The main aim of this multidisciplinary doctoral network is to train a new generation of scientists with outstanding knowledge in the field of field-cycling relaxometry. Field-cycling relaxometry is a versatile tool allowing for the investigation of molecular structure and dynamics on a wide time scale, from picoseconds to milliseconds. This technique provides information which are key in several biomedical applications, as well as in the characterization of advanced materials, thus with a great potential of impact. The knowledge of the molecular dynamics, together with that of the structure, is of central importance to fully understand the mechanisms underlying molecular functions, and field-cycling relaxometry is one of the very few techniques which can provide information on motions occurring on time scales longer than nanoseconds.
In this frame, the fellows are trained to acquire a deep knowledge of the different, possible applications of the technique, ranging from molecular biology and inorganic chemistry to biophysical methods. In addition, they are trained to the mastery of theoretical tools, with a multi-disciplinary integrative view made possible by the different expertise of the consortium partners. A multisectoral training is ensured by the presence in the network of 3 industrial partners and 10 academic partners and by the scheme of planned secondments.
The projects of the recruited DCs focus on different research fields and/or on technological and theoretical developments:
- the improvement of efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and paramagnetic nanosystems for theranostics
- the development of partially crystalline materials and of ionic liquids for their use as electrolytes in energy storage devices
- the exploitation of relaxometry for cancer diagnosis
- the development of the theoretical knowledge of field dependent relaxation processes to unravel dynamic processes occurring in complex systems.
The project thus contributes to a better understanding of key molecular processes occurring in biological systems and in materials to unlock innovations in biomedical technology, medical diagnosis, ionic liquids for energy storage, design of innovative drugs and biologics acting on specific molecular targets.
These scientific achievements may thus open new routes for early detection of diseases by improving the diagnostic methods heavily relying on the efficiency of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to the optimal exploitation of electrolytes, key devices for large-scale energy storage systems.
