PHYNEST

PHYNEST ("PHYsics for a greener world: fostering the NExt generation of talented young researchers in novel materials, innovative STrategies and energy solutions") is an MSCA COFUND doctoral programme coordinated by the Autonomous University of Barcelona that aims to train the next generation of scientific leaders in advanced materials, innovative strategies and energy solutions to foster a transition towards a new energy paradigm and greater environmental sustainability.

Over four years, the programme will support 25 doctoral candidates in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, with over 50 research topics combining experimental and theoretical physics, as well as the social and historical dimensions of energy and climate.

The projects are grouped into five major thematic areas:

• Materials and measurements driving energy efficiency
• Theory and modelling of energy-efficient devices
• Historical and social evolution of energy and sustainability
• Advanced sensing and actuation to improve sustainability
• Carbon monitoring and climate change

Participants

Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB): Project coordinator and academic framework of the doctoral programme, led by the Department of Physics and involving the Departments of Chemistry, Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Electronic Engineering, as well as the ICTA and the iHC.

Implementing institutions: Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB, 18 places), Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2, 3 places), Barcelona Institute of Materials Science (ICMAB-CSIC, 1 place), Energy Research Institute of Catalonia (IREC, 1 place), Barcelona Microelectronics Institute (IMB-CNM-CSIC, 1 place), Computer Vision Centre (CVC, 1 place), IDEADED company (co-supervision and participation in training and transfer). In addition, PHYNEST has more than 20 associated entities (universities, research centres, companies and public bodies) from 12 countries, which host PhD students for placements, participate in training and offer career development opportunities.

PRUAB's Role

The UAB Research Park (PRUAB) is the communication partner for the PHYNEST project. In this role, we support the communication and visibility of the programme (materials, website and social media), contribute to outreach and public engagement activities, bringing research in materials and sustainable energy closer to diverse audiences, and align with the programme's training activities in scientific communication and transfer skills, strengthening the connection between research and the UAB innovation ecosystem.

Period

• Project start date: 1 January 2026
• Project end date: 31 December 2030
• Total duration: 60 months

Within this period, the funding allows for the employment of the 25 doctoral candidates for 4 years (48 months) each.

Funding

PHYNEST is a programme co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, HORIZON.1.2, with an EU contribution of €3,960,000 and a total budget of approximately €8 million, including co-financing from the partners.

More information

Official PHYNEST programme website: webs.uab.cat/phynest