MultiSMART: Multi-component Soft Materials Advanced Research Training Network

MultiSMART, Multi-component Soft Materials Advanced Research Training Network, is a Doctoral Network of six Universities, one
private nonprofit Research Institute, two large Companies and an SME, involving training, fundamental research and applications in
the field of molecular soft materials. These have substantial societal and economic impact, but require innovation to ensure
sustainable development. The primary research objectives are defined as (i) the innovation in soft materials through multicomponent
self-assemblies; (ii) the application of these materials in the formulation of actives with elevated performance in the largescale
industries of personal care and home care, as well as high-added value regenerative therapies. Multi-component systems based
on low molecular weight gelators have considerable potential to achieve these goals with the key advantages of programmability
and responsiveness. However, their development hinges upon the formation of an inter-disciplinary network with well-trained
researchers.
MultiSMART proposes: (1) the training of the future generation of researchers; (2) the tight integration between academic projects
and private sector needs; (3) a network-wide, seamless multidisciplinary, international and inter-sectoral training that is not available
at any one institution. MultiSMART will be formed around 9 hired researchers who will have the opportunity to become scientists
employable in both the industrial and academic sectors. In an integrated approach, they will be trained to bridge the gap between
chemistry, physics, biology and formulation technology, as well as to acquire transferable skills through their research and specifically
designed network-wide schools and workshops. The participation of three industrial participants in research and training
programmes will guarantee extensive inter-sectoral experience for the trainees and maximise the impact of the network.