Project description
High-energy radiation transfer in biology
The interaction of radiation with biological matter typically involves the deposition of energy through ionisation or excitation of atoms and molecules. This is known to trigger a cascade of molecular transformations. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and spatial distribution of this energy transfer is important for fields such as medicine, radiation therapy, and materials science. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ULTRAET project investigates how energy is transferred from key biological ions, such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc, to their surroundings after irradiation. Using advanced computational models validated against experimental data, researchers will determine conditions that enhance high-energy transfer processes. ULTRAET aims to deliver improved tools for predicting radiation effects at the molecular level.
Objective
Irradiation of matter leads to ionization or excitation of atoms and molecules, with subsequent relaxation processes determining how and where energy is deposited. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for technologies that require precise control of energy conversion and deposition. Recently, non-local energy transfer processes—most notably Interatomic Coulombic Decay (ICD)—have gained attention for their central role in radiation-induced damage to biological systems. While ICD is well established as an ultrafast low-energy transfer pathway, recent studies suggest that even larger amounts of energy can be transferred to the environment.
This project will explore such high-energy transfer in biological matter and identify the conditions under which it is efficient. The focus is on divalent metal cations (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺) which are vital to biological function, and how they release energy to their aqueous environment after core-level ionization. To study this, state-of-the-art ab initio quantum-mechanical approaches for electronic decay will be extended to include relativistic effects, benchmarked against experimental x-ray and electron spectra, and systematically tested to reveal the strengths and limitations of current theoretical tools. The outcome will be new computational strategies that enable predictions of energy transfer at the molecular scale with unprecedented accuracy.
By combining novel method and code development with large-scale high-performance simulations, the project bridges fundamental theory with real-world observations. Collaborations with leading European experimental groups will ensure rapid validation and broad dissemination of results. Beyond advancing our understanding of radiation effects on biological matter at the microscopic level, the project will foster the fellow’s scientific independence and open new avenues for controlling energy deposition in biology and technological applications.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
116 36 Praha 1
Czechia
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.