Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IDEAL PhD (IMDEA Nanociencia Doctoral Training Programme in Nanoscience)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-10-01 bis 2025-09-30
IDEAL PhD programme is a doctoral programme promoted by Fundación IMDEA Nanociencia (IMDEA Nano) that aims to attract 12 talented researchers in two open calls to undertake excellent research in any of the programmes at the Institute:
P1: Nanotechnology for energy harvesting; P2: Quantum materials at the nanoscale; P3: Nanotechnology for healthcare; P4: Nanomagnetism for Information and Communication Technologies; P5: Ultrafast phenomena at the nanoscale; P6: Sustainable nanotechnologies and critical raw materials.
The programmes are supported by a Platform for Disruptive Innovation which encourages links with industry to help translate results to market providing support and facilities for prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, and scaling-up.
Within the IDEAL PhD programme, we aim to boost the careers of talented researchers offering them an innovative, truly interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral training in nanoscience and nanotechnology. IMDEA Nano is committed to providing a pool of researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the next challenges in the nanoscience field.
The key objectives of the programme are to offer the researchers:
• To boost the careers of talented researchers offering them an innovative, truly interdisciplinary and intersectoral training in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• To provide a well-balanced research independence and mentoring from an experienced scientific and management team as well as access to an infrastructure of the highest level for the pursuit of their projects in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• To create links with industry to help achieve translation of results to market, provide support and facilities for prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, and scaling-up supported by a Platform for Disruptive Innovation.
P1: Nanotechnology for energy harvesting; P2: Quantum materials at the nanoscale; P3: Nanotechnology for healthcare; P4: Nanomagnetism for Information and Communication Technologies; P5: Ultrafast phenomena at the nanoscale; P6: Sustainable nanotechnologies and critical raw materials.
The programmes are supported by a Platform for Disruptive Innovation which encourages links with industry to help translate results to market providing support and facilities for prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, and scaling-up.
Within the IDEAL PhD programme, we aim to boost the careers of talented researchers offering them an innovative, truly interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral training in nanoscience and nanotechnology. IMDEA Nano is committed to providing a pool of researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the next challenges in the nanoscience field.
The key objectives of the programme are to offer the researchers:
• To boost the careers of talented researchers offering them an innovative, truly interdisciplinary and intersectoral training in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• To provide a well-balanced research independence and mentoring from an experienced scientific and management team as well as access to an infrastructure of the highest level for the pursuit of their projects in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• To create links with industry to help achieve translation of results to market, provide support and facilities for prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, and scaling-up supported by a Platform for Disruptive Innovation.
A full recruitment programme has been carried out based on an Open Transparent a Merit based Process with nearly 400 applications received for the 12 fellowships on offer. The 12 fellows are currently carrying out their research studies at the Institute.
It is clear that the unique environment at IMDEA Nano will help the researchers develop a skill set that a modern nano-scientist needs to work in the field - a true interdisciplinary research background. In addition, the compulsory secondment in possible international environments will enrich their experience in sectors other than academia and bring researchers closer to their research impact.
Through the planned research impact and entrepreneurship education, researchers will be able to acquire an understanding of the socio-economic contexts and impact of their research and applications in nanoscience. This business and entrepreneurial education for researchers provides a challenge-based learning experience and the skills to create value and innovative solutions out of their research that have a positive impact in society and the environment. The optional venture creation project will empower interested researchers to become entrepreneurs and pursue their venture.
The ability to see a problem from different scientific points of view (physicist, chemist, biologist, engineer, technology specialist), and to understand the challenge within the end user environment and relevant sector, will bring a distinctive perspective to the scientists training. This flexible mind-set teaches a dynamic approach to problem solving and is applicable to even the most complicated societal issues. This adds a distinct value to the researcher’s curriculum that will be attractive to prospective employers in all sectors and disciplines.
All researchers participate in our outreach initiative, “Nanociencia para Todos.” The fellows will contribute to outreach efforts through a variety of events, including, European Researchers’ Night: “Meet the IDEAL Fellows” – An open-lab event where visitors can engage in hands-on experiments and explore how the European Union supports cutting-edge research that impacts society directly. Madrid Science Week – Interactive demonstrations showcasing the prevalence of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in everyday life, including a dedicated IDEAL Fellows’ session at the IMDEA Nano stand.
Through the planned research impact and entrepreneurship education, researchers will be able to acquire an understanding of the socio-economic contexts and impact of their research and applications in nanoscience. This business and entrepreneurial education for researchers provides a challenge-based learning experience and the skills to create value and innovative solutions out of their research that have a positive impact in society and the environment. The optional venture creation project will empower interested researchers to become entrepreneurs and pursue their venture.
The ability to see a problem from different scientific points of view (physicist, chemist, biologist, engineer, technology specialist), and to understand the challenge within the end user environment and relevant sector, will bring a distinctive perspective to the scientists training. This flexible mind-set teaches a dynamic approach to problem solving and is applicable to even the most complicated societal issues. This adds a distinct value to the researcher’s curriculum that will be attractive to prospective employers in all sectors and disciplines.
All researchers participate in our outreach initiative, “Nanociencia para Todos.” The fellows will contribute to outreach efforts through a variety of events, including, European Researchers’ Night: “Meet the IDEAL Fellows” – An open-lab event where visitors can engage in hands-on experiments and explore how the European Union supports cutting-edge research that impacts society directly. Madrid Science Week – Interactive demonstrations showcasing the prevalence of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in everyday life, including a dedicated IDEAL Fellows’ session at the IMDEA Nano stand.