Strong correlations between electrons in solids lead to a variety of exotic quantum states like Mott insulator, unconventional high-Tc or odd-parity superconductivity. The groundbreaking discoveries of these states have not only generated huge advances in our understanding of condensed matter but also uncover a great potential for applications such as room-temperature superconductivity or quantum computing. Symmetry is an important concept in classifying quantum states. So far, the majority of research has focused on global symmetry. I have recently discovered striking experimental evidence that local inversion symmetry breaking opens up a new route for the appearance of novel quantum states of matter. Namely, it can induce novel types of odd-parity superconductivity with possibly topological character, a much-needed state for topological quantum computing. However, the effect of local inversion symmetry breaking on quantum states still lacks our control and understanding. In the Ixtreme project, I propose to generalise and exploit this concept by investigating materials with locally broken inversion symmetry as a platform of exotic quantum states. By measuring electric and thermal transport as well as magnetic properties in extreme conditions of very low temperature, high magnetic field and high hydrostatic and uniaxial pressure, the Ixtreme team will study and control the delicate interplay of local inversion-symmetry breaking with correlated electrons, magnetic and orbital degrees of freedom, topology, and superconductivity. Thereby, this project will establish new understanding of the physical properties of this promising novel class of unconventional metals and lead to new design methodologies for emergent states such as odd-parity superconductivity in locally non-centrosymmetric correlated electron systems.

Diatoms are a large group of unicellular, eukaryotic microalgae that biosynthesize SiO2 (silica)-based cell walls (frustules). They are ubiquitously present in aquatic habitats and key primary producers in the oceans, contributing 20% of the annual photosynthetic CO2 fixation on earth. The architectures of frustules are species specific, displaying intricate patterns of nano- and microscale features, and are believed to be of prime importance for the ecological success of diatoms. Furthermore, in biomineralization research, diatoms serve as model systems to reveal the mechanisms by which organisms are able to generate inorganic materials with complex architectures. Such insight holds the promise of gaining advanced capabilities to synthesize minerals with tailored properties using an environmentally benign processes. During the past two decades, numerous candidate proteins potentially involved in diatom silica biogenesis have been put forward, but only a small number of these have been confirmed to be required for this process. The DiaMorphy project aims to identify the complete set of proteins required for silica morphogenesis in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. To achieve this, the project will inverse the conventional approach by analyzing silica biogenesis in induced morphological mutants of T. pseudonana rather than in the wild-type. For the first time, single-cell transcriptomics will be applied to study gene expression at specific stages during silica biogenesis. Comparative analysis of the resulting, highly refined transcriptomics datasets, is expected to 'crystallize' a comprehensive core set of silica morphogenesis genes. In proof-of-principle experiments, selected proteins from this core set, will then be functionally characterized in vivo using state-of-the art genetic engineering techniques.

In the proposed research I aim to explore the secondary metabolome of the newly identified fungal endophyte Cyanodermella asteris. In this regard, we have selected two in silico-predicted polyketide synthase gene clusters, which will be further examined. The selected gene clusters thereof are chosen for vector construction in Escherichia coli and subsequently the heterologous expression in fungal hosts (Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus nidulans) will be performed. Afterwards, the engineered expression strains will be examined in a combined effort applying mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to identify the newly produced compounds. Additional metabolomics-based tools and molecular networking will be employed. Moreover, the biosynthetic pathways of the isolated natural products of the respective gene clusters will be fully delineated.