Project description
Steering chemical reactions with quantum light
Quantum chemistry is entering a new era where reactions are controlled at the most fundamental level. Traditionally unpredictable, chemical processes can now be ‘steered’ non-invasively using external fields. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CoCo FIRE project is pioneering this frontier by developing a theoretical framework to optimise reactivity using microwaves and vacuum photons. By extending control from simple atoms to complex polyatomic molecules and mixtures, the project aims to create a universal strategy for efficient, green synthesis. The goal of the research is to bridge the gap between quantum physics and sustainable chemistry, and ensure Europe’s leadership in the transformative quantum technologies of tomorrow.
Objective
Controlling chemical reactions at the quantum level is one of the most ambitious goals in modern chemistry and physics, with transformative potential for sustainable synthesis and quantum technologies. Recent theoretical and experimental breakthroughs in the field-control of ultracold molecules have shown that microwave fields can suppress reactive loss channels in biatomic molecule scattering. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that external fields can non-invasively steer reactivity at the quantum level, opening the door to a universal strategy for reaction optimization.
The CoCo FIRE (COld chemistry COntrol via Field-Induced Reactivity Enhancement) project is a theoretical effort that will build on this progress, pursuing three main objectives: (i) extending microwave control to polyatomic, chemically relevant species; (ii) investigating bi-molecular mixtures, closer to realistic chemistry; and (iii) exploring cavity-mediated reactivity control through strong coupling to vacuum photons. Central to this effort is a scattering-based framework that exploits the rotational levels of molecules to characterize and control long-range interactions. These advances will establish theoretical benchmarks for versatile quantum simulators and pave the way for cleaner, more efficient reactions.
The fellowship will be hosted at the European Centre for Quantum Science (Strasbourg), under the supervision of Prof. Guido Pupillo, in a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of chemistry, physics, and quantum optics. Training in scattering theory, high-performance computation, and transferable skills such as project management and entrepreneurship will strengthen my career trajectory to leadership.
By combining sustainable chemistry with quantum innovation, CoCo FIRE directly contributes to Europe’s leadership in green and quantum technologies, supporting the European Green Deal and aligning with the Quantum Flagship objectives.
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.
- social sciences economics and business business and management entrepreneurship
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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
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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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67081 Strasbourg
France
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