018-2020 / H2020-INFRADEV-2019-2). The duration of the project is four years starting January 1, 2020. ACTRIS IMP project comes as a result of the predecessor ACTRIS PPP which made the transition from a network of project-based research centers to a centralized pan-European research infrastructure, by involving both research organizations and funding bodies and ministries to support ACTRIS infrastructure. Main objective of ACTRIS PPP project is to develop the research infrastructure in terms of organization, operationalization and strategic principles have been defined within ACTRIS PPP, and will be implemented within ACTRIS IMP. This project aims to develop ACTRIS towards a new level of maturity by establishing the necessary coordination structures for coherent implementation actions, which can be implemented both at national and European level.

Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure Implementation Project Call name: EC - H2020
H2020-226111-871115 2020 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: ILMATIETEEN LAITOS

Project partners: ILMATIETEEN LAITOS (FI); USTAV CHEMICKYCH PROCESU AV CR, v. v. i. (CZ); AARHUS UNIVERSITET (DK); LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE); UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (PL); HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (FI); THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (UK); UNIVERSIDAD DE VALLADOLID (ES); LUNDS UNIVERSITET (SE); FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH (DE); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 (RO); INSTITUT NATIONAL DE L ENVIRONNEMENT ET DES RISQUES INERIS (FR); UNIVERSIDADE DE EVORA (PT); IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS (EL); NILU STIFTELSEN NORSK INSTITUTT FORLUFTFORSKNING (NO); INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND NUCLEAR ENERGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (BG); MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAT INNSBRUCK (AT); INSTITUT MINES-TELECOM (FR); UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (UK); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (IT); UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA (ES); KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE (DE); KONINKLIJK NEDERLANDS METEOROLOGISCH INSTITUUT-KNMI (NL); EESTI MAAULIKOOL (EE); PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT (CH); ETHNIKO ASTEROSKOPEIO ATHINON (EL); INSTITUT ROYAL D'AERONOMIE SPATIALEDE BELGIQUE (BE); CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR); FUNDACION CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS AMBIENTALES DEL MEDITERRANEO (ES); UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK (IE); THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE (CY); EIDGENOSSISCHE MATERIALPRUFUNGS- UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALT (CH); JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSION (BE); UK CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY (UK); GEOSPHERE AUSTRIA - BUNDESANSTALT FUR GEOLOGIE, GEOPHYSIK, KLIMATOLOGIE UND METEOROLOGIE (AT); INSTITUT PRO ELEKTRONIKA NA BAN - INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (BG); UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA (ES); CESKY HYDROMETEOROLOGICKY USTAV (CZ); CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIONES ENERGETICAS MEDIOAMBIENTALES Y TECNOLOGICAS (ES); AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (ES); UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPES (FR); AGENCIA ESTATAL DE METEOROLOGIA (ES); "NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ""DEMOKRITOS""" (GR); UNIVERSITE PARIS XII VAL DE MARNE (FR); INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNICA AEROESPACIAL ESTEBAN TERRADAS (ES); TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT (NL); BARCELONA SUPERCOMPUTING CENTER CENTRO NACIONAL DE SUPERCOMPUTACION (ES); UNIVERSITE DE VERSAILLES SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES. (FR); Instytut Geofizyki Polskiej Akademii Nauk (PL); UNIVERSITE DE LILLE (FR)

Affiliation: USTAV CHEMICKYCH PROCESU AV CR, v. v. i. (CZ)

Project website:

Abstract:

Centrul Suport Orizont 2020 pentru managementul proiectelor europene si promovare europeana PREPARE Call name: CENTRE-SUPORT - Crearea de sinergii cu acţiunile de CDI ale programului-cadru ORIZONT 2020 al Uniunii Europene şi alte programe CDI internaţionale
107874 2020 - 2023

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Comprehensive Approach to support Precision Agriculture and environmental management through satellite technologies and classic methods of investigation Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3495 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/253/about-capa

Abstract:

