Erlangen: Researchers receive millions in funding for groundbreaking projects!

Erlangen: Researchers receive millions in funding for groundbreaking projects!

On September 4, 2025 it was announced that Dr. Carlos L. Bassani and Prof. Dr. Adrian Meier from the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) each received an ERC Starting Grant. These highly endowed grants of 1.5 million euros each are intended to enable the two researchers to advance their innovative projects. Both projects are not only of scientific interest, but could also have significant social impacts.

Dr. Bassani is working on his project titled “Kinetic Pathways to Control Nanocrystal Shapes” (kineticSHAPES). The aim of this research is to develop new simulation techniques to better understand the shape of nanocrystals, which can occur in a variety of geometric shapes, such as cubes, spheres, pyramids or plates. These different shapes have a decisive influence on properties such as surface area, reactivity, optical and mechanical properties, although current theories are often flawed. Dr. Bassani plans to support the development and optimization of synthesis protocols for nanocrystals and aims to create diagrams that represent thermodynamic states and kinetic factors for optimal shapes. This could open potential applications in areas such as photocatalysis for green energy and cancer treatment.

Research on hybrid working models

On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Adrian Meier in his project “Social Well-Being from Hybrid Interactions in Hybrid Work” (HYIHY) examines the influence of hybrid work models on social well-being. The research addresses the alarming increase in loneliness among employees; About one in five employees report that they often feel lonely. Prof. Meier is investigating whether hybrid forms of work contribute to loneliness or perhaps even offer solutions. A central element of his project is the analysis of changing communication in everyday work, which is characterized by fewer personal conversations and more digital interactions.

To fully understand the social aspects of hybrid work, the project uses a variety of methods, including data collection from chat histories, diary studies and field experiments. This interdisciplinary approach provides valuable insights into how artificial intelligence influences workplace communication and social behavior.

Career and promotion

Dr. Bassani has an impressive academic background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and materials engineering and has previously been awarded a Humboldt research fellowship. Prof. Meier also has a sound education in journalism and political science and completed his doctorate in communication sciences with a focus on media psychology. Both researchers have received numerous awards for their work, including best paper awards from respected scientific associations.

Funding from the European Research Council (ERC) is known for its high value and supports projects with significant scientific and social impact. These grants enable researchers to operate independently and conduct research at the forefront of their field. The ERC not only supports the academic community, but also social development through innovative research approaches.

[faud.de] reports that such initiatives are crucial in developing new solutions to the challenges of the modern working world and the further development of materials.

[fau.eu] highlights how important it is for science to respond to social changes, especially in times when hybrid working models are becoming increasingly important.

The works of Dr. Bassani and Prof. Meier therefore embody the important interface between science and society and show how research can contribute to improving everyday life.