Project description
Interdisciplinary approach to visible-light photocatalysis
The emergence of visible-light photocatalysis has transformed chemical synthesis, benefiting industries such as agrochemicals, materials and pharmaceuticals through greener, more efficient processes. However, the search continues for new substrates that can reliably harness light energy, as current alternatives remain costly, slow and experimental. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PHOTO-SEED project will adopt an interdisciplinary approach using AI to discover these key substrates. To achieve this, it will develop high-quality databases and deep learning models, while using generative AI to design candidates and finally validate them through experimentation.
Objective
Over the past two decades, visible-light photocatalysis has revolutionized greener and more efficient chemical synthesis, significantly impacting pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. However, a key challenge remains: the need to discover new substrates that can reliably and sustainably harness light energy. While current research has improved the prediction of light-driven reactions, existing methods are often slow, costly, and rely heavily on trial-and-error experimentation.
The PROJECT, PHOTO-SEED, aims to pioneer an interdisciplinary approach, including Chemistry, Computer/Data Science, and Chemical Informatics. The project will: (a) create the first high-quality database of light-sensitive molecular properties, (b) develop deep learning models to provide accurate and reliable predictions across a wide range of molecules, (c) use generative AI to design synthetically feasible candidates, and (d) validate these discoveries experimentally, particularly in reactions relevant to medicinal chemistry.
By integrating artificial intelligence with chemistry, PHOTO-SEED will significantly reduce discovery cycles from months to hours, minimize environmental impact through predictive design, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable synthesis. The urgency of this project directly supports Horizon Europe’s objectives of advancing green technologies and digital transformation.
The fellowship offered through this project will be transformative for the researcher, providing advanced expertise at the intersection of AI and catalysis, opportunities for international collaborations, and the development of leadership skills. The host, Prof. Frank Glorius, an internationally recognized expert with a successful track record of supervising MSCA fellows, will provide the necessary resources and mentorship to ensure the success and impactful outcomes of this initiative.
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.
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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)
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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
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.
48149 Muenster
Germany
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.