The project ‘Comprehensive Approach to support Precision Agriculture and environmental management through satellite technologies and classic methods of investigation – CAPA’, addresses a major direction of the 21st century, namely, smart agriculture, bringing new insights into how the climate affects the phenological cycle of crops (through the occurrence of extreme events) and it also contributes to understanding the role of different air pollutants (such as greenhouse gases) in crop development. The project proposes the realization of synergies of the scientific activities integrating data on the complex eco-agro-system-culture relations, obtained by applying a conglomerate of methods and techniques (space technologies, the study of pollutants at the level of air, water, soil and plants), for a modern management of agricultural crops, in the context of intelligent agriculture. At the international level, smart agriculture is also based on the optimized management of the inputs according to the real needs of the crops, for their management and the reduction of the use of fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides and water resources. At the national level, the exploitation of satellite records in the field of agricultural management has not yet a significant spread, being used mainly in applications dedicated to environmental protection, forestry, territorial planning or in the military field. In this context, the project proposes the application and integration of spatial technologies together with in situ and ex situ analyses in the intelligent management of agriculture to monitor certain types of agricultural crops (from a pilot site), thus allowing the development of a successful model for better capitalization. of available resources.

Aerosol climatology - from remote sensing measurements to deep learning Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2278 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/254/clara

Abstract:

The goal of the project is to develop an advanced aerosol climatology for Romania, starting from a pilot region centered on Bucharest area, covering the full period (2010 – present) of aerosol remote sensing and in-situ measurements from Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory (RADO), Bucharest-Magurele, using an expert analysis complemented with state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. The RADO measurements for this area will be supplemented by satellite measurements and improved modelling results.

The project is a collaboration of the National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics (INOE), Remote Sensing Department, and the Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB), SpeeD Research Laboratory.

In the proposed project, the PT-PCCA-2013-4-1798 project MOBBE (“Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact”) concept will be improved, extended to the most common tropospheric aerosols and complemented with a machine learning analysis. The project proposes innovative concepts, including synergistic expert analysis and deep learning techniques, fulfilling also the Romanian Smart Specialization Strategy on Analysis, Management and Security of Big Data. Extending the biomass burning aerosol climatology to all tropospheric aerosols, the project will improve significantly the characterization of aerosols and their impact on climate, air quality and cloud-precipitation processes, moving from experimental level (MOBBE) to a higher technological maturity level (validated technology in the laboratory). The validated results will be made available for use in other studies of the impact of aerosols on climate. The project outcomes will also contribute conceptually to the Copernicus effort to assimilate the ground-based remote-sensing measurements in Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

Emerging technologies to counteract the effects induced by the turbulent flows of fluid environments Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0868 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AEROSPATIALA "ELIE CARAFOLI" - I.N.C.A.S. BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DE CONSTRUCTII BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.spacescience.ro/projects/contur/index_ro.html

Abstract:

In order to solve the specific problems generated by the turbulence phenomena on the human activities in the terrestrial environment this project is aimed at the development of emerging technologies to counteract effects induced by the turbulent flows. The complex project is divided into two complementary component projects. The first component project is dedicated to the study of the clear air turbulence while the second is aimed at designing new active control technologies to reduce vibrations.

Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases Preparatory Phase Project Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0058 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/category/93/roactris-ppp

Abstract:

The Research Infrastructure (RI) ACTRIS – Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases - is the pan-European RI that consolidates activities amongst European partners for observations of aerosols, clouds, and trace gases and for understanding of the related atmospheric processes, to provide RI services to wide user groups. ACTRIS is composed of 8 connected elements: distributed National Facilities (observation platforms and exploratory platforms) both in Europe and globally, and 7 Central Facilities (Head Office, Data Centre and 5 Calibration Centres). ACTRIS provides access to its facilities, open-access data, research support, instrument calibration and development, and training to various user groups. By providing data and access ACTRIS enhances science, but it also generates an disseminates knowledge, boosts technological development, and creates human capital and jobs for the benefit of the

society. ACTRIS will positively impact on e.g. human health, climate resilience, and protection from environmental hazards and reduction of air pollution. ACTRIS has been selected to the ESFRI roadmap in 2016 as mature enough to be implemented within the next ten years. ACTRIS Preparatory Phase Project (PPP) will have a significant role in enabling the transition from a projectbased network of research facilities to a centrally coordinated integrated pan-European RI. ACTRIS PPP brings together a wide community of research performing organizations, research funding organizations and ministries needed to take the decisions and actions to move forward in the implementation of the ACTRIS. The main objectives of ACTRIS PPP are to develop the organizational, operational and strategic frameworks of the RI. The work includes legal, governance, financial, technical, strategic, and administrative aspects carried out in 9 work packages. The main outcomes of PPP are signature-ready documents for establishment of a legal entity with well-defined operations and a sound business plan.

