MultiSMART: Multi-component Soft Materials Advanced Research Training Network

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MultiSMART, Multi-component Soft Materials Advanced Research Training Network, is a Doctoral Network of six Universities, oneprivate nonprofit Research Institute, two large Companies and an SME, involving training, fundamental research and applications inthe field of molecular soft materials. These have substantial societal and economic impact, but require innovation to ensuresustainable development. The primary research objectives are defined as (i) the innovation in soft materials through multicomponentself-assemblies; (ii) the application of these materials in the formulation of actives with elevated performance in the largescaleindustries of personal care and home care, as well as high-added value regenerative therapies. Multi-component systems basedon low molecular weight gelators have considerable potential to achieve these goals with the key advantages of programmabilityand responsiveness. However, their development hinges upon the formation of an inter-disciplinary network with well-trainedresearchers.MultiSMART proposes: (1) the training of the future generation of researchers; (2) the tight integration between academic projectsand private sector needs; (3) a network-wide, seamless multidisciplinary, international and inter-sectoral training that is not availableat any one institution. MultiSMART will be formed around 9 hired researchers who will have the opportunity to become scientistsemployable in both the industrial and academic sectors. In an integrated approach, they will be trained to bridge the gap betweenchemistry, physics, biology and formulation technology, as well as to acquire transferable skills through their research and specificallydesigned network-wide schools and workshops. The participation of three industrial participants in research and trainingprogrammes will guarantee extensive inter-sectoral experience for the trainees and maximise the impact of the network.