Project description
Research explores how complex molecules unique to life form and evolve in space
Scientists recently discovered aromatic molecules in space, which is particularly interesting as these molecules are key to forming prebiotic compounds, explaining how life started. While these molecules are common on Earth, spotting them in the region between stars, where new stars are born, happened just a few years ago. This led to exciting discoveries but also raised big questions. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LIFECYCLE project will use powerful computer simulations to figure out how these molecules form, change and break down in space. The aim is to identify sources of molecular diversity in the universe, understand the limits of chemical complexity and determine how these molecules might end up on planets like Earth.
Objective
During the last years, we have witnessed an evermore increase in the number of molecules detected in the region between stars, the interstellar medium, where new stars are born.
Of the different families of molecules to which the new astronomical detections belong, cyclic and aromatic molecules are particularly puzzling for astrochemistry. Although they are ubiquitous in Earth-based chemistry, the positive detection of aromatic species in the interstellar medium came only a few years ago. This finding has initiated a wave of detections that reveal as many answers as pose new vital questions. For example, aromatic species are critical in the formation of prebiotic molecules. Hence, detecting these molecules presents significant, far-reaching implications for questions beyond astronomy, such as the origin of life on our planet.
In this project, we will determine the main formation routes of cyclic and aromatic molecules in the interstellar medium and the main destruction and conversion pathways that these molecules undertake once formed. We will pursue the project using first principles computer simulations, aiming to disentangle the physical and chemical basis for the origin of these species. Our goal is to find sources of molecular diversity in our universe, constrain the maximum chemical complexity expected in space for cyclic species, and determine how these molecules could be delivered to planets such as the Earth.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy planetary sciences planets
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrochemistry
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
28006 MADRID
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.