N°30 I quarterly I JLUY 2013 Contents | 3 Editorial By Domini que Massiot, di rector of CNRS ’s Institute of Chemistry A key issue facing society today is energy transition, the conversion from the near-exclusive use of fossil fuels to a mix of primarily renewable sources. Such a transition represents a huge scientific and technological challenge. We know how to produce electricity, heat, and hydrogen, yet the efficient storage of these three forms of energy remains problematic, affecting the viability of intermittent sources (wind, solar, etc.) in the energy mix. Increasing yields and controlling the storage time factor have become priorities for the research community, which needs to find economically feasible solutions amid fierce global competition. This issue of CNRS International Magazine looks at the potential energy storage methods being investigated by CNRS teams, as well as the latest advances made by our researchers in various disciplines. These examples show that scientific and technological breakthroughs most often stem from multidisciplinary efforts allowing both academic and industrial researchers to join forces and combine their know-how. In France, CNRS and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research jointly founded the RS2E,1 a national research and technology network on electrochemical energy storage. It provides a well-organized and stimulating collaborative framework for the country’s research partners in the highlycompetitive field of energy storage. The objective of this network is both simple and ambitious: structuring research to bring France to the forefront in these future technologies, and fostering cooperation and dialogue between academic and industrial partners throughout each phase of the research and development process. 01. Réseau sur le stockage électrochimique de l’énergie. 4 I 5 In the News Another Tara mission, a new home for nanoscience, the 2014 scientific film festival, and CNRS awards and patents. 15 Innovation New optical fibers to optimize data transfer, and a CNRS startup specialized in nanodispersion technology. 16 I 17 Profile Climatologist Jean Jouzel, 2012 Vetlesen Prize laureate. 28 I 30 In Images Research assesses the impact of climate change on the Arctic. 32 I 37 CNRS Networks Vietnam country profile, joint laboratory against leukemia, and the Laboratory of the Future. 38 CNRS Facts and Figures Latest data on the largest fundamental scientific institution in Europe. 39 Snapshot How dietary restrictions affect neurons. © CNRS These pictograms indicate extra content (pictures or videos) that can be accessed on the online version of the magazine. > www.cnrs.fr/cnrsmagazine 6 I 14 Live from the Labs Interview with French Minister for Higher Education and Research Geneviève Fioraso, baby cognition, blood stem cells, nosocomial infections, AMS results, Neanderthal bones, osmotic power, and 3D transistors. © B. Coutier 31 Insights Legalizing horn trade to save Africa’s rhinos from extinction. © Reuters Staff /Reuters 18 I 27 Focus Energy: the Storage Challenge 20 I Better Batteries Included 23 I Running Hot and Cold 25 I A Tankful of Hydrogen © p. Psa ïla To receive the online version of CNRS International Magazine in your inbox, email us at: cnrs-magazine@cnrs-dir.fr
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