Objective
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Reactions under Vibrational Strong Coupling: Recent experiments have shown that vibrational strong coupling (VSC), a cavity quantum electrodynamics phenomenon, can alter chemical reactivity by changing kinetics, mechanisms, and product distributions. VSC arises from the formation of hybrid light–matter states when molecular vibrations couple to photonic cavity modes, enabling modification of molecular wavefunctions without external illumination. While this possibility of controlling reactivity has generated major excitement, no predictive theoretical framework exists. Despite growing experimental evidence, it remains unclear when and how VSC affects reactions, posing a key fundamental challenge and limiting potential applications.
This project aims to address this gap through a systematic computational approach. I will develop a novel multiscale molecular dynamics (MD) methodology for atomistic simulations of chemical reactions under VSC, by introducing biasing potentials into a hybrid quantum mechanics / molecular mechanics (QM/MM) framework, and implement it into the widely used MD package GROMACS. The method will be validated against high-level quantum dynamics simulations and experimental spectra to establish accuracy and predictive power. It will then be applied to study proton transfer in water under cavity conditions, a prototypical and experimentally relevant process, providing new mechanistic insights into how VSC influences chemical dynamics.
The outcomes will include an openly available simulation framework, validated protocols, and a new fundamental understanding of VSC effects on reactivity. Building on my prior expertise in biased sampling and large-scale MD simulations, and combining it with the host group’s strengths in cavity quantum electrodynamics, this project will not only establish the foundations for predictive modeling in polaritonic chemistry but also strengthen my career as a researcher.
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.
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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)
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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
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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.
40100 Jyvaskyla
Finland
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.