Objective
This proposal tackles one of the key frontiers in modern medicinal chemistry: how to replace flat aromatic rings with three-dimensional, nitrogen-containing bioisosteres that improve solubility, stability, and drug-like properties. The project introduces a new photochemical platform that combines nitrene chemistry with strained bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) to access 2-azabicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (2-azaBCPs), an unprecedented class of building blocks. By exploiting visible-light activation modes, the strategy will enable controlled nitrene generation and selective reactivity with BCBs under mild conditions. Alongside its synthetic applications, the project will also generate fundamental new knowledge in nitrene photochemistry, an area with remarkable yet underexplored potential. The project includes the development of modular photoredox diversification via carboxylates, and metallaphotoredox couplings for the incorporation of 2-azaBCPs into complex molecules. If successful, this approach will deliver a general entry into nitrogen-rich scaffolds that act as bioisosteres of both aromatic heterocycles and saturated amines, redefining what is possible in bioisosteric replacement. For Prof. Ruffoni, the fellowship will establish him as a leader in photochemistry and catalysis in Europe, accelerating group growth and supporting pioneering research programs. For the applicant, it provides advanced training, independence, and international visibility to build a competitive profile in Europe. More broadly, the work promotes green chemistry through visible-light synthesis, expands chemical space for medicinal chemistry, and enables bioisosteric analogues of drugs such as Losmapimod and Siponimod, underscoring its pharmaceutical relevance. Altogether, the project places European chemistry at the forefront of bioisosteric replacement, benefiting academia, healthcare, and society.
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 chemical sciences physical chemistry photochemistry
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry amines
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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)
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.
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-2025-PF
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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.
24118 Kiel
Germany
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.