Catalysis is recognized as one of the most renowned sustainable methodology in organic synthesis for the production of bioactive molecule. In the last twenty years organocatalysis (small-organic molecule metal-free catalysis) has been defined as the third pillar of catalysis by D.W.C. MacMillan and B. List. The Royal Swedish Academy of Science selected them as Nobel Prize of Chemistry recipients for the great advancement in Science and Society. The academic community start to develop novel modes of activation of substrates and to revisit traditional organic reactions with the new paradigm. Tremendous development in terms of sustainable and green chemistry has been attained, but the industry has been reluctant to apply the novel catalysis to the syntheses of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Still, few organocatalytic processes developed by industry have been disclosed, showing that organocatalysis and in general innovative catalysis are the tools of choice for a green and bright future in the field of chemistry and in general for humanity.The research topic will be focused for the development of innovative catalysis for the synthesis of building block in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. The development of sustainable green processes for the synthesis of API or even applying novel methodology for the synthesis of patent-expired active principles (generic) will be on paramount importance to make medication as affordable as possible, eventually changing the pharmaceutical market. In this regard avoiding the use of expensive and impactful heavy metal, towards small organic molecule from the Natural pool will be the key to move on more renewable resources.Organocatalyst or photocatalyst could be used individually as green catalyst applied to organic synthesis. Then, a synergistic approach might be taken in consideration where more than one catalytic species activate several reaction partners for the synthesis of the products. In addition, at the edge of organocatalysis lies the supramolecular catalysis, where a small organic molecule self-aggregates into supramolecular structure in an orderly fashion taking the activation of substrates to a level never seen before.Careful attention will be devoted for the application of innovative catalysis to traditional organic reaction. In this regard multicomponent reactions (MCR) are among the most wanted process: by mixing more than two substrates and reagents the synthesis of complex molecules is achieved without further human intervention, eliminating purification process and energy. Great examples are represented by the Passerini and Ugi reactions, or Mannich and Strecker reactions.The results obtained will be disseminated at national and international scientific meetings, and published in top-tier international scientific journals. The aim is also to raise public awareness on the importance of research and innovation. Specific training to the researchers engaged in the project to manage social media profiles and to public speaking and dissemination.

The candidate should be able to teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment, thriving for knowledge and thinking outside of the box. It should have the desire to explore novel chemistry without dogma driving the research towards the expected and the unexpected.Solid foundation of organic chemistry is of paramount importance, proficiencies in catalysis will be preferred, together with strong communication skills in an international environment.

The PhD candidate will be part of a young and growing research group working on innovative catalysis in particular on photo-, supramolecular- and organocatalysis where novel sustainable methodologies are developed with the aim to change the world.Group members and the candidate will interact with diverse science and be exposed to a multidisciplinary environment; besides participating in international conferences and meetings. They will be encouraged to undertake personal development and professional courses, and to develop soft skills.The reference person has approximately 30 square meter of lab space at the Department of Life Sciences, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia. The lab is fully equipped with fume hoods, rotary evaporators, UV lamps and several high vacuum and inert-gas lines for the most challenging organic synthesis procedures. The group has access to 100 square meter common laboratory where are placed an in-house HPLC apparatus for organic and chiral compounds separations with PC interface and Polarimeter for chiral compounds characterization. The lab space can accommodate three to four researchers. The group members have access to the CIGS (Interdepartmental center for Large Instrumentations), a facility where are placed two NMR spectrometers (400 and 600 MHz) together with Mass Spectrometry analyzers (UHPLC coupled with Q Exactive™ Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometer, ion Trap LC/MS).