CORE - PostDoc & Phd students - NET
Discover the research groups from CORENET partners and their contributions to the project in the fields of Systems Chemistry, AI, Metabolomics, and Microfluidics. Our page features five groups, including SysChem (UAM), focused on biohybrid materials and systems chemistry, Foodomics Group (CSIC), Bielefeld University (UBI), HuckLab (SRU) and the Physics and Science of Information Group which is part of the Science of Quantum and Information Technology Department at IBM Research Europe – Zurich, focussed on fundamental research in information processing and the future of computing. Join and explore the latest research and advancements in these exciting fields.
SysChem: Group of Biohybrid Materials and Systems Chemistry (UAM)
Dr. Andres de la Escosura heads the Biohybrid Materials and Systems Chemistry research line at the Organic Chemistry Department of UAM. The SysChem group focuses on designing and synthesizing novel supramolecular and nanostructured hybrids using both synthetic and biological components. They also study the complex biological functions of these hybrids.
PostDoc & Phd students
I graduated in Chemistry in 2021. Them, I studied a Master in Organic Chemistry at UAM, where I joined de la Escosura group and worked in the designing of bioorganic hybrids capable of forming autocatalytic networks. Now, as PhD student, I’m focussing on expanding previously mentioned networks to more complex systems with higher functionalities. I enjoy hanging around with friends and practising sports but I’m also a big fan of movie nights. I’m always open to know new people and hear different points of view.
“In CORENET, I appreciate the growth opportunities through engaging with experts across various chemistry disciplines from academia and industry.”
Education:
B.Sc. in Chemistry, 2021, Autonomous University of Madrid , Spain
M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, 2022, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (2022 – to present), Autonomous University of Madrid , Spain
Interests:
Supramolecular Chemistry and Replication Networks
Social media:
I am Assistant Professor at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. My research is primarily focused on studying chemical reactivity and reaction mechanisms through the use of ab initio and/or DFT calculations. My particular interests lie in the areas of catalysis, both homogeneous and heterogeneous, as well as photochemistry. By leveraging computational tools, my goal is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these complex chemical processes, identify potential pathways for optimizing their efficiency and selectivity, and ultimately contribute to the development of new and innovative technologies in these fields.
“The multidisciplinary character of this project allows a fruitful exchange of ideas.”
Education:
B.Sc. in Chemistry, 2013, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
M.Sc. in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modeling, 2015, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
Ph.D. in in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modeling, 2019, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
Interests:
Quantum Chemistry, Catalysis, Theoretical Organic Chemistry
Social media:
I carried out my Ph.D. studies under the supervision of Dr José Alemán and Dr Rubén Mas Ballesté in Autonomous University of Madrid. During those years, I performed research projects in different fields of catalysis in Organic Chemistry (Photocatalysis, Organocatalysis, catalytic MOF and COF materials), doing both experimental and computational work.
In 2020, I joined Dr José Luis Vicario’s group (University of Basque Country) where I strengthened my knowledge and abilities in Organocatalysis and multi-step synthesis, developing new methodologies in this area. In 2022, I worked in Dr Marta Gutiérrez’s group (IQM-CSIC), synthesising compounds with potential activity against the virus SARS-CoV-2. Nowadays, I work in Dr Andrés de la Escosura’s group, studying the formation of biomolecules in prebiotic conditions.
“CORENET project gives me the opportunity to learn from researchers from other fields of science and combine our experience in common objectives.”
Education:
B.Sc. in Chemistry, 2013, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, 2014, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, 2019, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
Interests:
Organocatalysis, Photocatalysis, Biochemistry and Computational Organic Chemistry
Social media:
During my Bachelor´s studies I worked in azoderivatives as Hypoxia sensors. Nowadays, I am a PhD student in organic Chemistry in Autonomous University of Madrid. As a part of SysChem, my aim is to replicate biological reactions in prebiotic conditions.
“Through the CORENET proyect, I look forward to work with different experts from various universities from whom I can learn and collaborate”
Education:
Sc. In Chemistry, 2022, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
Sc. In Organic Chemistry,2023, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (2023 – to present), Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
Interests:
Prebiotic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Catalysis
Contact:
Huck group (SRU)
The Huck group is an international, diverse and multidisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, biologists, engineers, and computational scientists at the Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen. The group’s research focuses on understanding life, including what it is, how it works, and where it could possibly come from. The Huck group is part of the Department of Physical Organic Chemistry, which also includes the Spruijt group (soft interfaces), Korevaar group (life-like materials), and Velema group.
PostDoc & Phd students
In 2021, Thijs de Jong completed his Master’s degree in Chemistry of Life at Radboud University. He began his internship in the Huck Group during this time, and after completing his degree, he remained in the lab to pursue his PhD. Thijs is passionate about exploring the ways in which chemical systems can be utilized to process information. Currently, his research is focused on investigating how the intricate chemistry involved in the prebiotic formose reaction can be harnessed for reservoir computing. In his free time, Thijs enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and volunteering at Scouting.
“For me this is the interdisciplinary nature of the consortium, each collaborator has unique expertise while still working towards a common goal. It is great to be able to work together with, and learn from, scientists from a wide variety of backgrounds.”
Education:
B.Sc. in Science, 2019 Radboud University
M.Sc. in Chemistry of Life, 2021 Radboud University
Ph.D. student, Radboud University
Interests:
Prebiotic Chemistry, Reservoir Computing, Molecular Information Processing, Flow Chemistry, Chemical Reaction Networks
Social media:
Foodomics Lab (CSIC)
The Foodomics Lab is a research group that focuses on utilizing advanced analytical techniques, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to explore previously unattainable aspects of food and nutrition. Through cutting-edge research, the lab is able to uncover new insights and develop innovative solutions in the field of food science.
