The MonaLisa Project
The Monalisa: “Motorized Nanomachines: Fundamentals, Innovations, Applications” project is funded by the MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE Action – Doctoral Network “MonaLisa”, within the Horizon Europe Program of the European Commission.
(https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169136)
MonaLisa, a pioneering European consortium of 20 partners consisting of high-profile universities, research institutions and companies located in 5 European countries, is at the forefront of artificial molecular machine research, setting the stage for breakthroughs in chemical synthesis, nanotechnology, medical treatment and smart materials.
Building on the foundational work recognized by the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, MonaLisa aims to make groundbreaking discoveries in the design and functional control of molecular machines that will lead to first demonstrations with practical relevance. At the heart of MonaLisa is an innovative training program. Fifteen doctoral candidates will receive comprehensive mentoring and training by highly experienced Principal Investigators – including two Nobel Laureates – to become future leaders in the field. The program is designed to foster not only academic excellence but also entrepreneurial skills, enabling these professionals to translate scientific breakthroughs into innovations and support evidence-based decision-making.
The strength of MonaLisa lies in its joint vision and collaborative framework, bringing together top scientists, including four Nobel laureates, prestigious institutions and a wide range of industry partners. The non-academic support ranges from dynamic SMEs to large global players, supported by leading organizations that act as multipliers, fostering new programs and partnerships. Looking to the future, MonaLisa is committed to developing sustainable, educational structures that integrate the non-academic sector to cultivate skills essential for the academic and non-academic workplaces of the 21st century. This initiative will increase collaboration, research intensity and innovation capacity within the European chemistry ecosystem. In doing so, MonaLisa is poised to secure Europe’s leadership in science and technology, driving economic growth and societal benefits.
The Horizon Europe Doctoral Network Program
Fostering new skills by means of excellent initial training of researchers. The goal is to train a new generation of creative and innovative researchers, able to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit in the Union.
Key activities shall be to provide excellent and innovative training to early-stage researchers at post-graduate level through interdisciplinary projects, including mentoring to transfer knowledge and experience between researchers or doctoral programmes, helping researchers to develop their research career and involving universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses, SMEs and other socio-economic groups from different Member States, associated countries and/or third countries. This will improve career prospects for young post-graduate researchers in both the public and private sectors.
