BRIDGE focuses on developing a multidisciplinary post graduate education and research program to train young researchers to be competent in the emerging field of microbial fuel cell technology (MFC).
MFCs use enzymatic or microbial bio-catalysts to convert chemical energy directly to electricity and the technology is a promising alternative to existing technologies for many applications such as energy production from biomass, wastewater treatment, medical and biosensors and so on. However, despite the applicability of MFC technology, the route from scientific studies in the lab, technology development and to prototyping is complex and long. It is a truly multidisciplinary field requiring an integrated approach but research programs or special courses do not exist that teach microbiology fundamentals to the technologists and material scientists or engineering principles to the microbiologists that prepare specialists that contribute real progress in this technology for practical applications. Experts in this emerging field are few and far between. Currently, no significant MFC research activity is present in Norway. UiT research team has recently been engaged in MFC research and BRIDGE will further consolidate these activities. The supporting actions by involving experts from three continents will develop a Virtual Education and Research Centre of MFC at UiT. Other activities, joint post graduate courses, student projects, summer schools and workshops and training in innovation and entrepreneurship will prepare researchers from different fields who can develop MFC applications for societal and environmental benefits. Dissemination activities of BRIDGE will take the project outcome beyond academic and research communities to reach the potential stakeholders of the technology. MFC technology has commercial potential and it is believed that BRIDGE can contribute towards positioning Norway as one of the leaders in this fast emerging field.
Funding scheme:
INTPART-International Partnerships for Excellent Education and Research