Different from the well-established theories based on through-bond conjugation, through-space interaction (TSI) has been proved to be another essential electronic interaction. However, it is still challenging to manipulate TSI and utilize it to develop organic functional materials due to the difficulties in conformational manipulation and the lack of structure-property relationships of TSI. Hence, this proposal aims to study the photophysical and electronic properties, dynamic behaviors, and working mechanisms of noncovalent TSI with the help of light-driven molecular motors. Herein, three objectives will be mainly investigated: i) a new type of molecular motor driven by the noncovalent conformational lock; ii) dynamic through-space charge transfer and multistate luminescent switches; iii) single-molecular junctions with dynamic TSI. These objectives will be realized using experimental and theoretical combined strategies which broadly interconnect multidisciplinary techniques and knowledge. The exploitation and dissemination are also involved in enhancing the expected outcomes and impacts of this proposal. Besides, the experienced researcher (ER) bears a strong background in photophysical chemistry, TSI, luminescent materials, and theoretical calculation, which is recognized by many awards and good publications. The host lab and supervisor have been renowned for molecular motor, photochemistry, and dynamic chemistry for 30 years, which has built a great experimental platform and scientific prestige, including Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Hence, the two-way transfer of knowledge will be smoothly launched based on the complementary experience between the two sides. In addition, a series of training plans and public activities are proposed to promote the ER's academic development, career perspectives, and employability. A detailed work plan and risk management are also reasonably discussed to guarantee the feasibility and high coherence of the proposed work packages.

With feature sizes of integrated circuits rapidly approaching molecular length scales, historical motivations to pursue the use of individual molecules in electronic circuits can no longer be justified based on their size alone. Instead, the focus has shifted towards the identification and exploitation of unusual transport phenomena unique to molecular materials (dominated by quantum mechanics) which can complement or supplant current silicon-based technologies. With the large majority of previous studies centered around the study of organic, redox-inactive molecules - typically transporting charge via single-step tunnelling processes - investigations of analogous systems that explicitly involve multi-step tunnelling, or ‘hopping’, behaviour are comparatively rare. In this project I propose to systematically study hopping processes in molecular-scale electronics (HOPELEC), with two primary objectives: (i) to construct the first single-molecule current oscillator; and (ii) probe under-explored current rectification mechanisms for single-molecule diodes. This highly interdisciplinary research area will involve the synthesis of new multi-site redox-active metal complexes capable of binding between nanoscale electrodes. Transport through these systems will be studied both at the single-molecule level using the scanning tunnelling microscope-based break junction technique, and in large area measurements using the eutectic Ga−In method. This work will expose new molecular-scale device mechanisms at the intersection of Marcus and Landauer theories, and contribute to our understanding of related processes in biology and materials science. Project results will be actively promoted through Outreach workshops on electronics/computation (translated also to YouTube). The extensive training, enhanced international profile, networks, and new experiences provided by this Fellowship will function as a 'springboard' in propelling me from Ph.D. student to independent research scholar.

Latent tuberculosis infection (TBI) occurs when someone is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but does not have active TB disease. Those with TBI are at risk of developing active TB, with 8–10% progressing without antibiotic treatment, causing significant societal and economic impacts. Testing higher-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those on immunosuppressive therapy, HIV-positive), close contacts with active TB cases, healthcare workers, and people from high TB prevalence countries (e.g., refugees), is crucial for TB control. The interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is a primary TBI test, detecting T cell immune responses to M. tuberculosis in blood. However, IGRA is technically challenging, requires long incubation times (24–48 hours), and incurs high costs (>100 EUR/test). These factors hinder the widespread screening of high-risk populations recommended by the WHO. We have developed a new technique, ProliSpot (patent pending), which detects antigen-specific T cell responses within several hours after collecting a blood sample and potentially overcomes the limitations of IGRA. This project's goal is to determine ProliSpot's in vitro diagnostic (IVD) potential for TBI testing. To achieve this, we will assess clinical feasibility by testing blood samples from TB patients and control subjects and compare the results with IGRA. Moreover, we will identify the subsequent steps needed for clinical development, particularly for the Investigational Medical Device Dossier (IMDD) and other requirements of the EU in vitro diagnostics regulations (IVDR). We will also perform pre-commercialization studies and define funding and networking strategies. Given that TBI testing is crucial for TB control, tens of thousands are screened annually in Europe, there is a societal need for increased TBI screening, and improved TBI testing methods are needed, the project's societal and economic impact is expected to be significant.