Imagine a world where solar energy is harvested from space, bridges repair themselves, and the mysteries of the human brain are unlocked through artificial intelligence. By 2025, these groundbreaking advancements could become a reality, transforming how we live, work, and interact with our environment.
Decoding the Brain: A New Era of Neuroscience
Table of Contents
- 1. Decoding the Brain: A New Era of Neuroscience
- 2. Harnessing Solar Energy from Space
- 3. self-Repairing Structures: The Future of Infrastructure
- 4. Conclusion: A Glimpse into Tomorrow
- 5. Innovations Shaping a Sustainable Future by 2025
- 6. Space-Based Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sun
- 7. Self-Repairing Materials: The Future of Construction
- 8. Bee Conservation: A brighter Future for Pollinators
- 9. AI for Good: Balancing innovation and Ethics
- 10. The Future of Cities: Greener, Smarter, and More Connected
- 11. Local Action, Global Impact
- 12. Small Changes, Big Results
- 13. Art as a Catalyst for Change
- 14. A Greener Tomorrow
- 15. How dose the CRAFT project empower local communities to create global change?
- 16. Art and Culture as Catalysts for Change
- 17. Smart Cities: The Role of Technology
- 18. Community-Led Initiatives: the Heart of Sustainable Cities
- 19. Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The human brain, with its 86 billion nerve cells and trillions of connections, is one of the most complex structures in existence. Thanks to the Human Brain Project, funded by the European Union, scientists are on the verge of creating the most detailed maps of the brain ever produced. These maps, developed under the leadership of Prof.Katrin Amunts, a renowned neuroscientist at the University of Dusseldorf and Forschungszentrum Jülich, could revolutionize the treatment of brain diseases.
“AI is helping us with the brain,” says Prof. Amunts. “The brain has 86 billion nerve cells, each with up to 10,000 connections to other cells, so it is an unbelievably complex network. Our biggest computers today struggle to deal with that.”
By 2025,the launch of JUPITER,one of the world’s most powerful AI machines,will provide unprecedented computational power. This will enable researchers to simulate the effects of therapies on the brain, offering new hope for patients with conditions like epilepsy. “I really want the brain atlases we developed to benefit more patients,” prof.Amunts adds. “I would really like them to be a useful instrument for informing diagnosis and surgery.”
One of the most exciting applications of this technology is in epilepsy surgery. “Our colleagues in France just finished the first clinical study on epilepsy surgery, using it to predict where surgeons could remove the tissue from patients,” she explains. “Surgeons want to remove as much as possible to have a seizure-free patient, but as little as possible to avoid needless damage.”
Looking ahead, Prof. Amunts hopes to bridge the gap between our understanding of individual brain cells and the brain as a whole. “Sometimes we see the trees, but we do not see the forest,” she says. “I hope that in 2025, we can close some of the gaps between our knowledge of the relationship of brain cells, their genes, and diseases at different scales.”
Harnessing Solar Energy from Space
While neuroscience is making strides, the energy sector is also undergoing a transformation. Effie Makri,an electronic engineer and vice president of Research and Innovation at Future Intelligence,is leading the charge in combining satellite data with AI to revolutionize solar energy production.
Makri heads the EU-funded RESPONDENT project, which uses AI, satellite observations, and mini-weather stations to improve predictions of energy output from solar farms. “The Galileo and Copernicus satellite programmes are unbelievable, and Europe should be very proud of these technologies,” she says. “There are so many areas where we will make future use of satellite data.”
By 2025, Makri predicts that satellite data will play a pivotal role in optimizing renewable energy systems. “Satellite data can also be used to select where best to install a photovoltaic solar park,” she explains. “More data collected in real time will be combined with historical data to better train AI models.”
This technology isn’t limited to energy. It has the potential to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. “We will better monitor glaciers or deforestation, or improve our predictions of the spread of forest fires,” Makri says. “The sky really is the limit.”
self-Repairing Structures: The Future of Infrastructure
Beyond energy and neuroscience, 2025 could also see the rise of self-repairing infrastructure. Imagine bridges made of electronically controlled fungi that can heal themselves. While this may sound like science fiction, researchers are actively exploring the potential of bioengineered materials to create more lasting and resilient structures.
