Awards
Sergi Riera-Galindo returns to ICMAB with a Beatriu de Pinós grant
After spending 3 years in Sweden, the researcher is joining the NANOMOL Research Unit at ICMAB as a postdoctoral researcher.
We talked with the researcher to know more about the project that he will develop joining the group of Marta Mas-Torrent on Organic Electronics:
What is your Beatriu de Pinós Project about? Which are its applications?
The objective of this BP project is the development of high-performance printed organic field effect transistors (OFET). For this purpose, we will use novel molecules as well as different molecular doping strategies. Thanks to their versatile chemical synthesis, their light weight, and their inexpensive solution processability, organic semiconductors are allowing new possibilities to field effect transistors. For instance, OFETs can be used as X-ray detector, phototransistor, as well as biosensor by functionalizing the gate electrode. These devices could improve the quality of healthcare through better and lower-cost sensors.
Will you colaborate with other institutions and companies in this project?
During this project we have a close collaboration with Linköping University, one of the world's leading universities at the forefront of research in organic/plastic electronics, where I have been working during more than three years. Also, the latest achievements of the host group at ICMAB has aroused the interest of several companies both in Catalonia and Europe. We will analyse the possibility to exploit the results of this project in order to use our research results in real and commercial applications.
How do you expect the Beatriu de Pinós grant to impact you, as a researcher?
After my experience doing research abroad, the BP fellowship has allowed me to come back to my home country to work top level research center. Also, I expect that this BP programme will enable me to pursue an independent career as a researcher.
Do you think it is important for a researcher to work abroad?
In my opinion, international mobility allows you to face with a global vision the current and future challenges in the world. In particular, I have learned techniques and methodologies in the field of organic electronics developed at Linköping University. Now, I intend to apply this knowledge to my BP project at ICMAB. Besides the scientific and technologic knowledge that I have learned I also have developed skills since I stepped outside my comfort zone. An experience abroad enriches you, not only due to the work experience, but also because your cultural learning.
What are the advantages of doing research abroad? How does it compare to research in Spain?
From my experience, I would say that in Sweden there is a good connection between industry and research centers, which enables to develop more applied research projects, as well as to create spin-offs companies more easily. The research carried out in Spain is excellent despite the investment. An increment of R&D budget will help the stability of the scientists and the research lines, having a direct impact on the economy and wellbeing.
What would you recommend to anyone working on their PhD if they want to pursue research?
I recommend to the PhD researchers to do what makes them happier and to think big. The PhD is a vital experience, which should change your mind and give you critical thinking skills which will help you in any profession or any circumstance of life. They should also take into account that the academia is a very competitive world, where an experience abroad is highly valued.
About Sergi Riera-Galindo
Sergi Riera-Galindo obtained the Industrial Engineer degree and Master in Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Following, he earned his PhD in Electronic Engineering in 2015 at the same university. From 2014 to 2017, he joined the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB) as postdoctoral researcher. From 2018 to 2020, he moved to the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at Linköping University as a postdoctoral researcher. Later, Riera-Galindo worked as a research engineer in a proof-of-concept project at the group of Prof. Olle Inganäs at Linköping University. Recently,
He just started his Beatriu de Pinós fellowship at the Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials (NANOMOL) Research Unit at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB), with Marta Mas-Torrent. This fellowship is co-funded by the European Union through the COFUND programme for Marie-Skłodowska-Curie actions in the “Horizon 2020” programme. After that, he will continue his research in the group of Mariano Campoy, working on organic electronics for photovoltaics, with a Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowhip grant.