MGICIAN · MaGnesium Alloys for effICient solId stAte cooliNg

Thermoelectrics (TEs) could offer high-performing, efficient, durable and sustainable power-generation and heating/cooling solutions to catalyse the transition to a low-carbon economy, but current state-of-the-art TE modules rely on the toxic and scarce element tellurium. While TE materials based on magnesium, which is abundant and non-toxic, have recently emerged as a potential alternative, there are many challenges related to materials synthesis and performance, device design, fabrication and reliability, and economic and scaling viability, which need to be solved. MGICIAN will address these challenges by: i) bringing together a unique synergy of academic and industrial partners that are leaders in the field of ThermoElectric Coolers (TEC), ii) designing an immersive, interdisciplinary, inter-sectorial, and international research and training program, iii) recruiting, training and mentoring 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in cutting-edge research and innovation in TE-based solid-state cooling for a low-carbon, sustainable future, and providing them with a broad set of skills to succeed in academic and industry careers. The consortium will include 14 academic institutions, one industry-near academic institute and 4 industry companies from different EU countries (DE, ES, IE, PT, CY, FR, and DK) plus UK. They will offer DCs top-tier supervision and training through interdisciplinary collaborations in TE material synthesis, TEC module fabrication, and system integration for scalable solid-state cooling applications up to TRL 6. Alongside scientific skills, DCs will be trained in ethics, entrepreneurship, project management, intellectual property, and communication, with industry secondments providing practical experience. MGICIAN aims to prepare future research leaders and entrepreneurs in TECs, enhancing Europe’s capacity to develop sustainable TE-based solutions.