Why MGICIAN
MGICIAN is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Network focused on developing next-generation magnesium-based thermoelectric materials for efficient, sustainable solid-state cooling applications. Through a strong consortium of academic and industrial partners across Europe, MGICIAN trains 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) while advancing cooling technologies aligned with the EU’s climate and energy goals.
Why Solid-State Cooling?
Solid-state cooling offers clear advantages over conventional cooling technologies:
- High energy efficiency with no moving parts
- Environmentally friendly, avoiding harmful refrigerants
- Compact, silent, and durable systems
- Wide application potential in electronics, refrigeration, sensors, and climate systems
MGICIAN tackles current limitations by addressing the entire innovation chain, from materials to full systems.
Project Overview
MGICIAN aims to develop sustainable magnesium-based thermoelectric materials and integrate them into efficient, compact, solid-state cooling modules.
The project combines expertise in:
- Materials synthesis and characterization
- Interface engineering
- Module fabrication
- System integration
This end-to-end approach ensures both high-impact research outcomes and rigorous doctoral training.
Scientific & Technological Objectives
Develop high-performance, stable
Mg-based thermoelectric materials
Engineer low-resistance thermoelectric interfaces
Fabricate prototype solid-state cooling modules
Establish a European doctoral training ecosystem
Strengthen academia–industry collaboration through secondments
Contribute to energy efficiency and climate neutrality in Europe
Doctoral Candidates
Fifteen Doctoral Candidates (DCs) form the scientific backbone of MGICIAN, each working on an individual research project that translates magnesium-based thermoelectric concepts into practical cooling technologies.
Their research is reinforced by:
- Intersectoral secondments at partner universities and companies
- International training schools and workshops
- An interdisciplinary training programme combining scientific excellence and transferable skills
Together, the DC projects deliver high-impact research with strong scientific, industrial, and societal relevance, shaping the future of sustainable solid-state cooling.
Doctoral Candidate Projects Submit application
