With the launch of the ATENEA programme, an ambitious initiative offering international postdoctoral fellowships in materials science and engineering, IMDEA Materials Institute is further cementing its role as a hub for scientific excellence and international talent.
ATENEA is funded under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme of the European Union, which has already enabled many talented researchers to advance their careers at IMDEA Materials.
But what is it really like to be an MSCA fellow at IMDEA Materials?
We spoke with two current MSCA Postdoctoral Fellows: Dr. Arnab Ghosh and Dr. Monsur Islam, to get their perspective on what the institute offers, both as a place to conduct cutting-edge research and as a stepping stone in a thriving international career.
Dr. Arnab Ghosh, currently leading the SMARTBATT project at IMDEA Materials, describes his time at the institute as “highly enriching” and “an excellent platform to develop independent research skills.” His work focuses on developing smart electrolytes that offer dual protection against thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, a promising solution for safer and more reliable energy storage.
“The open, collaborative atmosphere and access to state-of-the-art facilities have significantly enhanced the quality and impact of my research,” Dr. Ghosh adds.
He also highlights the important role played by IMDEA’s technical and administrative teams, saying that, “I truly appreciate the supportive administrative and technical staff, whose assistance has made the research process smooth and productive.”
“I would strongly encourage prospective candidates to apply at IMDEA Materials since this institute offers an outstanding environment to perform cutting-edge research, advance your scientific career, and build an international research network,” he concludes.
For Dr. Monsur Islam, the researcher behind the 3D-CARBON project and recently awarded a prestigious Ramón y Cajal Fellowship, IMDEA Materials has provided the perfect ecosystem to grow as a scientist.
“The MSCA PF has been a significant milestone in my scientific career,” Dr. Islam says. “I couldn’t think of a better place to pursue it than IMDEA Materials, which provides a vibrant and collaborative research environment and access to cutting-edge facilities.”
Dr. Islam’s project investigates new possibilities in the 3D printing of carbon-based materials, research with wide-ranging applications in smart surgical devices and targeted drug delivery. And he credits his progress to the institute’s deep commitment to fostering independent, innovative work.
“What makes IMDEA the ideal place is its strong support, both from research and administrative personnel, for independent research and innovation. This support system has already played a key role in my scientific and professional growth,” he says.
“It is safe to say that IMDEA offers a unique opportunity to work in a highly international and forward-thinking environment.”
IMDEA Materials is no newcomer to hosting MSCA fellows. The institute has consistently ranked among the top institutions in Spain for attracting these competitive European grants, thanks to its excellence in research, infrastructure, and talent support.
With the launch of the ATENEA programme, a new generation of researchers will soon step up to continue this tradition.