These innovations are part of a broader trend toward greener, cleaner cities. By integrating advanced technologies with sustainable practices, urban areas could become more efficient, environmentally friendly, and adaptable to the challenges of the future.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into Tomorrow
The year 2025 promises to be a turning point in science and technology. From unlocking the secrets of the human brain to harnessing solar energy from space and building self-repairing infrastructure, these advancements have the potential to reshape our world. As Prof. Amunts aptly puts it, “This is why I studied medicine – to help people.” With each breakthrough, we move closer to a future that is not only innovative but also deeply human.
Innovations Shaping a Sustainable Future by 2025
Space-Based Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Imagine a world where energy is collected directly from space and transmitted wirelessly to Earth. This futuristic concept, known as space-based energy, is poised to revolutionize how we power our planet. By capturing solar energy in orbit and sending it to Earth via microwaves or lasers, this technology could provide a clean, virtually limitless energy source. As one expert puts it,That is a field of energy that will probably become increasingly engaging.
While the idea may sound like science fiction, advancements in renewable energy and space technology are bringing it closer to reality. By 2025, we could see significant progress in this area, offering a sustainable solution to our growing energy demands.
Self-Repairing Materials: The Future of Construction
In a world grappling with resource scarcity and environmental challenges, self-repairing materials offer a glimmer of hope.Dr. Kunal Masania, an engineer at Delft University of Technology, is pioneering the development of composite materials made from fungi. These living materials could be used in everything from household furniture to airplane parts and even large-scale construction projects like bridges.
We’ve made composites with sawdust and pieces of wood, which are bound together by fungi,
explains Dr. Masania. What we’ve missed out on is all the interesting capabilities available when your material is alive.
By integrating electrodes into these materials,researchers can monitor mechanical stress and signal the fungi to repair damage or reinforce specific areas. This innovation could lead to structures that adapt and heal themselves, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of materials.
Recent breakthroughs, such as a soft robot walker controlled by fungi, highlight the potential of this technology. By 2025, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications, from self-repairing bicycles to resilient infrastructure.
Bee Conservation: A brighter Future for Pollinators
Honeybees play a critical role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity, yet their populations have been declining at an alarming rate. On average, each year one-third of our colonies in Europe are lost,
says Professor Dirk de graaf, a biologist at Ghent University.For some beekeepers, all their bees are dead.
To address this crisis, the EU-backed B-GOOD project is working to restore harmony between honeybees and their environment. By leveraging technology, such as hive sensors that monitor activity and temperature, beekeepers can reduce their interference while ensuring healthier colonies. The real added value will be when we develop smarter algorithms that interpret the data and send alerts to the beekeeper,
says de graaf.
Looking ahead to 2025, the focus will shift toward breeding bees that are naturally resistant to parasites like the varroa mite, reducing reliance on chemicals. This approach, combined with advanced monitoring systems, promises a brighter future for bees and the ecosystems they support.
AI for Good: Balancing innovation and Ethics
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, but its ethical implications remain a topic of debate. I want AI to be used for good,
emphasizes one expert. There have been a lot of mixed feelings regarding AI. I’m very excited to see new developments that provide benefits to society, but I would not like to be involved in a technology that is exploited for harm.
The European Commission has been at the forefront of developing regulations to ensure AI is used responsibly. By 2025,we can expect to see more AI-driven innovations that prioritize societal benefits,from healthcare advancements to sustainable solutions.
The Future of Cities: Greener, Smarter, and More Connected
imagine a world where cities are not just concrete jungles but thriving ecosystems that harmonize with nature, foster community, and embrace sustainability. This vision is becoming a reality, thanks to innovative projects and the collective efforts of local communities across Europe. Dr. Annemie wyckmans,an architect at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim,is at the forefront of this transformation. As the leader of the EU-funded CRAFT project, she envisions cities that are greener, cleaner, and more beautiful, driven by the power of art, culture, and community action.
Local Action, Global Impact
In a world grappling with energy crises, food shortages, and health challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, as Dr. Wyckmans points out, hope often lies in local action. “Right now, we have a lot of changes in politics, and so much focus in the media is on all the negatives. It can feel hopeless. Yet lots of people found hope in being able to do something locally and to really make a tangible difference in their own communities, neighbourhoods, and cities,” she says.
