Thesis supervisor: Nigel John Mason
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Atomki, Building I., Room 123. Abbreviation of location of studies: Atomk
Description of the research topic:
Understanding the origins of life on Earth and the possibilty/probabilty of life having emerged elsewhere in the Universe requires an understanding of the chemical origins of life and the synthesis of molecules that are required for evolution of biochemical networks.
The present hypothesis is that many of the building blocks of life are formed as part of the chemistry prevalent in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) where more complex organic molecules (COMs) are synthesized form simple species within the ice mantles on the surface of dust grains. Such chemistry is ubiquitous and hence available in any star/planet forming region.
Once in a solar system these prebiotic compounds may ’seed’ planets and moons and undergo further chemical transformations by solar and cosmic radiation often through catalytic processes using mineral surfaces.
Using the ion irradiation facilities at Atomki we will explore the synthesis of prebiotic molecules withing ice analogues of those found in the Interstellar medium and planetary surfaces as well as exploring the role minerals may play in catalyic processes. Experiments will use both in-situ tools such as FTIR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to study the formation of COMs in astochmical ices and ex-situ analysis of non volatile radiation residues (e.g GCMS and NMR).
These experimental studies are intricately linked to present and future space missions including the chemical programme on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) operational since 2022 which expects to reveal rich chemical inventory in the ISM. The work is also closeoy linked to the ESA and NASA missions to Jovian moons (Juno and Juice) which have a rich chemical structure as well as onging studies of Mars and ice covered Kuiper Belt objects. The project will therefore form part of the Europlanet research programme https://www.europlanet-society.org/europlanet-2024-ri/ of which Atomki is a leading member.
Required language skills: english Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-05-15
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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