Illustrative research directions

MATERIALIZE fellows will develop individual research projects in organic synthesis and synthetic methodology, including research on complex aromatic and π-conjugated molecular systems. The programme remains open to a broad range of scientific questions, methodologies, and molecular architectures.

Depending on the objectives of each project, newly developed synthetic strategies and compounds may contribute to research in areas such as:

Circularly polarised luminescent materials

The development of new synthetic approaches to chiral organic molecules and materials exhibiting circularly polarised luminescence (CPL), with potential relevance to advanced displays, organic light-emitting technologies, photonics, and optical information processing.

NIR-II fluorophores

The design and synthesis of fluorophores operating in the second near-infrared biological window (NIR-II), including molecular systems that may support live-cell, deep-tissue, and high-resolution imaging in complex biological environments.

Molecular sensing

The development of new molecular architectures and synthetic strategies for sensitive and selective detection of chemical or biological targets, with potential applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and related fields.

These areas are illustrative rather than exhaustive. Fellows will be encouraged to propose original research directions, explore emerging scientific challenges, and establish new interdisciplinary collaborations during the programme.

How individual projects fit the programme

Each fellow will pursue an original, individual research project aligned with the broad scientific objectives of MATERIALIZE and the expertise of a participating IOC PAS host group. Projects may address fundamental or interdisciplinary questions in organic synthesis and synthetic methodology, including, where relevant, the development and investigation of advanced aromatic, π-conjugated, or functional molecular systems.

Depending on the scientific objectives of the project, fellows may draw on selected approaches from one or more of the programme’s methodological pillars. They will not be expected to apply every method or research approach described on this page.

Where appropriate, experimental and computational research may be integrated into an iterative process in which theoretical predictions support molecular and reaction design, experimental findings contribute to the refinement of computational models, and both inform the development of new synthetic methods, molecular architectures, and functional systems.

Through cooperation with their scientific supervisors, researchers from other IOC PAS groups, and international academic and industry partners, fellows will have access to complementary expertise, specialised methods, research infrastructure, and scientific environments. This flexibility will allow them to expand the scope of their projects, explore new research directions, and establish collaborations tailored to their individual scientific goals.

Scientific Focus

New synthetic routes to functional organic materials for light-driven technologies

The overarching scientific objective of MATERIALIZE is to advance organic synthesis and synthetic methodology by developing new reactions, strategies, and pathways for the efficient construction of complex molecular architectures.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the synthesis of extended aromatic and π-conjugated systems with tailored structural, electronic, and photophysical properties. Such compounds have significant potential in areas including optoelectronics, OLEDs, NIR-II bioimaging, and molecular sensing. Their development, however, is often limited by the availability, efficiency, and selectivity of existing synthetic methods.

MATERIALIZE will address these challenges by combining innovative synthetic methodology with advanced structural and photophysical characterisation and quantum-chemical modelling. This integrated approach will enable researchers not only to discover new ways of constructing complex organic molecules, but also to investigate how their molecular structure influences excited-state behaviour and functional properties, potentially opening new directions for fundamental research and future applications.

RESEARCH AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Develop new research methods and specialist skills.

Work with experts from leading research institutions and industry.

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Gain experience in different scientific and organisational environments.

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Explore new research perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches.

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Understand how research can be translated into technological and industrial applications.

Build an international, cross-sector professional network supporting future careers.

Equal opportunities built into the programme

MATERIALIZE is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive research environment. Equal opportunities are embedded in recruitment, career development, mentoring and programme governance.

The programme follows the Gender Equality Plan adopted by IOC PAS and the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. These commitments are translated into specific recruitment and monitoring measures.

Join the next generation of research leaders

Develop your own research project within an internationally recognised scientific environment and build the scientific, leadership, and professional skills required for the next stage of your career. A central objective of MATERIALIZE is to foster scientific independence and excellence by providing fellows with the conditions, infrastructure, mentoring, and training needed to pursue ambitious research, while creating a bridge towards an independent career, successful applications for their own research funding, and future leadership roles in academia, industry, or other research-driven sectors.

Support for research visibility and communication

MATERIALIZE fellows will receive professional support in communicating their research, presenting its significance and building the visibility of their scientific achievements. To help fellows bring their research to wider audiences and build strong professional profiles, MATERIALIZE will provide:

individual researcher profiles and project presentations;
articles and news covering research progress, results and scientific milestones;
“My Research, My Impact” — a series of 15 short films in which each fellow will present their research journey, key achievements and results, as well as the broader relevance of their work to society and technology;
short videos and social media reels documenting fellows’ everyday laboratory work, research progress and important project milestones;
content for the MATERIALIZE website, YouTube and social media channels;
communication support for publications, conference presentations and other scientific achievements;
preparation for media interviews and public-engagement activities.

Supporting researchers returning after career breaks

MATERIALIZE is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive research environment. Equal opportunities are embedded in recruitment, career development, mentoring and programme governance. The programme follows the Gender Equality Plan adopted by IOC PAS and the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. These commitments are translated into specific recruitment and monitoring measures.

Supporting women’s careers in research

MATERIALIZE is committed to creating an environment in which women researchers can develop their scientific independence, strengthen their professional profiles and progress towards senior positions in academia, research and innovation.

Women participating in the programme will have on the same terms as men access to:

scientific mentoring and regular guidance from experienced supervisors;
personalised career planning through an individual Career Development Plan;
opportunities to lead an independent research project and develop research-management skills;
international secondments and collaboration with academic and industry partners;
training in transferable skills, leadership, communication, innovation and career development;
opportunities to present their research, expand their professional networks and increase the visibility of their work.

The programme will promote an inclusive research culture that recognises different career paths and supports equal participation in training, mobility, scientific leadership and decision-making. Recruitment and evaluation procedures will be designed to reduce the influence of gender bias and actively welcome applications from women and researchers from diverse backgrounds, including those currently underrepresented in research.

Contact

Institute of Organic Chemistry

Polish Academy of Sciences

Kasprzaka 44/52
01-224 Warsaw, Poland