"Our Sun is a violent star. Frequently the solar atmosphere is the set of gigantic eruptions. These can be either confined (flares) or ejective (Coronal Mass Ejections; CMEs). Flares release huge amounts of energy while CMEs launch several billion tons of mass into the interplanetary space. Sometimes large scale coronal waves are observed in association with the above phenomena. Flares and CMEs represent the major drivers of intense Space Weather Phenomena, a number of phenomena in the Earth magnetic environment and upper atmosphere whichcan impact technological systems on Earth and in Space as well as humans in space. Currently, our understanding of these important solar phenomena is limited by the very nature of our observations which are taken from one viewpoint. This gives only 2D projections of intrinsically 3D objects. Moreover, single viewpoint observations could be always prone to projection effects which could mislead the analysis. The situation changed dramatically with the launch in late 2006 of the STEREO mission which supplies the first ever 3D views of the Sun and of the Heliosphere.STEREO consists of two identical satellites which observe the Sun and the Heliosphere from two distinct vantage points. Using the unique and novel 3D aspect of the STEREO data we will address (1) the genesis of CMEs, (2) the relationships between flares-CMEs-Coronal Waves and (3) more accurate determinations of CME arrival times to Earth. I'm a member of the US-based team of the main STEREO instrument and an expert in the analysis of STEREO imaging data. The proposed research will allow to decide between competing models/theories on CME initiation and determine what is the exact relationships between flares-CMES-Coronal Waves. It will also supplythe basis of a space weather tool for predicting accurate CME arrival times to Earth. The proposal will enhance my chances of getting tenure and will help setting up a research center at my host."