TURNING ELECTRICITY INTO CHEMICAL BONDS: INDUSTRIALLY RELEVANT ELECTROCATALYSIS FROM LAB-SCALE TO ELECTROLYZER STACKS
Event Dates
From: 11/04/2025 11:00
To: 11/04/2025 13:00
External Speaker
Dr. Michele Ferri ( Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy)
Place
FORTH Seminar Room: C. Fotakis

As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition from fossil-based energy and feedstock to more sustainable alternatives, electrochemistry is a key enabler of this transformation. While electrochemical energy storage (e.g., batteries) is well known, the electrochemical synthesis of high-value molecules via electrolysis is now gaining increasing attention. By leveraging electricity and abundant feedstock such as water and small waste molecules (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrate ions), electrolysis offers a green and scalable alternative for hard-to-abate sectors of the chemical industry—enabling for example the sustainable production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and beyond.

In this talk, I will present the cutting-edge research conducted at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), where we bridge fundamental science and real-world applications. Our work spans from the rational design of novel electrocatalysts to the engineering of electrochemical devices. We explore both well-established processes, such as water splitting (i.e., the combination of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction, HER, and the Oxygen Evolution Reaction, OER), and emerging electrochemical pathways, including glycerol electrooxidation, CO₂ electroreduction, nitrate electroreduction, and electrochemical C–N bond formation.

Beyond the lab-scale, we are committed to translating our research into impactful industrial technology. I will showcase how our startup, Antares Electrolysis, is transforming laboratory-scale innovations (TRL 1–4) into 100 kW AEM-based electrolyzer stacks, paving the way for the next generation of sustainable chemical manufacturing.

RIANA -ONE (1) RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION
The deadline to apply for this position has expired.
Publication Date
12/03/2025
Application Deadline
22/03/2025
Position Category
Reference Number
2025_171207
Salary
Location
Herakleion, Crete, Greece
Contact Person
Start Date
01/05/2025

Position Description

The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for research and Technology Hellas (IESL-FORTH), in the framework of the project RIANA (P.I. Dr. P. Loukakos, Call: HORIZON-INFRA-2023-SERV-01, GA 101130652), funded under European Research Executive Agency, is seeking to recruit one research assistant.

Job Description

Web-based Ιnterface Development for Laser - Surface Processing          

We are currently seeking an experienced, highly qualified and motivated individual to join our team and to share activities and responsibilities in the software and web interface development for laser-surface processing.

 

Related Project

RIANA -

Required Qualifications

  • BSc in Computer Science 
  • MSc in Computer Science 
  • PhD in Computer Science

Desirable Qualifications

  • Excellent knowledge of Cluster management software Kubernetes 
  • Excellent knowledge of Machine learning algorithms 

Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements are kindly asked to submit their applications to the address (hr@iesl.forth.gr), with cc to Dr. P. Loukakos (loukakos@iesl.forth.gr ).

 

In order to be considered, the application must include:

  • Application Form  (Form Greek or Form English to the left)
  • Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) of the candidate
  • Scanned Copies of academic titles

Appointment Duration

4

Funding

FORGREENSOFT - ONE (1) POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER POSITION
Publication Date
12/03/2025
Application Deadline
15/05/2025
Position Category
Reference Number
2025_171194
Salary
Location
Herakleion, Crete, Greece
Contact Person
Start Date
01/07/2025

Position Description

The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for research and Technology Hellas (IESL -FORTH), in the framework of the project FORGREENSOFT, (Call: HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03, GA 101078989), Funded under CSA - Coordination and support action, is seeking to recruit one (1) post-doctoral researcher.

 

Job Description

The project aims in the development of novel computational methodologies involving hierarchical approaches across scales an incorporating hydrodynamic interactions to study the flow of colloidal gels. A key aspect is the transfer of knowledge from partner institutes (Univ. of Vienna and Georgetown University) and its implementation in systems of common interest such as colloidal gels with emphasis on biosourced sustainable colloidal systems such as cellulose and lignin suspensions, experimentally studied within FORGREENSOFT. The computer simulations performed will allow for effective hypothesis testing, parameter space exploration, and formulation optimization. The new capabilities will allow for integrating AI approaches and experiments with practically relevant constraints. The candidate will work on codes, analytical tools, and predictions from models after that will be devoted to integration of experimental data and predictions for real materials.

