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Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

Horizon Europe Doctoral Networks for research into lightning

The Department of Physics hosts the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network Gamma Radiation from the Atmosphere for Investigation and Learning (GRAIL) under the leadership of Dr. Dr. Christoph Köhn (TU Dortmund University) and will soon become part of the Horizon Europe Doctoral Network Science for Wind Resilience to Lightning (SWIRL) under the leadership of Joan Montanyà (Polytechnic University of Catalonia, UPC). University of Catalonia, UPC). Each of these networks consists of international consortia and will fund 15 doctoral projects across Europe.

Detection of high-energy emissions from thunderstorms (GRAIL)

Thunderstorms emit radiation across a spectrum ranging from visible light to X-rays and gamma rays. These are among the most energetic natural processes on Earth, reaching energies beyond those of radioactive decay chains. Originally, these emissions were considered rare for decades. However, recent measurements have shown that high-energy emissions are in fact common and much more complex than previously thought. The European Commission has funded GRAIL with approximately EUR 4.6 million for 15 PhD projects to investigate the origin of these high-energy emissions and their effects on humans, technology and nature in a coordinated program. Further information can be found here.

Interaction of lightning with wind turbines (SWIRL)

Lightning poses a significant risk to wind turbines, which are particularly vulnerable due to their height, the use of modern composite materials and the increasing integration of sensitive electronics. As wind energy becomes an important part of our carbon-neutral future, lightning damage to wind turbines poses a significant threat to Europe's energy transition, which is expected to increase with the expansion of wind farms and technological advances in wind turbines. The Horizon Europe Doctoral Network SWIRL will fund 15 PhD projects investigating the interaction of lightning and wind turbines in a coordinated program starting in 2027. This includes advanced high-voltage laboratory experiments, on-site measurements, data analysis and numerical modeling. The aim of the project is to improve the lightning strike resistance of wind turbines. For further information on SWIRL, please contact Christoph Köhn, the contact person at TU Dortmund University.