DYNAmics and STructural analYsis of 2D materials

Project Information

DYNASTY

Grant agreement ID: 101079179

DOI

10.3030/101079179

Project closed

EC signature date 4 July 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 31 January 2026

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

€ 1 497 125,00

EU contribution

€ 1 497 125,00

Coordinated by

IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DYNASTY (DYNAmics and STructural analYsis of 2D materials)

Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2026-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

DYNASTY aims to strengthen research excellence in Southeast Europe by establishing, at the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH) in Crete, a dynamic hub for advanced nanomaterials research. The project responds to the need to enhance scientific capacity and international collaboration in the region, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of two-dimensional (2D) materials. To achieve this, DYNASTY brings together FORTH with two leading European research institutions: the University of Antwerp (Belgium) and the National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) in Toulouse (France). These partners provide complementary expertise in advanced characterization techniques, including electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and nanofabrication. Through a combination of joint research activities, staff exchanges, training workshops, and short-term visits, the project enables knowledge transfer and hands-on collaboration. These activities support the development of advanced imaging and spectroscopy capabilities at FORTH, allowing for precise structural and functional analysis of 2D materials and their heterostructures. Over the course of the project, FORTH significantly enhances its scientific and technical capacity in nanomaterials characterization and nanoelectronic device fabrication. At the same time, DYNASTY fosters a sustainable network of collaboration among European research groups, strengthening links between widening and leading institutions. Ultimately, the project contributes to building a more balanced and interconnected European research landscape, empowering local teams to engage in high-level interdisciplinary research and positioning FORTH as a key player in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

DYNASTY has successfully implemented a comprehensive programme of collaborative research and capacity-building activities, enabling FORTH to significantly enhance its expertise in the structural and opto-electronic characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials. The project brought together complementary expertise from leading partners, combining atomic-scale structural analysis (EMAT, University of Antwerp) with advanced nonlinear optical imaging and spectroscopy (FORTH) and exciton dynamics (INSA Toulouse). This integration enabled the development of a multi-modal approach for the characterization of 2D materials, linking structural, optical and electronic properties with high precision. A major achievement of the project is the establishment and validation of advanced nonlinear imaging and spectroscopy capabilities at FORTH, allowing for high-resolution analysis of 2D materials and their heterostructures. These tools, combined with electron microscopy and exciton dynamics modelling, provide a powerful framework for understanding structure–property relationships, paving the way towards next-generation opto-valleytronic devices. The project also delivered a strong programme of training and knowledge exchange, including staff secondments, short visits, workshops and hands-on training activities. These actions enabled effective transfer of expertise, strengthening both technical skills and scientific collaboration among partners. In total, multiple exchanges and joint activities contributed to the development of new competencies in advanced characterization techniques and experimental methodologies. In parallel, DYNASTY fostered a dynamic collaborative environment, promoting continuous interaction between researchers. These exchanges facilitated the creation of new research ideas, strengthened international networks, and supported the development of future collaborations. Cross-disciplinary mentoring and interaction between researchers, technicians and administrative staff further contributed to building a cohesive and supportive research ecosystem. Overall, the project has significantly strengthened the research capacity of FORTH, established advanced experimental capabilities, and created a sustainable network for high-level collaboration in nanomaterials research across Europe.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

DYNASTY has delivered significant advances beyond the state of the art by integrating complementary methodologies for the characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials, combining structural, optical and electronic analysis in a unified framework. This multi-modal approach enables a deeper understanding of structure–property relationships in 2D systems, going beyond conventional single-technique analyses. A key outcome of the project is the establishment of advanced nonlinear optical imaging and spectroscopy capabilities at FORTH, integrated with high-resolution electron microscopy and exciton dynamics modelling. This combination allows for precise, high-resolution analysis of 2D materials and their heterostructures, opening new pathways for the study and engineering of opto-electronic and spin–valley phenomena. Beyond scientific advances, DYNASTY has significantly strengthened the research and innovation capacity in Southeast Europe, particularly in Greece, by developing a state-of-the-art spectroscopic and imaging workstation and embedding new expertise within the host institution. These capabilities provide a long-term foundation for high-level research in nanomaterials and nanoelectronics. The project also generated substantial impact through capacity building and human capital development, equipping researchers with advanced technical and analytical skills, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This environment supports the emergence of new research directions, enhances career prospects for early-stage researchers, and strengthens the ability of the host institution to attract talent and participate in competitive European initiatives. Looking forward, DYNASTY creates the conditions for sustained scientific and technological impact, including further research development, integration into advanced characterization platforms, and potential future applications in photonics, nanoelectronics and quantum technologies. By consolidating expertise and infrastructure, the project contributes to a more balanced and competitive European research landscape.