The INM Research Department Innovative Electron Microscopy, led by Prof. Nadja Tarakina, is taking a leading role in shaping the future of sustainable energy research as coordinator of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network e-ChemIn project. Selected within one of Europe’s most competitive funding schemes (with a success rate below 9%), the project places INM at the forefront of an international effort to drive innovation in energy conversion and storage.
Bringing together 12 academic, one of which is the INM research department Energy Materials led by Prof. Volker Presser, and 6 industrial partners from 9 countries, e-ChemIn represents a powerful alliance of science and industry. With a total budget of €4.5 million, managed by INM, the network combines advanced multidisciplinary training of PhD candidates, cutting-edge research, and cross-sector collaboration. The project will start in 2026 and has a duration of four years.
At the heart of e-ChemIn lies a bold scientific vision: moving beyond traditional materials design towards the targeted engineering of electrochemically active interfaces. The network will develop high-performance, sustainable materials based on renewable and circular resources, pioneer advanced nanoscale characterization techniques under real operating conditions, and establish efficient strategies for recycling critical raw materials at an industrial scale. Together, these efforts will accelerate the transition towards a resilient and sustainable energy conversion and energy storage systems.
A central pillar of e-ChemIn is the training of 15 doctoral candidates, who will benefit from a international and interdisciplinary program. Hosted across the consortium, they will gain hands-on research experience, participate in joint summer schools and specialized courses, and complete secondments in academia and industry. Complementary training in leadership, communication, and career development ensures they are fully equipped to become the EU next generation of innovators and leaders.
With its strong coordinating role and scientific expertise, INM is driving this ambitious initiative, reinforcing its position as a key player in European research and innovation — and paving the way for breakthrough technologies that will support a carbon-neutral future.
Partners:
1 INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials, DE (COORDINATOR)
2 Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaft, DE
3 Stockholms Universitet, SE
4 Centro de Investigacion Cooperativa de Energías, ES
5 VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, CZ (Martin Pumera)
6 Kunglia Tekniska Hoegskolan, SE
7 Universiteit Leiden, NL
8 The University of Liverpool, UK
9 Univerisita degli Studi di Trieste, IT
10 BCAM – Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, ES
11 Monolithos Katalites ke Anakiklosi Etaireia Periorel, GR
12 P&L Scientific Instrument Services, SE (associated)
13 Sparknano BV, NL (associated)
14 Protochips INC., US (associated)
15 Verein zur Förderung der Kunst des Biographischen Geschichtenerzählens, DE (associated)
16 Springer Nature AG & CO. KGAA, DE (associated)
17 Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Uniber, ES (associated)
18 Universität des Saarlandes, DE (associated)