UL researchers awarded funding designed to support the next generation of research leaders

UL researchers awarded funding designed to support the next generation of research leaders

Two UL researchers have been awarded funding under a programme designed to strengthen Ireland’s research talent pipeline by supporting outstanding postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent research careers.

Dr Andrey Bezrukov, Department of Chemical Sciences and Dr Devika Laishram, Department of Physics, have received €666,978 and €675,271, respectively, through the Research Ireland Pathway programme.

The awards provide funding to conduct independent research over a four-year period, along with support for a postgraduate student, helping early-career researchers to build experience in research leadership and establish independence.

Dr Andrey Bezrukov’s project ROBOSORB addresses the urgent need for measures to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels that are required to address the ongoing global climate crisis.

"Physisorbents, like Metal-Organic Materials (MOMs), promise great potential for energy-efficient capture of CO2, both from point sources as well as directly from the air", Dr Bezrukov explained.

"The ROBOSORB project aims to accelerate the discovery of next generations of physisorbents for carbon capture by development of data-driven, high-throughput experimentation system. This will be achieved through the integration of automated synthesis and newly developed rapid experimental sorption screening, all guided by data-driven optimization."

Dr Devika Laishram’s project will develop flexible, energy-efficient LED displays using non-toxic, heavy-metal-free quantum dots, supporting next-generation lighting and display technologies that are more sustainable, lightweight, and suitable for wearable and flexible electronic devices.

LEDs based on Quantum-dot materials (QLED) are surging to take over the organic-LEDs (OLEDs), offering superior properties such as enhanced brightness, high colour purity, and luminance.

"Recent technological advancements have propelled optoelectronic devices, particularly display technologies, into exponential growth. The proposed project aims to synthesize materials required for the fabrication of QLED devices using environmentally friendly precursors, that are lower in cost and abundantly available," Dr Laishram said.

These projects are among 15 projects funded under the Research Ireland Pathways Programme to the value of €9.75 million, aimed at boosting the next generation of research leaders. 

More details on the projects funded under the Research Ireland Pathways