Dr. José A. Berrocal joins ICIQ as a Group Leader

Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. José A. Berrocal as a new Group Leader through ICIQ’s Starting Career Programme (ICIQ-SCP). Dr. Berrocal’s recruitment is made possible by the prestigious Severo Ochoa Excellence Grant CEX2019-000925-S (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, 2020-2024), further enhancing ICIQ’s commitment to fostering research and talent.

Dr. Berrocal’s appointment is accompanied by an ERC Starting Grant for the project “Reversible Heterolytic Mechanophores for Dynamic Bulk Materials (ReHuse).” This project aims to bridge critical gaps in polymer mechanochemistry and leverage this research field to drive sustainable development. Dr. Berrocal’s expertise in this area makes him uniquely suited to lead this groundbreaking endeavor.

His expertise and research interests align perfectly with ICIQ’s mission of advancing the field of chemistry through cutting-edge investigations. As part of ICIQ’s Starting Career Programme, Dr. Berrocal’s contributions are set to make a lasting impact on the development of novel materials and the advancement of sustainable practices.

“I am thrilled and honored to join ICIQ as a Group Leader. The institute’s commitment to excellence in chemical research aligns perfectly with my passion for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving innovation”, states Dr. Berrocal.

ICIQ looks forward to the stunning research and scientific advancements that will emerge from his leadership. His diverse expertise and commitment to sustainability perfectly align with ICIQ’s vision of creating a sustainable future through chemical research.

A research journey of success:

Dr. José A. Berrocal, distinguished chemist with a remarkable academic background, brings a wealth of expertise to ICIQ. Born in Orvieto, Italy, in 1986, he obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 2014. Under the supervision of Prof. Luigi Mandolini and Prof. Stefano Di Stefano, was trained as a physical organic chemist.

After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Berrocal embarked on a highly successful postdoctoral fellowship journey. He first joined Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, working with Prof. E.W. “Bert” Meijer, and later continued his research at the University of Groningen under the guidance of Nobel laureate Prof. Ben Feringa. Through these experiences, Dr. Berrocal acquired extensive knowledge in supramolecular chemistry, materials, and light-driven molecules and molecular systems.

In September 2019, Dr. Berrocal began an independent career at the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. His interdisciplinary research, which blends organic, supramolecular, and polymer chemistry, has significantly contributed to addressing scientific challenges beyond traditional boundaries. Notably, Dr. Berrocal focuses on the design and understanding of stimuli-responsive materials for potential sustainable and environmental applications.

Adding to his list of accomplishments, Dr. Berrocal has recently been honored with the Thieme Chemistry Journals Prize. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional contributions to the field of organic chemistry and places him among the top 80 chemists worldwide in the early stages of their academic careers.

Curious to learn more about him? Learn the interview we made some months ago https://www.iciq.org/dr-jose-berrocal-newest-iciq-group-leader/

ICIQ’s Starting Career Programme (ICIQ-SCP) is funded by the Severo Ochoa Excellence grant CEX2019-000925-S (MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/ 501100011033