PostDoc & Phd students
Alberto Valdés is a Food Science and Technology graduate from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology and Food Sciences from the Institute of Food Science Research – National Research Council (CIAL-CSIC, Spain) and was a Post-Doctoral researcher at Uppsala University (Sweden) and the University of Alcalá (Spain).
He is currently a Juan de la Cierva Post-Doctoral researcher at the Foodomics Laboratory at CIAL-CSIC. His research focuses on the development and application of advanced analytical methods to identify and quantify the effect of natural food ingredients and extracts on the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome of different models. His work has resulted in 35 scientific articles published in high-impact journals and 10 book chapters. He has also participated in various teaching tasks and presented in national and international conferences. Additionally, he has reviewed articles for different international journals.
“The multidisciplinary capacity of the consortium, composed of internationally recognized partners and prestigious scientists, shares and combines their knowledge to understand complex chemical systems through the application of cutting-edge technologies in systems chemistry, microfluidics, metabolomics and artificial intelligence”
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology, 2010, UAM, Spain.
Postgraduate student, 2011, UAM-CIAL-CSIC, Spain.
Ph.D. in Biology and Food Sciences, 2016, CIAL-CSIC, Spain.
Post-Doctoral researcher in Analytical Chemistry department, 2016-2018, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Juan de la Cierva Formación – Post-Doctoral researcher in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering department, 2018-2020, UAH, Spain.
Visitor Scientist in Fiehn Laboratory at UC Davis, USA, for 7 months during 2018-2020.
Juan de la Cierva Incorporación – Post-Doctoral researcher in Foodomics Laboratory, currently at CIAL-CSIC, Spain.
Interests:
Bioinformatics, Chemometrics, Foodomics, Food Science, Mass Spectrometry, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics
Social media:
Bielefeld University
The Algorithmic Cheminformatics Research Group at Bielefeld University, led by Professor Daniel Merkle, utilises computational methods, including algebraic graph rewriting and graph theory, to analyse chemical reaction networks. It is located within the Faculty of Technology, with strong interdisciplinary connections to the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec). Their expertise in cheminformatics graph grammar tools to infer reaction pathways and mechanisms is central to the CORENET research.
PostDoc & Phd students
Cassandra Königs completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in bioinformatics and genome research at Bielefeld University. Afterwards, she did her Ph.D. in the Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics group of Dr. Ralf Hofestädt focussing on building a knowledge graph with medical, biological, and chemical information and using it for advanced analyses such as drug-drug interaction prediction.
“For me, CORENET is a good opportunity to work in such an interdisciplinary team and to advance my knowledge of chemistry.”
Education:
B.Sc. Bioinformatics and genome research at Bielefeld University
M.Sc. Bioinformatics and genome research at Bielefeld University
Ph.D. Computer science at Bielefeld University
Interests:
Bioinformatics, Cheminformatics, Databases, Knowledge graphs, AI
Social media:
Marcel Friedrichs carried out his Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Ralf Hofestädt focusing on data integration and information fusion in the biomedical domain.
Being part of such a multidisciplinary and ambitious project allows me to gain new insights and to advance our methods and software.”
Education:
B.Sc. in Applied Bioinformatics, 2016, University of Applied Sciences Bingen, DE
M.Sc. in Informatics for the Natural Sciences, 2019, Bielefeld University, DE
Ph.D., 2025, Bielefeld University, DE
Interests:
Cheminformatics, Atom-Tracing, Databases, Software and Algorithm Engineering
Social media:
Physics and Science of Information Group (IBM Research - Zurich)
The Physics and Science of Information Group is part of the Science of Quantum and Information Technology Department at IBM Research Europe – Zurich. The group focusses on fundamental research in information processing and the future of computing. Semiconductor fabrication technology is the foundational basis that enables molecular compounds to be integrated into electronic devices, surfaces to be site-selectively functionalized and scalable reaction compartments for homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis to be created. One focus lies on automating chemical processes and the stringent control of reaction conditions to automatically screen reaction pathways and to enable accelerated material discovery by combinatorial and divergent catalysis. Link to AI and quantum computing activities allow the chemical hardware to be assembled to a system that can learn, adapt, and optimize reactions based on feedback mechanisms.
PostDoc & Phd students
Adrianna Frackowiak is a Predoctoral Researcher at IBM Research Europe – Zurich, where she specializes in the design and fabrication of microfluidic flow reactors for chemical computing. Her work combines advanced microfabrication techniques with interdisciplinary research to develop innovative solutions..
Prior to this, she worked as a Nanofabrication Engineer at Microsoft in Copenhagen, focusing on the fabrication of quantum devices.
She holds an MSc in Physics and Nanotechnology from the Technical University of Denmark where her research was dedicated to FIB-assisted epitaxial growth of III-V nanostructures on Silicon. Her work integrated advanced fabrication and characterization techniques to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology.
She also earned a BSc in Applied Physics – Nanoengineering from Wroclaw University where she specialized in MOVPE epitaxial growth of III-V quantum dots, gaining hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and material characterization.
“As part of CORENET, my research focuses on developing microreactors for chemical computing. By designing and fabricating microfluidic chips that enable precise control over reaction conditions, I aim to advance this emerging field and contribute to the development of efficient, scalable, and robust chemical computing platforms.”
Education: BSc. Applied Physics at the University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland. MsC. Physics and Nanotechnology at DTU, Copenhagen, Denmark
Interests: Micro-Nanodevices, Micro-Nanofabrication, Quantum Physics, Microfluidics
Social media: Linkedin and Orcid