Solution-processed semiconductor thin-films have recently emerged as promising candidates for optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors and solar cells. One example is hybrid perovskite films that are processed inexpensively by crystallization from a solution and have the disruptive potential for efficient energy production and consumption. However, current crystallization methods from solution often result in uncontrolled film growth with ragged, degradation-prone grain boundaries. The lack of quality materials with large, controlled grains holds back solution-based semiconductors. The core hypothesis of LOCAL-HEAT is that controlling the fundamental crystallization kinetics of semiconductor films, when transitioning from the liquid precursor to the final solid-state, governs ultimate performance and long-term stability. This is key to creating materials that are: a) sustainable, b) stable and c) show highest performance. To achieve this challenging goal, I will control the crystallization kinetics of liquid multicomponent semiconductor inks by turning light into localized heat packages to cause confined supersaturation. This will induce seeds to crystallize the liquid precursor into high-quality films. Local heat will be realized by developing two methods: a) laser annealing by a tunable light pattern, projected on a liquid precursor film, and b) thermoplasmonic heating of plasmonic nanoparticles acting as antennas to turn incoming light into a localized heat nanobubble within a liquid ink. Achieving sustainable materials with highest quality crystallization will enable perovskite solar cells with performances >26% and stabilities of >30 years. Consequently, it will also revolutionize solution-processed semiconductors in general. LOCAL-HEAT will thus enable key technological applications in optoelectronics, e.g., solar cells, LEDs and scintillation detectors, and beyond.

Full quantum control of molecules has been an outstanding goal for decades. Cooling molecules provides a most promising answer to address this challenge. With recent progress in experimental quantum physics, such cooling is finally within reach. The aim of this project is to demonstrate the novel technique of molecular laser cooling for a gas of barium monofluoride molecules. Realizing a cold gas of these dipolar molecules will pave the way for a large number of novel and interdisciplinary applications ranging from few- and many-body physics to cold chemistry and tests of fundamental symmetries. The combination of this unique research project with the excellent environment for training, networking and research at the University of Stuttgart will ideally prepare the applicant, Dr. Tim Langen, for a future career as an independent research group leader.

Methods of pharmaceutical manufacturing are likely to change dramatically over the coming years. Driven by the knowledge and technology that is already available in other sectors, the processing of drugs into dosage units can be transformed into a “pharmacy-on-demand” process that allows individual dosing, based on criteria relevant for the effective use of the drug in an individual patient. One approach to achieve “pharmacy-on-demand” is the use of inkjet printing technology to deliver an exact dose of drugs on porous substrates. This proof-of-concept project is based on knowledge we acquired during my ERC AdG project on processes of printing on paper using inkjet printing. We will demonstrate the viability of "printing" highly accurate amounts of a solution containing levothyroxine, prescribed for hypothyroidism, onto a porous tablet. Modelling tools will be combined with cutting-edge characterization technologies to push the understanding of printed drug-containing inklike solutions in porous dosage unit matrices. This project will transfer pharmaceutical formulation and product design of individual dosage forms with the use of inkjet printing technique to the pharmaceutical community. They can work on clinical approval tests of the developed oral dosage forms and move these products toward clinical use. The patients will benefit directly from development of this production technique, because a much more effective and targeted medication can be provided. The next step will be the development of the inkjet printing technique for other personalized medicines such as pain killers for children, hormones, biomacromolecules, psychoactive and anticancer drugs. Individually-dosed medicines will allow for substantial decrease of drug waste and thus overall reduction of medical expenses.

Economic growth boosted by entrepreneurs and gender inclusivity is one of the major priorities of the European agenda, which calls for more entrepreneurs and empowers female entrepreneurship. The transfer of knowledge and technology generated in academic settings to the industry is essential for this growth. One condition for this transfer to happen is that researchers are willing to engage in research commercialization ventures or in relationships with industry actors. Previous research has shown, on the one hand, that scientists have intrinsic value-laden motivations to engage in these ventures or relationships other than pecuniary reasons; on the other hand, it has suggested that women scientists do not engage in innovation activities because, among other reasons, these activities are tied to notions of masculinity. UNGENDERED VALUES will consist of the 24-month project "Disrupting gendered stereotypes and disclosing neglected value-laden motivations of academic entrepreneurship" that will contribute to understanding researchers' innovation behavior in a time, in which other types of entrepreneurship are socially desired and expected, a new social moral of science is spreading, and more gender equality in society is being gained. UNGENDERED VALUES includes, on the one hand, an unprecedented interventional study that aims to disrupt gendered stereotypes of entrepreneurship among STEM scientists with the use of cinematography. On the other hand, it encompasses a multimethod study aimed to disclose the role that (un)gendered neglected pro-social and intrinsic values and other broader mix of causes play in triggering, maintaining, and dissuading STEM researchers' entrepreneurial initiatives over time. The empirical work will be carried out with women and men scientists in STEM fields.