GRK 2721:  Hydrogen Isotopes 1,2,3H

• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry
• Term: since 2021
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 443871192

Imagine, we would exclusively use renewable and sustainable energy carriers, we could revolutionize drug design strategies and we could convert radioactive waste into precious materials. These milestones can indeed be reached, if we exploit the unique properties of hydrogen in its various forms and in ways that are yet largely unexplored. Therefore, we propose training the next generation of leading scientists as part of the Research Training Group Hydrogen Isotopes 1,2,3H to address these problems: to tackle the fuel challenge of nuclear fusion reactors, to satisfy the demand for isotopically labelled pharmaceuticals and to create microscale tritium detectors. 1,2,3H combines the expertise of Leipzig University (LU), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden- Rossendorf/Research Site Leipzig (HZDR/FSL), and the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) in the fields of laser spectroscopy, materials science, lab-on-a-chip technology, advanced organic synthesis and radiochemistry. We propose to establish a vibrant training and research programme for doctoral researchers as part of an environment that stimulates thinking outside the box. 1,2,3H is integrated into the Research Academy Leipzig, the central institution for the promotion of young scientists at LU. The qualification programme consists of study courses, fora and activities. We will provide focussed lectures on the multi-faceted properties of hydrogen isotopes, a dedicated training in radiochemistry, radioanalytical methods and radiation protection competence, and mandatory key skill courses in Good Research Practice and Research Data Management. The synergistic interplay between experiment and theory will be explored as part of an interdisciplinary research programme spanning the physical sciences. We will actively invite international role models from our community for long-term visits and install start-up financing to counteract apparent gender equality discrepancies.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Universität Leipzig
• Participating Institution: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR); Leibniz-Institut für Oberflächenmodifizierung e.V. (IOM)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Knut R. Asmis
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Bernd Abel; Professor Dr. Detlev Belder; Privatdozent Dr. Cornelius Fischer; Professor Dr. Roger Gläser; Professorin Dr. Tanja Gulder; Professor Dr. Thomas Heine; Professor Dr. Harald Krautscheid; Privatdozentin Dr. Agnieszka Kuc; Professor Dr. Andreas Pöppl; Professor Dr. Ralf Tonner-Zech; Dr. Jonas Warneke; Professorin Dr. Julia Westermayr, since 7/2023; Professorin Dr. Kirsten Zeitler