The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) was selected, through Horizon 2020 funding, to coordinate two innovative training networks (ITN) and participate as a partner of a third.
Starting in 2018, Prof. Pau Ballester, will coordinate a European Training Network focused on the design of new methodologies for molecular encapsulation. Researchers involved will look for new ways of ‘trapping’ molecules inside molecular containers to develop, among other things, controlled drug delivery systems and sensors. The network, called NOAH, is formed by 9 European institutions including leading industrial partners Covestro and Mind the Byte. It will train 10 new PhDs.
Before the end of the year, the technology unit ERTFLOW, led by Prof. Miquel A. Pericàs and Dr. Esther Alza, will start to coordinate ICIQ’s first European Industrial Doctorate ITN network. This network, dubbed VIRO-FLOW, will train 3 new PhDs that will carry out half of their research at AiCuris, a German company specialised in the development of new antibiotics and antivirals. VIRO-FLOW will study new synthetic methodologies in flow chemistry that will lead to cleaner, more sustainable chemical processes.
Last but not least, Prof. Antoni Llobet will participate as a partner in eSCALED, a Europan Joint Doctorate that will train 11 PhDs. Their research will be focused on artificial photosynthesis, and will count on the collaboration of important European industries in the field like Solaronix, Vertech, and Riva.
In total, these three ITN networks will train 24 students in a multidisciplinary, inter-sectorial, international manner. Moreover, besides receiving academic supervision during their PhDs, trainees will attend several workshops, seminars, and conferences along the duration of the project. This way, the EU and ICIQ expect to foster candidates’ qualities like scientific excellence and innovation, as well as skills like creativity and entrepreneurship.
More information on the ICIQ website.