The new programme FP-Resomus unites solvation science and the research into ultrafast processes. © RUB, Marquard

Cluster of Excellence collaboration EU funds new postdoctoral programme

The programme of the Bochum-Dortmund Cluster of Excellence Ruhr Explores Solvation and colleagues from Switzerland is funded with around 3.5 million euros.

A new fellowship programme for postdoctoral researchers is a collaboration between two interdisciplinary research networks: the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research “Molecular Ultrafast Science and Technology” (NCCR-Must) and the Bochum-Dortmund Cluster of Excellence “Ruhr Explores Solvation” (Resolv). The transnational collaboration comprises 50 research groups from the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering and biology. The European Union supports the fellowship programme with 3.54 million euros under the Horizon 2020 programme as a Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Cofund Action.

The programme, which starts in April 2019 and runs until September 2023, is called “Resolving Solvation with Molecular Ultrafast Science and Technology”, FP-Resomus in short. Its aim is to answer interdisciplinary questions at the interface of research on solvents and ultrafast processes using both simulation methods and the latest experimental technologies. The members of the programme benefit from the complementary expertise in the respective networks.

Programme in Germany and Switzerland

FP-Resomus supports 50 postdoctoral researchers in several locations in Germany and Switzerland. They investigate on a microscopic level how solvents influence various phenomena in nature and technology, and how ultrafast processes take place and can be improved.

The fellowship programme addresses early career researchers who are currently working outside of Germany and Switzerland, or who have recently started working there. FP-Resomus gives them the opportunity to gain experience in different locations. They benefit from extensive training opportunities, especially in scientific methods, but also in soft skills like application methodology, project management, languages and writing courses.

About the Cofund programme

With the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Cofund Actions the European Commission supports both existing and new training and career-development programmes for early career and experienced researchers. This helps the researchers to find their way to scientific independence. Regional, as well as national and international fellowship programmes for postdocs or doctoral researchers are co-funded by this programme.

About NCCR Must in Switzerland

The Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research “Must” is a multidisciplinary network with more than 150 researchers at seven locations throughout Switzerland. It has been funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation since 2010. In this network, ultrafast processes in nature are investigated using laser technology, spectroscopy and simulation methods. Research questions include how photosynthesis, solar cells, the storage of data, electron transport and chemical reactions work at the molecular level and at very short timescales – and how such processes can be improved. Professor Ursula Keller (ETH Zurich) and Professor Thomas Feurer (Universität Bern) lead the network.

About Resolv in Germany

The German Cluster of Excellence Resolv consists of more than 200 scientists at six locations in the Ruhr area. The federal government and the federal states have funded the Cluster of Excellence as part of the Excellence Strategy – formerly the Excellence Initiative – since 2012.

The network investigates how solvents are involved in the mediation and control of chemical reactions. Most chemical reactions, important industrial processes and almost all biological processes take place in the liquid phase, with the solvents having an important role. Professor Martina Havenith from the Bochum Department of Physical Chemistry II is the speaker of the cluster.