Using molecular machines to create new drug delivery methods will be the focus of a new Innovative Training Network (ITN) coordinated by Dr Remzi Becer from the Department of Chemistry.

Molecular machines, or molecular robots, are individual molecules that can convert chemical energy into a mechanical force or a motion. They can move other chemicals from one location to another location in living cells. They can also be programmed to synthesise new molecules.

"This collaborative project will involve researchers from UK, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and France working to implement molecular machines - either on synthetic or living cells - to create new targeted drug delivery methods. This approach can be used in fighting diseases such as cancer and immune system related diseases. The Innovative Training Network (ITN) will also involve the 2016 Chemistry Nobel Prize winner, Professor Ben Feringa, as one of the nine academic partners" explains Dr Becer (pictured below - fourth from left - with his current research team).

The £4.1m euro project is funded by Horizon 2020 and will run from 1 January, 2020 for a total of four years.

Find out more about the project.