MGICIAN Objectives
MGICIAN’s mission is to train 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) and equip them with a strong combination of scientific, technical, and transferable skills, enabling them to become the next generation of European experts in thermoelectric materials and solid-state cooling technologies.
By combining cutting-edge research with structured doctoral training and close industry involvement, MGICIAN prepares DCs to drive innovation in energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions.
MGICIAN Objectives
- To develop and optimize sustainable magnesium-based thermoelectric materials with high performance, stability, and scalability
- To understand and engineer thermoelectric interfaces, minimizing losses and improving device efficiency
- To fabricate and validate solid-state cooling modules suitable for real-world applications
- To integrate thermoelectric modules into cooling systems, addressing performance, reliability, and control
- To train highly skilled doctoral researchers capable of working across disciplines and sectors
- To strengthen European academia–industry collaboration in solid-state cooling technologies
Research & Innovation
MGICIAN offers Doctoral Candidates a multidisciplinary and intersectoral research environment, structured around the full thermoelectric innovation chain:
- Advanced thermoelectric materials for sustainable cooling
- Interfaces and contacts governing device efficiency and durability
- Module fabrication and validation for solid-state cooling
- System-level integration for practical cooling applications
DCs are actively involved in all stages of development — from materials synthesis and modelling to module fabrication and system testing — gaining hands-on experience through academic and industrial secondments.
Work Packages
MGICIAN is structured into seven complementary Work Packages (WPs), covering research, training, dissemination, and management.
WP1 – Advanced Thermoelectric Material Development
Objective: To develop and optimize sustainable magnesium-based thermoelectric materials with high performance, stability, and scalability
Leader: Prof. Theodora Kyratsi
This WP focuses on the design, synthesis, and optimisation of magnesium-based thermoelectric materials. Experimental and modelling approaches are combined to enhance thermoelectric performance, stability, and sustainability.
WP2 – Interface Engineering for Thermoelectric Modules
Objective To understand and engineer thermoelectric interfaces, minimizing losses and improving device efficiency
Leader: Dr. Kafil Mahmood Razeeb
WP2 addresses interfaces and contacts within thermoelectric devices. The aim is to minimise electrical and thermal contact resistance while ensuring long-term mechanical and chemical stability.
WP3 – Fabricating Thermoelectric Modules for Cooling
Objective: To fabricate and validate solid-state cooling modules suitable for real-world applications
Leader: Prof. Johannes de Boor
In this WP, optimized materials and interfaces are integrated into prototype thermoelectric cooling modules. Fabrication routes, assembly strategies, and performance testing are explored.
WP4 – System Integration for Thermoelectric Cooling
Objective: To integrate thermoelectric modules into cooling systems, addressing performance, reliability, and control
Leader: Prof. David Astrain
WP4 focuses on the integration of thermoelectric modules into cooling systems, including thermal management, control strategies, and application-oriented performance evaluation.
WP5 – Training
Objective: Provide high-quality training and mentorship to the DCs, boosting their career development and employability.
Leader: Dr. Marisol Martín González
This WP coordinates MGICIAN’s doctoral training programme, including:
- Network-wide training schools
- Technical and transferable-skills workshops
- Intersectoral secondments at academic and industrial partners
The goal is to develop well-rounded researchers with strong career perspectives.
WP6 – Dissemination, Communication & Outreach
Objective: Transfer MGICIAN results to key target groups, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact beyond the project lifetime.
Leader: Dr. Ruomeng Huang
WP6 ensures effective communication of MGICIAN’s activities and results to the scientific community, industry, policymakers, and the wider public through publications, events, and outreach activities.
WP7 – Management
Objective: Overall management and coordination of scientific and administrative activities, including legal, financial, communication, quality control, and risk management aspects.
Leader: Prof. Dr. Kornelius Nielsch
This WP ensures efficient and transparent project management, covering:
- Scientific and operational coordination
- Knowledge transfer and IP management
- Financial and administrative oversight