Researchers
Daniel Rodríguez Jiménez (UPC)
Seconded from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC, Barcelona) to Radical Innovations Group (RIG, Vaasa)
1 month, Summer 2022
Daniel is a Chemical Engineer working as technical staff for R2EM research group in UPC, assissting research tasks within resource recovery scope. At present, he is assessing Nanofiltration and EDBM as key technologies for sea water brine mining of Critical Raw Materials in Sea4Value and SEArcularMine (EU funded). Besides, in LIFE-Conquer evaluating the revalorization of wastewater for municipal irrigation purposes.
Daniel's secondment experience:
He was seconded to Radical innovations Group (RIG) in Vaasa, Finland, for one month in August 2022, and here he shares his experience with us:
My main research is focused on circular and sustainable chemical processes that are able recover Critical Raw Materials from desalination brines to supply EU industry and strengthen its economy and competitivity.
- Why did you decide to go on a secondment?
I loved the idea to gain a broader picture of cleantech industry in EU. Since my field is focused on that.
- What are the main research topics that you worked on during your secondment?
I covered new trends on sustainable and circular management, electrochemistry in batteries, cleantech policies applied to Vaasa city and non-technical aspects of brine mining
- Why did you decide to visit RIG?
RIG is a ground-breaking company that focuses on assessing the development promising technologies from small TRL to high TRL. Since it focuses on sustainable solutions and since it is established in one of the hotspots of cleantech and renewable energies (Vaasa) I could not loose such an opportunity.
- What was the most valuable thing you took from your secondment?
I could gain an insight into socio-environmental aspects and regulations that could affect brine mining in its attempt to scale-up as a full-developed sector in EU. Also, I met several interesting people in cleantech industry (Vaasa University, Merinova, Oulu University, etc) whose projects are strongly related with mines. And maybe, it may be the precedent for future collaborations.
- Why would you recommend to go on secondment?
The whole thrilling experience of moving abroad, take part in projects and meeting so many new people enhance a lot your communication skills, opens new professional paths and makes you develop a broader picture of current cutting-edge industries in Europe.