Objective The goal of the research program, ASTROROT, is to significantly advance the knowledge of astrochemistry by exploring its molecular complexity and by discovering new molecule classes and key chemical processes in space. So far, mostly physical reasons were investigated for the observed variations in molecular abundances. We here propose to study the influence of chemistry on the molecular composition of the universe by combining unprecedentedly high-quality laboratory spectroscopy and pioneering telescope observations. Array telescopes provide new observations of rotational molecular emission, leading to an urgent need for microwave spectroscopic data of exotic molecules. We will use newly developed, unique broadband microwave spectrometers with the cold conditions of a molecular jet and the higher temperatures of a waveguide to mimic different interstellar conditions. Their key advantages are accurate transition intensities, tremendously reduced measurement times, and unique mixture compatibility. Our laboratory experiments will motivate and guide astronomic observations, and enable their interpretation. The expected results are • the exploration of molecular complexity by discovering new classes of molecules in space, • the detection of isotopologues that provide information about the stage of chemical evolution, • the generation of abundance maps of highly excited molecules to learn about their environment,• the identification of key intermediates in astrochemical reactions.The results will significantly foster and likely revolutionize our understanding of astrochemistry. The proposed research will go far beyond the state-of-the-art: We will use cutting-edge techniques both in the laboratory and at the telescope to greatly improve and speed the process of identifying molecular fingerprints. These techniques now enable studies at this important frontier of physics and chemistry that previously would have been prohibitively time-consuming or even impossible. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrochemistrynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-StG-2014 - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2014-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Host institution DEUTSCHES ELEKTRONEN-SYNCHROTRON DESY Net EU contribution € 1 022 425,66 Address NOTKESTRASSE 85 22607 Hamburg Germany See on map Region Hamburg Hamburg Hamburg Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 022 425,66 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all DEUTSCHES ELEKTRONEN-SYNCHROTRON DESY Germany Net EU contribution € 1 022 425,66 Address NOTKESTRASSE 85 22607 Hamburg See on map Region Hamburg Hamburg Hamburg Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 022 425,66 MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Participation ended Germany Net EU contribution € 477 478,34 Address HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8 80539 Munchen See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 477 478,34