| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/Y03483X/1 |
| Title: |
ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Technology-Enhanced Chemical Synthesis (TECS) |
| Principal Investigator: |
Clayden, Professor J |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Chemistry |
| Organisation: |
University of Bristol |
| Scheme: |
Centre for Doctoral Training |
| Starts: |
01 April 2024 |
Ends: |
30 September 2032 |
Value (£): |
8,723,718
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Chemicals |
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
Synthesis, the science of making molecules, is central to human wellbeing through its ability to produce new molecules for use as medicines and materials. Every new drug, whether an antibiotic or a cancer treatment, is based on a molecular structure designed and built using the techniques of synthesis. Synthesis is a complex activity, in which bonds between atoms are formed in a carefully choreographed way, and training to a doctoral level is needed to produce scientists with this expertise.
Irrespective of the ingenuity of the synthetic chemist, the complexity of synthetic endeavours means that they are often the pinch point in the development of a new product or the advance of new molecular science. In addition, synthesis can no longer rely on intensive use of human, material, and time resources, and creative solutions to ways of making molecules faster, more efficiently, using less energy, and avoiding rare to toxic metals are urgently needed. Recent developments in digital chemistry (eg reaction technology and automation, data collection & analysis, machine learning & artificial intelligence, computation & molecular design, and the use of virtual reality) now make possible a fundamental change in the way molecular targets are identified and synthesis is carried out. The chemical and pharmaceutical discoveries which underpin a major sector of the UK's economy are almost entirely dependent on synthesis, and our industrial partners see an urgent need for a new generation of employees who combine cutting-edge chemical synthesis expertise with the state-of-the-art digital skills that are set to revolutionise the field.
We therefore propose a CDT that will train students to carry out world-leading chemical synthesis at the University of Bristol, the UK's top institution for chemistry research (REF2021), with their creativity and productivity being enhanced by an initial 8-month Digital Chemistry (DC) training focus that un-derpins a subsequent 3 1/4 year PhD project. The training will be delivered in the form of a set of modules that embody key aspects of DC such automation, algorithm-driven optimisation, photochemistry, electrochemistry and flow chemistry supported by training in the techniques of machine learning and data analysis. These activities will be applied to current synthetic challenges in two short immersive 'mini-projects' in research labs and will feed into a PhD research project in an area of synthetic chemistry that is underpinned by the application of digital chemistry methods. The focus of the CDT aligns with Bristol's global reputation in chemical synthesis and computation, and in its current investment in digital chemistry as a strategic research direction. Bristol Chemistry has enviable success in spinout companies, and alongside ongoing training in professional development skills we aim to cultivate an entrepreneurial ethos by partnering with local start-up partners to provide immersive workshops, placements, network links and mentorship to nurture future spin-outs by CDT students.
We will build on lessons learnt from delivering previous successful CDTs in Chemical Synthesis, and we will continue to develop our recruitment, training & research opportunities in line with best practice for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, applying more widely lessons from the evolution that has allowed the diversity of our applicant team to be reflected in the ~50/50 M:F and ~25% minority ethnic composition of our management committee.
Our evolved CDT will build on our unrivalled depth of experience to train diverse cohorts of creative and entrepreneurial experts in chemical synthesis, skilled in modern aspects of technology & data science. Our graduates will be uniquely prepared as research pioneers in the ever-changing scientific and industrial landscape of the chemical sciences that continue to underpin this country's prosperity.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bris.ac.uk |