One inspiring example is the rise of urban market gardens in cities like Zagreb and Sarajevo. “I’d never known about it, but it is a regional strength,” Dr. Wyckmans explains. “It allows people to grow their own fruit and vegetables. This is important because often people might not have enough money to buy healthy, local, and sustainable food – it can be more expensive than fast food and tough to find in some places. Yet it is easy to give people access to a piece of land to grow their own food, allowing them to meet other people doing the same and to help each other.”
Small Changes, Big Results
These grassroots initiatives frequently enough fly under the radar, but their impact is profound.“Such positive changes often don’t make the news,” Dr. Wyckmans notes. “They don’t cost a lot, do not have to wait for big political decisions, and are easily overlooked. I hope that in 2025, this type of movement is going to be too big to ignore, because it will reach a critical mass and burst onto the surface, attracting the attention of politicians, investors, and others.”
The CRAFT project is part of a broader EU initiative called the New European Bauhaus (NEB), which seeks to bring the principles of the European Green Deal into everyday life. By blending urban design, science, technology, art, and community spirit, the NEB aims to create living spaces that are not only sustainable but also inspiring and inclusive.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Art plays a pivotal role in this transformation. As dr. Wyckmans explains, “Art itself can be a driving force because it’s widely on display in cities and has the power to galvanise people.” Projects like Re-Value, Bauhaus Bites, and NEB-STAR are working alongside CRAFT to achieve these goals, engaging over 100 cities and communities across Europe.
Drawing inspiration from the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th century, the NEB seeks to fuse creativity and functionality to address societal challenges. By integrating art and culture into urban planning,cities can become more than just places to live – they can become spaces that inspire,connect,and empower.
A Greener Tomorrow
The future of cities lies in their ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace sustainability. From urban gardens to community-driven initiatives, the seeds of change are being planted today. as Dr.Wyckmans and her team continue to push for greener, cleaner cities, one thing is clear: the power to transform our world starts at the local level.
By 2025,these efforts could reach a tipping point,creating cities that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially vibrant and culturally rich. The journey toward a greener future is already underway,and it’s a journey we can all be part of.
How dose the CRAFT project empower local communities to create global change?
And that’s where the CRAFT project comes in,” she says.By empowering local communities to take charge of their environments, CRAFT aims to create a ripple effect that can lead to global change.
Art and Culture as Catalysts for Change
One of the unique aspects of the CRAFT project is its emphasis on integrating art and culture into urban development. “Art and culture have the power to inspire, connect, and transform,” explains Dr. Wyckmans. “By incorporating these elements into city planning,we can create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and uplifting for residents.”
From murals that promote environmental awareness to community gardens that foster social interaction, the CRAFT project is redefining what it means to build a city. These initiatives not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas but also encourage residents to take an active role in shaping their surroundings.
Smart Cities: The Role of Technology
While art and culture are central to the CRAFT project, technology also plays a crucial role in creating smarter, more connected cities.“Smart cities are not just about technology; they’re about using technology to improve the quality of life for everyone,” says Dr. Wyckmans. “This includes everything from energy-efficient buildings to bright transportation systems that reduce congestion and pollution.”
By 2025, we can expect to see even more integration of technology into urban planning.From AI-driven traffic management to IoT-enabled waste disposal systems, these innovations will make cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable.
Community-Led Initiatives: the Heart of Sustainable Cities
At the core of the CRAFT project is the belief that sustainable cities are built by the people who live in them. “When communities come together to solve problems, they create solutions that are tailored to their unique needs and circumstances,” says Dr. Wyckmans. “This bottom-up approach is essential for creating cities that are truly sustainable and resilient.”
Examples of community-led initiatives include urban farming projects that provide fresh produce to local residents, renewable energy cooperatives that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and neighborhood clean-up campaigns that improve public spaces. These efforts not only address immediate challenges but also foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The future of cities lies in their ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of global challenges. By combining the power of art, culture, technology, and community action, projects like CRAFT are paving the way for greener, smarter, and more connected urban environments. As Dr. Wyckmans aptly puts it, “The cities of tomorrow will be built by the people of today. Together, we can create a future that is not only sustainable but also vibrant and full of life.”
