Every major scientific breakthrough begins long before a device is built or data is analysed. It starts with people – their curiosity, ideas, expertise, and ability to work together toward something bigger than themselves. The TRANSLATE project is a real-life example of how innovation grows not just from technology, but from collaboration, trust, and shared vision.
TRANSLATE brought together researchers, engineers, and specialists across Ireland, Germany, and Latvia, united by one ambitious idea: to turn low-temperature waste heat – one of the world’s most overlooked energy sources – into usable, clean electricity.
But what made this story inspiring is not just the scientific challenge; it’s how the team tackled it.
In our new short film, we take you behind the scenes to meet the people who shaped this journey.
You’ll hear how an idea published in 2016 sparked international interest and ultimately led to a partnership bringing together expertise in synthetic chemistry, modelling, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, materials science, and device engineering. Each person and each discipline added a piece of the puzzle – proving that innovation doesn’t follow a straight line, but a shared path.
The video also reflects on the realities that shaped the project: building a new consortium during COVID-19, overcoming remote collaboration challenges, aligning theories with experiments, and learning together from every setback and milestone. Through open communication, joint problem-solving, and a commitment to collective success, the team transformed a concept into working prototypes designed for ultra-low-power applications.
More than anything, TRANSLATE is a reminder that science moves faster when people work together. This project didn’t just develop new materials and devices – it built a connected research community equipped to drive future change.
We invite you to watch the full video and hear the story directly from the people who lived it – their passion, perseverance, and belief in what’s possible.
Watch here:
Find more videos on the TRANSLATE YouTube channel.