Related Project

FORGreenSoft -

Required Qualifications

  • PhD Degree on Soft Matter simulations and modeling 
  • Experience in Simulations of colloidal systems
  • Publication record 
  • Two (2) Reference Letters 
  • English presentation  

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience in analysis of experimental data 
  • Experience in computer simulation methods involving hydrodynamics such SD, DPD and MPCD 
  • Experience in AI/ML methods in Soft Matter 
  • Experience in computer simulations of colloidal systems 

Application Procedure

Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements are kindly asked to submit their applications to the address (hr@iesl.forth.gr), with cc to Prof. George Petekidis (georgp@iesl.forth.gr).

 

In order to be considered, the application must include:

  • Application Form  (Form Greek or Form English to the left)
  • Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) of the candidate
  • Scanned Copies of academic titles

Appointment Duration

6 Months with possibility of extension according to the needs of the project

Funding

THERMOCOOL-ONE (1) RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION
The deadline to apply for this position has expired.
Publication Date
12/03/2025
Application Deadline
22/03/2025
Position Category
Reference Number
2025_171165
Salary
€1200-€1500 (gross)
Location
Herakleion, Crete, Greece
Contact Person
,
Start Date
01/05/2025

Position Description

The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for research and Technology Hellas (IESL -FORTH), in the framework of the project THERMOCOOL, (P.I. Dr G. Deligeorgis, Call: HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-03, GA 101160652), funded under HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions, is seeking to recruit one (1) research assistant.

 

Job Description

Polymer Electronics and Bioelectronics Laboratory of IESL/FORTH: Processing and characterization of polymeric ferroelectric materials.

We are looking for a research engineer to work on the processing and characterization of polymeric ferroelectric materials. Candidates should have prior laboratory experience and hands-on experience on the processing and basic physical characterizations of polymeric materials. The work to be carried out is part of an EU-funded project and besides experimental work, the selected engineer will be responsible for administrative work such as reporting and deliverable writing

Required Qualifications

  • BSc in Materials Science and Engineering, or Physics or Chemistry. 
  • MSc in Materials Science and Engineering, or Physics or Chemistry. 
  • Prior laboratory experience in polymer science. 
  • Prior knowledge and hands-on experience of basic materials characterization technics. 
  • Demonstrated good knowledge and use of English. 

Desirable Qualifications

Good understanding of materials physics. 

Application Procedure

In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Completed application Form (Download link to the left)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Reference letters (if required)
- All required forms and documents as layed out in each Job opening description

Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column

Appointment Duration

12
ECHOES-ONE (1) RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION
The deadline to apply for this position has expired.
Publication Date
12/03/2025
Application Deadline
15/04/2025
Position Category
Reference Number
2025_171162
Salary
Location
Herakleion, Crete, Greece
Contact Person
Start Date
01/06/2025

Position Description

The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for research and Technology Hellas (IESL-FORTH), in the framework of the project ECHOES (P.I. Prof. S. Sotiropoulou, Call: HORIZON-CL2-2023-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01, GA 101157364), funded under European Research Executive Agency, is seeking to recruit one research assistant.

Job Description

We are currently seeking an experienced, highly qualified and motivated individual to join our team and to share activities and responsibilities in the design, development and implementation of tools and services of the ECCCH platform in the context of the ECHOES project, GA 101157364, HORIZON-CL2-2023-HERITAGE-ECCCH-01-01. The position requires expertise in designing and implementing open, scalable research data management systems that integrate data from multiple sources, including text, image and scientific datasets. The ideal candidate should be able to collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into effective information system solutions. Software development skills are essential for creating processing tools and user interfaces for the analysis, visualisation and interpretation of cultural heritage imaging and spectroscopy data. Experience with data workflow management and automation tools is required to optimise workflows, as well as skills in semantic data modelling. A strong background in technologies and open source software tools, data management based on FAIR principles, data security and privacy, and licence management is highly desirable

Related Project

ECHOES -

Required Qualifications

  • Degree or higher in Physics, Maths, Computer Science or Engineering, with a focus on software engineering for imaging, spectroscopies, and sensing. 
  • Proven skills in Software development for data processing and data/metadata management. Proven skills in programming languages Python, Javascript, Java, SQL, C++. 
  • Experience with heritage science data processing and management. Knowledge of data modelling techniques and semantic representation frameworks 
  • Proven previous experience in the design and development of user interfaces 
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Desirable Qualifications

  • Previous experience with team collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, data analysts, and stakeholders, to understand requirements, gather feedback, and implement system enhancements.
  • Skills to deliver tutorials and documentation: Provide tutorials and documentation to users on system functionalities, data workflows, and best practices to ensure effective utilization of information systems.
  • Previous work in RTD projects. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Innovative, autonomous, well-organised and result-oriented thinking. Ability and motivation to perform independent research.