East European Centre for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Call name:
H2020-TWINN-2015/H2020-TWINN-2015, G.A. 692014 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V. (MPI-M) (RO); DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV (DLR) (RO); NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS (NOA) (RO); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR) (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://ecars.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

ECARS addresses the challenges of the Twinning programme by tackling deficiencies and networking gaps between

INOE, a very dynamic research institution in Romania, and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level. The

activity will strengthen the excellence of INOE Center for atmospheric remote sensing and will stimulate high-level

environmental and climate research, conform to Romanian Smart Specialization Strategy. This will be achieved by

consolidating INOE’s links with four highly esteemed research institutions, each one having high-level expertise in

specific areas: MPI-M (ground-based remote sensing), DLR (airborne remote sensing), NOA (satellite remote sensing)

and CNR-IMAA (data exploitation). The coordination and support actions address specific areas of atmospheric

remote sensing where the expertise of INOE will be strengthen, increasing its innovation capacity and research profile.

The focus is on cutting edge passive and active remote sensing technologies, good practices and data synergy, leading

to better data exploitation for environmental and climate research. Transfer of know-how is performed in a larger

context of training through research, with ECARS complementing undergoing projects in HORIZON2020 and ESA

Earth Observation programs. ECARS' goal is to create a collaborative framework around INOE for sharing specialized

knowledge, brainstorming for new ideas and elaborating scientific publications. Measures to maximize the impact

involve short-term staff exchanges and on-site training, expert visits, virtual training, technical workshops, summer

schools, webinars and outreach activities. ECARS is envisaged to increase by 50% the annual number of scientific

papers published by INOE, and the impact factor by 25%. Knowledge will be further spread through national Master

and PhD programs, reinforcing the atmospheric remote sensing activities in Romania and enhancing the related S&T

capacities.ECARS is supported by WMO-GAW, GEO, ACTRIS and ESA/ESTEC.

Handle with Science in Romania Call name:
H2020-MSCA-NIGHT-2018, G. A. 818795 2018 - 2019

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA LUCIAN BLAGA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO)

Project website: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/217997/factsheet/en

Abstract:

HSCiRO - Handle with Science The general objective of the project is to promote the results of scientific research that supports people and humanity (vaccines, space technology, materials science, fundamental science).

If we were to summarize all of this in an expression we would call it: Handle with Science in Romania -- HSciRO.

We are trying to raise awareness on the science and technology of our everyday world, as well as the effort that the researchers put in making our lives better - from inventing technology that make our chores easier, to investigating what happens in the natural world and trying to find the cures to the diseases that still claim human lives.

Moreover, as 2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage, this expression would gain an extra dimension, namely to speak inclusive of the history of rational and scientific thinking and the impact it had on European societies.

HSciRO will be held in 6 major cities in Romania, considered to be the regional cultural and administrative capitals of our country: Bucharest, Iasi, Cluj, Timisoara, Sibiu, Craiova.

The gravity point of all proposed activities is represented by various open-air activities, organized in an amusing manner by real scientists and students.

Furthermore, we would like to stress the importance of scientific research for a modern society and to share information on major research infrastructures in Romania (e.g ELI project).

European Research Area and the program Horizon2020 will be presented interactively at EU corners.

Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases Preparatory Phase Project Call name:
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0058, 07/2017 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/196/about-roactris-ppp

Abstract:

ACTRIS PPP support project is financed by UEFISCDI under "Rewarding participation in Horizon 2020" call for proposals.

This project is awarded as a result of implementing a project funded by the European Commission (EC) - Horizon 2020.

The Research Infrastructure (RI) ACTRIS – Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases - is the pan-European RI that consolidates activities amongst European partners for observations of aerosols, clouds, and trace gases and for understanding of the related atmospheric processes, to provide RI services to wide user groups.

