GRK 2678:  Functional pi-systems: Activation, Interaction and Applications (pi-Sys)

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry
• Term: since 2021
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 437785492

pi-Systems are ubiquitous in chemistry and related fields. pi-Conjugated skeletons are essential platforms to generate photonic and electronic functions, are important in catalysis, show various biological activities and are highly important in the design of supramolecular materials. The synthesis of new pi-conjugated systems that show unusual properties will lead to the development of the next generation materials and also to novel applications. The diverse facets of pi-systems provide an excellent foundation for developing a modern and diverse doctoral training program. Several subfields of modern chemistry are encompassed under the umbrella of pi-systems and will be incorporated into the qualification measures. An important aspect of the program is that, in addition to gaining professional experience, students also develop personally. The qualification program will attract (inter)national students that are selected via a well-defined process. A key point of the qualification program is the IRTG exchange where the doctoral students spend up to 6 months in a partner laboratory. The exchange ensures professional growth, particularly in problem-solving within an unfamiliar environment. This experience enables the students to quickly adapt to different professional settings. This prepares them well for launching a professional career either in industry or academia. Additional recurring curricular elements are block courses, lecture series, seminars, supportive seminars, meetings and proposal. Curricular elements are self-organized by the students, aligning with the broader goal of the IRTG to foster early-career scientific independence. Research on construction of pi-systems, their functionalization and the study of physical properties aiming at developing novel materials will further push the boundaries of pi-systems by merging the knowledge and the different expertise available in the two partner institutions. The research program contains three pillars: a) activation, b) interaction, and c) applications of functional pi-systems. In the second funding period, pi-Sys will further elaborate on these diverse research fields and will build on the achievements of the first period, but also initiate new projects. To tackle these challenging tasks, both sites offer a strong and suitable platform of researchers covering different areas ranging from synthetic, theoretical chemistry and materials science to biological chemistry. Twelve PIs from Nagoya will collaborate with a similar number of project leaders in Münster. The research team is well-balanced between young PIs and more experienced international highly renowned scientists with broad and different research interests. The team is ideally compiled to study pi-systems from multi-facet aspects. Unifying all these research activities in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner will allow to open up new horizons in pi-systems chemistry.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: Japan
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• IRTG-Partner Institution: Nagoya University
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Armido Studer
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Gustavo Fernandez-Huertas; Professorin Dr. Olga Garcia Mancheno; Professor Dr. Ryan Gilmour; Professor Dr. Frank Glorius; Dr. Robert Hein; Dr. Line Muradi; Professor Dr. Johannes Neugebauer; Professor Dr. Bart Jan Ravoo; Professor Dr. Cristian Strassert; Professorin Dr. Seraphine Wegner