Case Studies

To monitor changes caused by natural phenomena, like earthquakes or volcanoes, or the effects of global warming, accurate measurements of the Earth’s surface are required. This is performed by geodesists using ‘reference frames’, one of which is the ‘International Terrestrial Reference Frame’ (ITRF). This utilises a suite of po...

As energy grids across Europe become increasingly decarbonised, reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power is becoming more prevalent. However, due to the nature of these sources, their integration into the grid brings with it more variability of supply and more complex conditions. To main...

Nanoparticles (NPs), due to their small size (1-100 nm), have enhanced activity compared to the same material of larger sizes and are finding uses in a range of products and processes, including cosmetics, sunscreens and water treatment. It is estimated that the global market for NPs is €20 billion – with over 300 000 European ...

Time and frequency dissemination plays a central role in location services, commercial and financial transactions, communication systems such as 5G and the internet, as well as providing a frequency reference used in electricity grids. The most widespread way this is done is via Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). In Eu...

Radioactive decay occurs in unstable nuclides with an excess of protons or neutrons in the nucleus. Accurate knowledge of the decay process is vital in the nuclear industry where it is used in waste processing, storage, powerplant decommissioning or adherence to Directives such as 2013/59/Euratom on basic safety standards for p...

Almost all areas of modern life require an accurate knowledge of time, synchronised to a common time source. In Europe, time and frequency signals, and hence positioning information, are provided by radio signals or the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Galileo network of 30 satellites orbiting 20 000 km above the Earth equipped wi...