This European Training Network (ETN) entitled “Chemical Reaction Networks: Signal amplification, spatiotemporal control, and materials” (CReaNet) has trained bright early-stage researchers (ESRs) on the emerging topic of chemical reaction networks (CRNs). Six excellent academic research groups and four award-winning non-academic beneficiaries have prepared the students using a training-through-research philosophy, and made sure they acquired intersectoral (i.e. academic and industrial) experience. Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering are all of key importance in CReaNet, guaranteeing a highly multidisciplinary education of our ESRs.
CReaNet has strengthened Europe’s innovation capacity by establishing a critical mass of scientists in an emerging area of research with knowledge currently scattered across Europe. The Network brought together a team of people with diverse expertise united under the common, strategically relevant technology theme of chemical reaction networks. Despite the diversity, their research interests overlap to allow for productive collaborations and synergy, which is required for the challenges of the proposed research. The Network has a broad scope and ambitious goals; hence, previously non-interacting partners have been included to elevate the research in this field to the next level, and define the state of the art. The Network united leading EU scientists in the fields of (bio)chemistry, biophysics, nanoscience, analytical theory, and microfluidics who have the goal to push the boundaries of the current state-of-the-art, and in this process teach their approaches, methods, and reflections to the ESRs, involve them actively, and provide them with a challenging atmosphere.
Soon, 15 highly trained scientists with a thorough training in systems thinking will spread out over Europe, and are sure to create economic impact in the industry jobs they (will) occupy. More specifically, non-linear CRNs can generate oscillations that can control the temporal control of molecules like drugs and hormones, enabling temporal release of these species. This could enable future implanted medical devices benign to human body. Also, soft materials could be able to contract and expand periodically just by adding chemical fuels, which can lead to a small-scale pump useful for medical or microfluidic purposes. Likewise, assembled molecular machines will be able to operate in a synchronized way to exert macroscopic movement, which can be useful in soft robotics. Since these devices will have components and mechanisms similar to biology, which is an epitome of sustainable system, they could enable more sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies in future.
CReanet helps to improve the understanding of complex systems’ behaviours in various fields. The general public has a basic understanding of causality, where they think that the magnitude of the cause and effect are similar. In complex systems, however, small causes can have large effects (i.e. amplification), and the effect can have a feedback mechanism which affects the cause, leading to emergent dynamics such as oscillations and chaos. These insights can lead to better prediction and control of various chemical systems, ranging from chemical plants to intracellular environment. This insight is not limited to chemical systems, and can improve decision making in various sectors including business and politics, because systems involved in these sectors such as consumer behaviours and global climate also involve feedback mechanisms.
