IRTG 2678 - Functional pi-Systems: Activation, Interaction and Application (pi-Sys)

Basic data for this project

Description

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.Research on construction of pi-systems, their functionalization and the study of physical properties aiming at developing novel materials have been pursued in Nagoya and Münster. However, this research is currently conducted unilaterally. By looking at the different expertise of the PIs, there is great potential to further push the boundaries in the area of Functional pi-Systems: Activation, Interaction and Application by merging the knowledge and the expertise available in these two partner institutions.The research program contains three pillars: a) activation, b) interaction, and c) applications of functional pi-systems. 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. 12 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 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 a new horizon in pi-systems chemistry.The qualification program will be organized in a way to attract the best students from Münster, Nagoya and other (inter)national institutions and IRTG students will be carefully chosen via a well-defined selection process. The IRTG program will offer an excellent graduate training that goes beyond the regular courses offered to graduate students. A main focus of the qualification program is the mandatory IRTG exchange where the doctoral students spend 6 months in a partner laboratory – a key qualification for every IRTG student. Additional recurring curricular elements are block courses, lecture series, seminars,