Objective Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental pollutants endowed with endocrine activity. An increasing risk of cancerogenesis, disturbance of childrens development and reduced male fertility are attributed to EDCs in water and nutrition. The pro posal will focus on an efficient collaboration between synthetic organic chemists, polymer chemists, separation scientists and specialists in structural characterization, for the design of novel solid phase extraction systems for EDCs. The specific challe nge lies in the development of materials showing gradually differing affinity for several EDCs. As a single host, the Department of Organic Chemistry at Ghent University, we propose to train 4 young scientists in a laboratory based programme involving thre e-year doctoral studies. The interdisciplinary nature of the proposed project defines a wide field of training for the early stage researchers. Furthermore next to training in scientific and technological competencies, training will be provided in compleme ntary skills such as presentation and reporting capability, aspects of industrial research and time management. The Department combines different research groups with relevant experience in several aspects of the project and has successfully delivered over 130 PhD degrees during the last 10 years. The close connection between the Department of Organic Chemistry (UGent), the Research Institute for Chromatography and the Pfizer Analytical Research Center will ensure awareness of industrial needs and opportun ities. The defined research theme has been chosen for training on the basis of its innovative character, the potential for training in a multidisciplinary way and its relevance to priority areas of exceptional interest for Europe (sustainable development, knowledge-based functional materials). As such, the proposed early stage training site offers a valuable research experience as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team effort. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistryquantitative analysismedical and health sciencesclinical medicineandrologynatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistrysocial sciencessociologydemographyfertilitynatural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Topic(s) MOBILITY-1.2 - Marie Curie Host Fellowships - Early stage research training (EST) Call for proposal FP6-2004-MOBILITY-2 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme EST - Marie Curie actions-Early-stage Training