Application Procedure

In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Completed application Form (Download link to the left)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Reference letters (if required)
- All required forms and documents as layed out in each Job opening description

Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column

Appointment Duration

12

Funding

EXPLOIT4INNOMAT - ONE (1) POST-DOC POSITION
The deadline to apply for this position has expired.
Publication Date
12/03/2025
Application Deadline
22/03/2025
Position Category
Reference Number
2025_171161
Salary
Location
Herakleion, Crete, Greece
Contact Person
Start Date
01/06/2025

Position Description

The post-doctoral Researcher will work on the fabrication of polymeric nanocomposite materials with multifunctional properties varying from photocatalytic devices to heating insulators for buildings and constructions, following the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique. Moreover, he/she will be responsible for the characterization of the 3D printed samples using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermal conductivity analysis.

Related Project

Exploit4InnoMat -

Required Qualifications

  • BSc in Chemistry, or Material Science 
  • MSc degree in Applied Molecular Spectroscopy 
  • PhD in Chemistry or Materials science & technology 
  • Characterization of nanocomposite materials using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermal conductivity analysis 
  • Scientific publications in international peer-review journals, relevant to the synthesis of nanocomposite materials and their characterization using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy 

 

Desirable Qualifications

  • Academic knowledge and professional experience in innovation & technology management 

Application Procedure

In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Completed application Form (Download link to the left)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Reference letters (if required)
- All required forms and documents as layed out in each Job opening description

Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column

Appointment Duration

12 Months with possibility of extension according to the needs of the project

Funding

Email: xanthouli.theof@gmail.com
Full CV: Download
Ms. Xanthouli Theofania

Theofania Xanthouli is a BSc student at the Physics Department at the University of Crete. She joined the IESL-FORTH for her thesis, concentrating on laser assisted removal of organic materials used as lining adhesive on the back of paintings, such as wax-resin. She is also interested in the monitoring of cleaning results through optical microscopy, interferometry, SEM and FTIR.

Education

  • Present, B.Sc., Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece

Interests

  • Laser-assisted removal of organic materials used in paintings
  • Assessment of laser cleaning through optical techniques
Email: ilaria.pecorelli97@gmail.com
Full CV: Download
Ms. Pecorelli Ilaria

Ilaria Pecorelli is a Ph.D. student in Heritage Science at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. She studied paintings, contemporary art and wooden artifacts conservation at the Academy of Fine Art of Macerata, under the department of I.R.M. - Restoration and Conservation Institute of the Marches. During and after her master degree she had numerous internships where she acquired experience as conservator, such as at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien KHM – Wien. She is collaborating with IESL -FORTH for her Ph.D. dissertation concentrating on the laser cleaning applications for paintings. Currently, she is concentrating in two topics which are removal of wax-resin adhesive from the back of paintings and the cleaning oxalate and albumen from a paint layer surface. She is also interested in the monitoring of the cleaning results through optical microscopy, SEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.

Education

  • Present, PhD student in Heritage Science, Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio culturale, Formazione e Società, Univ. of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy (https://phd.uniroma2.it/web/_nD1067_EN.aspx)
  • 2022, MA, Cultural Heritage Conservator DASLQ01 -PFP2, Academy of Fine Arts of Macerata, Italy

Interests

  • Painting and Contemporary Art conservation
  • General cleaning of paintings and through laser systems as well
  • Control of cleaning procedures through optical and spectroscopic techniques
  • Wooden artifacts

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

  • Finalist at “Premio Nazionale delle Arti- XVI edizione”, Lecce, 14 October - 14 November 2022.
  • Graduated with 110/110 and honours from Academy of Fine Arts of Macerata, Italy, 2022

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