According to the recent tentative resolution, ICIQ has secured funding for seven research projects in the framework of the 2024 Generación de Conocimiento call by the State Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación – AEI, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades). These grants support research in fundamental science across all areas of knowledge and aim to strengthen the scientific competitiveness of the Spanish research ecosystem.
This year, ICIQ researchers received funding for projects across a wide range of topics, from innovative diagnostic tools and artificial intelligence applications to sustainable catalysis, renewable energy and supramolecular chemistry. These awards highlight the diversity of ICIQ’s scientific activity and its commitment to addressing societal challenges through chemical research.
The funded projects are:
ANIMATE – Artificial Intelligence for the Simulation of Materials in Energy (REF. PID2024-157556OB-I00)
Led by Prof. Núria López, ANIMATE will use artificial intelligence and atomistic simulations to accelerate the discovery of catalytic materials for energy applications. The project will focus on designing efficient catalysts for sustainable feedstocks such as CO₂, biomass, and plastics, reducing reliance on critical raw materials. Combining multiscale modelling with machine learning surrogates, ANIMATE will develop a comprehensive framework for understanding and predicting catalytic performance under realistic conditions. The project will openly share its data and tools via the ioChem-BD platform, reinforcing ICIQ’s commitment to Open Science.
CAT-FUN – Forging sp3 Architectures by Harnessing the Potential of Multifaceted Metal Catalysts (REF. PID2024-160739NB-I00)
Prof. Rubén Martín and his team aim to develop unconventional catalytic strategies to construct sp3-rich molecular architectures from simple and abundant building blocks. By leveraging the multifaceted reactivity of metal catalysts, CAT-FUN will provide new retrosynthetic tools to enable atom editing, C–C bond cleavage, and late-stage functionalisation. These transformations are especially relevant to drug discovery, where enhanced three-dimensionality can improve pharmacological properties. The project holds potential for a paradigm shift in synthetic chemistry by facilitating efficient and modular approaches to complex molecule construction.
CONSUPRA – Modulation of the Conformational and Self-Assembly Characteristics of Biological Oligomers by a Supramolecular Host-Guest Approach (REF. PID2024-157787NA-I00)
Dr. Luis Escobar manages CONSUPRA, a project focused on the supramolecular modulation of oligonucleotide and oligopeptide structures. By designing novel macrocyclic receptors, such as resorcin[4]arenes and calix[4]pyrroles, water-soluble and monofunctionalised for biological environments, the team will explore reversible, non-covalent strategies to stabilise or tune the secondary structure and self-assembly of short biological oligomers. This research opens new possibilities for bioengineering and therapeutic development using host–guest chemistry.
MechCAD – Mechanistic Insights into Homogeneous Catalyst Activation and Deactivation Pathways (REF. PID2024-162185NB-I00)
Under the direction of Prof. Jordi Burés, MechCAD explores how homogeneous catalysts evolve during chemical reactions, with focus on activation and deactivation mechanisms. By employing cutting-edge kinetic analysis and reaction monitoring techniques, including machine learning models, the project seeks to gain unprecedented insights into catalytic behaviour. MechCAD’s findings will support the design of more robust and long-lasting catalysts, with direct impact in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and materials science. The project also includes a strong training component for early-career researchers in advanced catalysis techniques.
PhotoProtDesign – Bio-inspired chromophore-protein artificial photosystems based on the rational de novo design of proteins for solar-energy collection, transfer and conversion (REF. PID2024-158076NB-I00)
Dr. Elisabet Romero leads PhotoProtDesign, a project inspired by the principles of natural photosynthesis. By integrating state-of-the-art protein design, synthetic biology, and advanced spectroscopy, the team aims to construct novel chromophore–protein assemblies capable of efficiently harvesting and converting solar energy. These biodegradable and abundant materials could serve as components in future devices for electricity generation or solar fuel production. The project seeks to advance our understanding of energy transfer at the molecular level and contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies.
Sens2Therapy – Multi-functional sensors to guide antibiotic therapy (REF. PID2024-159068OB-I00)
Sens2Therapy, coordinated by Prof. Beatriz Prieto-Simón, tackles antimicrobial resistance by developing innovative biosensors for monitoring antibiotic effectiveness against bacterial biofilms. The project integrates in vitro sensing platforms with wearable, non-invasive devices for real-time therapeutic drug monitoring. Inspired by nature’s multifunctionality, these diagnostics will quantify biofilm responses and support personalised, safer antibiotic treatments. By advancing bioelectronic tools and functional materials, Sens2Therapy aims to revolutionise how clinicians detect, monitor, and manage biofilm-associated infections.
TAPN2 – Towards Ammonia Production from Dinitrogen at low temperature and pressure with catalysts based on non-critical raw materials (REF. PID2024-156590NB-I00)
Prof. JR Galán-Mascarós leads TAPN2, a project aiming to develop electrocatalysts based on non-critical raw materials to enable sustainable ammonia production under mild conditions. Building on recent discoveries, the project will design efficient and stable catalysts for nitrogen reduction at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. By replacing the highly energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process, TAPN2 contributes to decarbonising the chemical industry and advancing green electrochemical synthesis, with broad implications for energy, agriculture and chemical manufacturing.
The “Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento” are funded by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE
La entrada ICIQ has been awarded 7 projects in the ‘Generación de Conocimiento 2024’ call by the State Research Agency (AEI) se publicó primero en ICIQ.