ACTRIS is composed of 8 connected elements: distributed National Facilities (observation platforms and exploratory platforms) both in Europe and globally, and 7 Central Facilities (Head Office, Data Centre and 5 Calibration Centres).

ACTRIS provides access to its facilities, open-access data, research support, instrument calibration and development, and training to various user groups.

The main objective of ACTRIS PPP support project is to capitalize the competencies and research potential of INOE (RADO)team by strengthening international collaborations and disseminating the results of ACTRIS PPP project, and not only, during national and international scientific events.

This project activities have the role to increase the number of potential partners in order to participate in future Horizon 2020 projects, but also in other research projects.

Romanian Cluster for Earth Observation Call name:
ROSA-STAR-C3, 109/2016 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); TERRASIGNA SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINĂ "GRIGORE ANTIPA"-I.N.C.D.M. CONSTANŢA (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE ÎN SILVICULTURĂ "MARIN DRĂCEA" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); TEAMNET SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: https://ro-ceo.ro/

Abstract:

The overall scope of RO-CEO is to increase the capacity of Romanian organizations to contribute to ESA’s EO programmes and projects, by setting-up the Romanian Cluster for Earth Observation, a formal association of organizations, with its own statute and agenda. The main roles of the cluster are: a) to promote (to ESA and other space-relevant organizations) the specific interests and relevant capacities at national level, and attract more investments and contracts for the Romanian institutions; b) to improve the provision of services to end-users by joining complementary skills and expertise; c) to ensure the sustainability of the EO sector in Romania by enabling EO market development.

Coordinating and integRating state-of-the-art Earth Observation Activities in the regions of North Africa, Middle East, and Balkans and Developing Links with GEO related initiatives towards GEOSS Call name:
H2020-SC5-2014-2015, G.A. 690133 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS (NOA)

Project partners: NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS (NOA) (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS (NOA) (RO)

Project website: http://geocradle.eu/

Abstract:

GEO-CRADLE brings together key players from three regions (Balkans, North Africa and Middle East) representing the entire Earth Observation (EO) value chain,

with the overarching objective of establishing a multi-regional coordination network that:

- Promotes the uptake of EO services and data in response to regional needs;

- Supports the effective integration of existing Earth Observation Capacities in the region;

- Facilitates the engagement of the complete ecosystem of EO stakeholders in the region;

- Enhances the participation in and contribution to the implementation of GEOSS and Copernicus in North Africa, Middle East and the Balkans.

By doing so, GEO-CRADLE aspires to pave the ground for a new large initiative in this very particular by all means (e.g. geostrategic, climate, cultural) region.

ACTRIS-2 - Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure Network Call name:
INFRAIA-1-2014-2015 no. 654109 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

Project partners: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (RO)

Project website: https://www.actris.eu/

Abstract:

The ACTRIS-2 Integrating Activities (IA) addresses the scope of integrating state-of-the-art European ground-based stations for long-term observations of aerosols, clouds and short lived gases. It consolidates and improves services offered within FP7 funded Integrated Infrastructures Initiative ACTRIS (2011-2015). ACTRIS-2 takes up the overarching objectives of ACTRIS to further integrate the European ground-based stations and to construct a user-oriented RI, unique in the EU-RI landscape, for aerosols, clouds, and short-lived gas-phase species.

East European Centre for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0009 2016 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/category/91/roecars

Abstract:

ECARS is a project financed by the European Union under H2020 framework programme (Grant No. 692014 — ECARS — H2020-TWINN-2015/H2020-TWINN-2015).The project duration is three years, from January 1st 2016 to December 31st 2018. ECARS addresses the challenges of the Twinning programme by tackling deficiencies and networking gaps between INOE (RADO), a very dynamic research institution in Romania, and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level. The main objective of ECARS project is to boost research capacity in the field of remote sensing and to create a pole of excellence in Eastern Europe. In order to achieve this, it is intended to:(1)strengthen INOE(RADO)expertise in the field of remote sensing using the full range of resources (terrestrial, airborne and satellite), (2)improving performance indicators in research by reducing the scientific gap between INOE(RADO) and internationally leading research institutions in the same area, and (3)increasing international visibility of INOE(RADO)research team and creating strong partnerships with both the scientific community and potential users and/or the general public.

Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0006 2016 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/category/92/roactris-2

Abstract:

ACTRIS2 is a European project funded under Horizon2020 Research and Innovation Framework Program (H2020-INFRAIA-2014-2015). Project duration is four years: May 2015 - April 2019. ACTRIS2 project is based on a distributed infrastructure, coordinated by a consortium of 31 partners and 21 institutions involved as third-party research and academia. Built on ACTRIS IA project foundation (FP7 Framework Program), ACTRIS2 intends to continue to integrate representative European scientific research stations with the objective of continuously monitoring aerosols, clouds and short-lived gas species from atmosphere. The main purpose is to provide a complex picture of the physical, chemical and optical properties of atmospheric constituents with a high degree of accuracy and consistency. Detecting changes and trends in the composition of the atmosphere as well as understanding their impact on the high troposphere and the stratosphere is needed to establish links and feedback between climatic variability and atmospheric composition. Another objective is to ensure access to information and to provide the means for their efficient use by a wider community of users. ACTRIS2 also aims to increase the technological level and quality of services offered to the user community, as well as promoting the links between research, education and innovation in the field of environmental sciences.

Science Centers Network Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1095 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); P.M. CONCEPT CONSULTING SRL (RO); SIVECO ROMANIA SA (RO); MEDNET RESEARCH SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http:// www.scinet.ro

Abstract:

Education and research represents the means by which a society have to build knowledge which will lead to prosperity, sustainability and personal development for every citizen.

In the current period, as shown in international studies there are some concerns relating to poor performance of students in basic skills. To understand the importance of good science education, we should think how science contribute to our everyday lives. The benefits and results from a scientist's work have an impact on our daily activities.It is confirmed that hands-on practicals in laboratories, visits outside school and non-formal learning environments are the most enjoyable aspects of studying the sciences. It is often argued that practical work is central to teaching and learning in science and that good quality practical work helps develop pupils’ understanding of scientific processes and concepts.

Generally, science centers aim is to connect the general public to science, giving them the opportunity to explore scientific and technical worlds and ask questions. There are many roles that can be assigned to a science center from firsthand experience to encouraging curiosity. Practical work undertaken inside the Science Centers like hand-on experiments, demonstrations and more other alike activities are important ingredients in learning science and in the same time can increase students sense of ownership and motivation. This experiential learning under scientists guiding will lead for sure to a comprehensive practical knowledge of learners.

The present project proposal focuses on creating an innovative model for out of school science learning combined with an interactive digital platform - eScience Center. This goal will be accomplished by developing the Science Center Network SCINET which will gather four major physics institutes (IFA, INOE, INFLPR, IFIN HH) and three companies (PMCC, SIVECO Romania, MEDNET RESEARCH). The three main objectives that will lead to SCINET existence are: Creation, organization and operationalization of SCINET; Development of creative and experiential capacities of highschool students to stimulate the interest in scientific research and innovation by creating two models (I model - Innovative Model for Science Learning INSCI; II model - Digital platform eScience Center); Promote the role of science among highschool students, transnational cooperation, exchange of experience and knowledge, network joining in order to increase visibility and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Fulfilling all these objectives will contribute to bridge the gap between formal and non-formal education and will promote science learning at pre-university level.

Unlike many other countries, Romania don't have a Science Center Network, SCINET being the first Science Center Network in Romania. Considering this, the two innovative models (INSCI and eScience Center) that will be created, tested and implemented represent a major need for the network to operate in a professional manner and to have the expected results.

SCINET will be a cooperative structure where partners will contribute with their respective strengths, at the same time receiving incentives for their own activities. The network will have an important role for today's world science and maybe to lay the fondation for future science careers.

The two models and their success criteria: The project will contribute directly, at national level, to the design and development educational models: I model (off campus) - Innovative Model for Nonformal Science Learning InSci and II model (online model) eScience Center - associated to science centers activities. At European level, the project will provide an inside view on the set-up and running of several science centers grown in connection to some major research institutes and, in the mean time, will offer information on the implementation of a national network of science centers.

Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1798 2014 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AEROSPATIALA "ELIE CARAFOLI" - I.N.C.A.S. BUCURESTI (RO); ADMINISTRATIA NATIONALA DE METEOROLOGIE RA (RO); ENVIROSCOPY SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://mobbe.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The pollution from biomass burning (including wildfires) combined with urban pollution from human activities, the main sources of primary aerosols (fine particles, respirable), can have a significant impact on human health and on climate at local, regional and global scale, through the emissions of high concentrations of aerosol particles containing organic and inorganic matter and black carbon. 40% of the global emission of black carbon comes from biomass burning. The aerosols emitted can became condensation nuclei in the process of cloud formation influencing cloud radiative properties. As of now, cloud formation processes and the influence of aerosols are not fully understood and lead therefore to significant uncertainties in weather forecasts and climate change scenarios.

The purpose of the project MOBBE (Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact) is to quantify and to predict the effects of the aerosols from biomass burning and their impact on two major environmental issues: (a) air quality and (b) climate and meteorology at local, regional and global scale. The project aims to investigate the potential sources and the properties of aerosols from biomass burning, urban aerosols and long-range transport aerosols over Romania performing a first research case study in the Bucharest area, using improved inversion algorithms. The results (a new parametrization scheme of the physical processes of the biomass burning aerosols, sources and properties) will be implemented during the project in the FLEXPART aerosol dispersion model based on the Lagrangean particle dispersion mechanism. As meteorological input data, the model will use new data from COSMO model. Anthropogenic and natural emissions of biomass burning will be compared with the daily analysis and the fine mode aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm provided by the radio-spectrometer MODIS launched by NASA on the Aqua and Terra satellites, MAAC II, and with an independent dataset of AOD from the AERONET network. All the above information will be integrated in a “MOBBE Web Tool”.

The project will improve significantly the quantification of the present and future impact of biomass-burning emissions on the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. This project will also provide relevant information concerning the aerosols radiative contribution in the context of climate change at global level. The data will be integrated in the ACTRIS-EBAS database.

The MOBBE research project is an interdisciplinary environmental research infrastructure based on continuous measurements, two intensive experimental field campaigns (summer and winter campaign) and eight flight hours of a research aircraft, that integrates in-situ monitors, ground-based and airborne observations, with a detailed analysis of satellite data and numerical modeling results. The satellite data are provided by the MODIS instruments from the satellites Terra and Aqua, by the Caliop lidar from the satellite CALIPSO and by EUMETCast.

MOBBE is a national consortium of two national institutes of research, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics (CO-RADO) and National Institute for Aerospace Research “Elie Carafoli” (P1-INCAS), the National Meteorological Administration (P2-NMA) and a service provider and instruments manufacturing company related to environmental monitoring (P3-ESYRO). All partners will join their expertise, infrastructure and efforts in order to develop an innovative methodology and a new powerful modelling tool “MOBBE Web Tool” for air monitoring, available for atmospheric and environmental research groups, as well as for environmental agencies, urban air quality agencies, industries, and decision makers.

Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data Call name:
ESA 4000110671/14/I-LG 2014 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://NATALI.INOE.RO

Abstract:

NATALI - Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data aims to intensify the participation of the Romanian scientific community to the "ESA contributing missions" through the development of new tools for aerosol typing based on optical (active) remote sensing data. These products are relevant for several satellite missions, as detailed in Section 6, and have multiple applications for Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP-4). Moreover, they will foster a wider use of the satellite services in fields like air quality, climate change, atmospheric research, and aviation safety.

Combined use of LIdar - RAdar for the evaluation of phenomena associated with cloud seeding for efficient prevention of hail Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2074 2014 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ENVIROSCOPY SRL

Project partners: ENVIROSCOPY SRL (RO); ELECTROMECANICA PLOIESTI S.A. (RO); ADMINISTRATIA NATIONALA DE METEOROLOGIE RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://lira.inoe.ro

Abstract:

Hail events represent an important natural disaster associated with great economic losses, especially in agriculture. The most vulnerable regions in Romania are in Central – South, where there is a large probability that convective clouds are formed. Although hailstorms affect crop yield and/or quality dramatically, 40% of the total agricultural land is not protected against hail.

Anti-hail rockets program is based on dispersing pyrotechnical mixtures of silver-iodide. They act as condensation nuclei, creating a large number of small hail particles which melt and fall in form of drops. Nevertheless, it is extremely difficult to validate the effect of the seeding, due to superposition of strong natural atmospheric variations.

