Phenomenological Research Awards

  🔬 Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Therapy: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) and Their Effect on Lung SCC Cells 🧬 Lung cancer has become one of the most pressing global health concerns, ranking as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and the second most deadly cancer in women —closely following breast cancer. 🌍🫁 With the continuous rise in cases and the limitations of conventional therapies, researchers are turning to non-invasive, targeted innovations like Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) —an emerging modality that holds tremendous potential. ⚡ What Are Tumor Treating Fields? TTFields are low-intensity , intermediate-frequency alternating electric fields that specifically disrupt cancer cell division. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, TTFields act selectively on dividing tumor cells , causing disruption during mitosis by inhibiting the formation of spindle microtubules and disorganizing organelle distribution . This leads to apoptosis (programmed cell death...

  🌟Honoring the Visionaries: Future Innovators in Science Award 🔬🚀 In the ever-evolving world of science and technology, innovation is the driving force behind progress. Behind every breakthrough lies the brilliance of minds that dare to think differently, challenge conventions, and reimagine possibilities. The Future Innovators in Science Award is designed to recognize and celebrate emerging researchers and technicians whose pioneering ideas and unwavering commitment are shaping the science of tomorrow. 👨‍🔬👩‍🔬 🔍 What is the Future Innovators in Science Award? The Future Innovators in Science Award is more than just a recognition—it’s a celebration of intellectual curiosity, creative excellence, and potential for impact . This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals in the early stages of their scientific careers who have shown exceptional innovation, promise, and dedication in advancing knowledge and solving complex problems. Whether you're a researcher in the l...

  ⚡Decarbonizing Energy: Replacing Coal-Fired Power with Renewables & Multi-Temporal Storage 🔋🌍 In the global race toward carbon neutrality , the shift from coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) to variable renewable energy (VRE) and energy storage solutions has become more than a trend—it's a necessity. 🌿 But the journey isn’t without its hurdles. Power system operators and policymakers alike face a persistent challenge: How can we ensure both multi-timescale adequacy and frequency security while optimizing the energy mix? This is where our latest study steps in with a comprehensive framework designed to guide the integration of VRE and multi-temporal energy storage while enabling the strategic phase-out of CFPPs . 🚀 🌞 Why Replace Coal with Renewables? Coal-fired power plants are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, making them prime targets in decarbonization roadmaps. ⚠️ However, simply swapping coal with renewables isn’t as easy as it sounds. VRE...

  🎓 Life Skills Education as a Balancing Act: Strengthening Resilience in Today’s Classrooms 🧠📘 In a world increasingly shaped by post-COVID mental health struggles, ongoing conflicts 🌍, and the overwhelming influence of digital technology 📱, young people are facing more challenges than ever. As adolescence becomes more complex, the education system is under pressure to do more than just deliver academic content — it must prepare students for life. This is where Life Skills Education (LSE) steps in. But is it actually being implemented in classrooms? A recent study conducted across 18 Norwegian upper secondary classrooms sheds light on this pressing question. Focusing on English and social science subjects, the study explored how LSE is naturally embedded into classroom instruction and whether it effectively supports students in navigating personal, societal, and future challenges. 🔍 The Research Context Despite global advocacy by organizations like WHO and UNESCO for int...

  🔧⚙️ Unlocking Efficiency: A Decade of Iron & Steel Energy Insights in India 🔍🇮🇳 India is marching forward on its decarbonisation path, with the industrial sector at the forefront of energy efficiency efforts. Under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) , the country launched its flagship Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme in 2012, aiming to reduce energy intensity across energy-intensive industries. A key pillar of India’s climate commitments, this initiative has garnered attention from global experts, but what has been its real impact ? 🔎 A recent plant-level study dives deep into the energy performance of 43 Iron and Steel manufacturers across India from 2009 to 2019 , using the decomposed Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) — a robust tool to assess both productivity and efficiency over time. The findings? Eye-opening, especially for those aiming to drive energy transition in heavy industries. 🏭📉 🔍 Key Findings: Modest Gains, Big Gap...

  🔋 Unlocking Battery Potential: Bonded-Particle Modeling of Electrical Conductivity in Lithium-Ion Electrodes ⚡ Lithium-ion batteries are the heart of modern technology—from smartphones and electric vehicles to renewable energy systems. But have you ever wondered what truly determines their performance and efficiency? One critical factor is electrical conductivity —how easily electrons travel through the battery’s electrodes. Researchers and technicians working in battery technology, materials science, and energy storage systems know that this property plays a key role in determining how well a battery performs 🔬🔋. 🧩 The Microstructure Matters At the core of any electrode lies a complex microstructure made up of active materials (like NMC622 or NCA), conductive additives, and binders. While the active material stores and releases lithium ions, it’s the electronic network formed by particles and bonds that governs the overall conductivity. This is where the bonded-particle a...