Objective We propose to develop and investigate new hybrid organic-inorganic liquid crystals, based on nanobuilding blocks. We want to combine the self-organising properties of liquid crystals and the - both from a fundamental and technological point of view - interesting properties of metal-oxygen compounds. By using chemical synthesis routes well known to the host laboratory, we will synthesise the compounds and investigate their properties. This project does not intend to simply adding special properties to existing compounds, but to developing a whole new architecture for liquid crystals. The host laboratory is a leading institute in the field of chemistry of hybrid materials, with collaborations on national and international level and therefore provides an excellent scientific environment to perform this project. In addition, it has gained a broad experience in the training and supervision of students and post-doctoral fellows during the past years, e.g. by taking part in a Marie Curie Research and Training Network. The applicant is an ideal candidate for this project, as he has built up experience on the synthesis of nanoparticles and investigation of the liquid crystalline properties of these. This project enables this promising researcher to pursue his career in the field of physical chemistry by improving his existing experience and knowledge and broadening his horizon by entering a new field. It gives the applicant ample opportunities to train the skills necessary to reaching his goal of an independent academic group leader with a strong vision of international collaborations. The objective of the proposal is very relevant to the EU, as it addresses several of the priorities (e.g. interdisciplinary research into understanding phenomena, mastering processes and developing research tools, nanometre scale engineering techniques, and development of fundamental knowledge) of the research Activity Area "Nanotechnologies and nano-sciences" of FP6 of the EU. Fields of science engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsnatural scienceschemical sciencesphysical chemistryengineering and technologymaterials engineeringliquid crystals Keywords hybrid liquid crystals lyotropic nanobuilding blocks nanoscience nanotechnology organic-inorganic oxo-clusters poly-oxo-metalates thermotropic tin titanium tungsten 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-2.1 - Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships (EIF) Call for proposal FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European Fellowships Coordinator UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS VI) EU contribution No data Address 4, place Jussieu PARIS France See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data