By combining different remote sensing instruments, a much better estimation of the microphysical cloud properties can be made, including the efficiency of the AgI dispersion and hail crystals modification.

The main goal of LIRA's project is to investigate cloud transformations as consequence of seeding, and determine best operational procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce side effects in case of hail suppression, using a smart combination of remote sensing techniques (passive and active): lidar, radar, microwave radiometry, satellite imagery. LIRA aims at: a) Design of an experimental model using radar, lidar and microwave radiometry to monitor ice formation inside clouds, before, during and after cloud seeding; b) Identification of application-driven suitable parameters for efficient cloud seeding, based on modeled and experimental data; c) Increasing visibility, protecting intellectual rights.

This project brings together research, operational and economical institutions to produce new knowledge and introduce new techniques and methods for early warning of the hailfall, objective selection of the seeding parameters and quantitative assessment of the intervention's efficiency. Our approach is to actually measure inside the cloud. We will use the synergy between radar, lidar and microwave radiometer, but we add the depolarization capability of the lidar, which will permit, by combination with radar, to monitor remotely the changes in the ice / liquid water content of the cloud. We will visualize the dispersion of the seeding agent inside the volume before activation, to look for correlations between seeding parameters (target location, rocket speed, time of spreading the agent, etc.) and efficiency in suppressing hail. Original work will be done for the design and upgrade of the depolarization lidar, but also for the development of data processing and analysis algorithms. The possibility of forecasting hail based on EUMETCAST data will also be analyzed. Several algorithms will be improved by direct validation with measurements (retrieval of wind speed from radar - validation with sodar, cloud height from EUMETCAST - validation from lidar, cloud particle depolarization from lidar - intervalidation with radar). Moreover, we will put our knowledge at the service of the society, by transferring experimental techniques to operational procedures.

Apart from the scientific knowledge which will be achieved during the experiment (subject of 6 communications at prestigious international conferences and 4 ISI papers), LIRA intends to elaborate 1 patent, related to the algorithm for combining radar and lidar data in order to extract the 3D map of the mixed clouds.

By combination of techniques, expertise and knowledge, LIRA will bring weather modification from empirically accepted to scientifically proved. Several noticeable results are envisaged: >>elaboration of a new technology to dynamically monitor cloud seeding effects; >>advances in understanding physical phenomena associated to cloud seeding; >>development of an experimental method for the objective assessment of cloud seeding efficiency; >>identification of opportunities to extend the methodology from hail suppression to rainfall generation.

Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure Network Call name: EC-FP7
FP7-97899-262254 2011 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE

Project partners: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (IT); UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (PL); LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN (DE); HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (FI); UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY (IE); PANNON EGYETEM - UNIVERSITY OF PANNONIA (HU); UNIVERSIDAD DE VALLADOLID (ES); THE UNIVERSITY OF READING (GB); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 (RO); IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS (GR); DEUTSCHER WETTERDIENST (DE); CESKY HYDROMETEOROLOGICKY USTAV (CZ); STIFTELSEN NILU (NO); INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND NUCLEAR ENERGY - BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (BG); AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (ES); B.I. Stepanov Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (BY); UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA (ES); CONSORZIO NAZIONALE INTERUNIVERSITARIO PER LE SCIENZE FISICHE DELLA MATERIA (IT); PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT (CH); METEOROLOGISK INSTITUTT (NO); INSTITUT ROYAL D'AERONOMIE SPATIALEDE BELGIQUE (BE); CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR); EIDGENOSSISCHE MATERIALPRUFUNGS- UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALT (CH); TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT (NL); NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL (GB); JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSION (BE); LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE); LUNDS UNIVERSITET (SE); MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV (DE)

Affiliation: UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (PL)

Project website: http://www.actris.eu

Abstract:

Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory Call name:
Norwegian Cooperation Programme Project no.115266 2009 - 2011

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); NILU – Norwegian Institute for Air Research (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://rado.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory–RADO is a distributed atmospheric research infrastructure based on the voluntary association of several research institutes and universities in Romania. Its main function is to perform experimental and theoretical research for atmospheric composition and air quality assessment, including impact on climate and climate variability.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects