The twelve PIs involved in the RTG have a broad range of expertise necessary to address this highly challenging research topic and to implement an outstanding qualification programme for the training of PhD students. This includes complementary knowledge in the synthesis and application of catalysts for activation of small molecules such as CO₂, mechanistic studies, development of spectroscopic methods, the coupling of these, and the development and application of state-of-the-art theoretical methods. Most of the PIs involved have already collaborated intensively in recent years in joint programmes and outside such programmes, as documented by numerous joint high-ranking publications. The academic and scientific excellence of the group leaders is further reflected by individual grants, prizes, citation numbers as well as numerous invitations to international conferences and talks.

The group of PIs for this RTG was selected to optimally address all questions relevant to the topic of the development of spectroscopic techniques for the reductive coupling of CO₂. Matthias Beller is an internationally renowned expert for CO₂ transformation and homogeneous catalysis. Torsten Beweries is an organometallic chemist with interest in ligand design and small molecule activation. Olga Bokareva is a theoretician with knowledge in the theory of excited states, relevant to photo- and electrocatalysis. Angelika Brückner has a strong background in operando-spectroscopy for elucidating structure-activity relationships in catalysis. Milica Feldt heads a junior research group on computational transition metal catalysis, interested in the development and application of new theoretical approaches such as coupled cluster theory. Robert Francke is an expert in electrosynthesis and electrocatalysis with background in small molecule activation. Stefan Lochbrunner is a physicist, studying the ultrafast dynamics of molecular systems using advanced optical spectroscopy. Ralf Ludwig is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of vibrational spectroscopy for the mechanistic understanding of catalytic reactions and dynamics of complex aqueous solutions. Klaus Neymeyr is a mathematician with expertise in the numerical analysis and numerical chemometrics relevant to the analysis of complex spectra. Jola Pospech has a strong background in ligand synthesis, organic synthesis, and organic photocatalysis. Axel Schulz and his group are pioneers in the field of highly reactive main group biradical systems, with a strong background in theoretical inorganic chemistry. Finally, Jennifer Strunk is active in the field of photocatalytic CO₂ transformations under high-purity conditions.

The team thus assembled covers all aspects of scientific relevance for the RTG. At the same time, we offer PhD students a balanced team of female and male PIs who are at different stages of their scientific careers. In this way, we ensure a diverse working environment that provides the RTG members with input and inspiration for their own work at all times, a comprehensive insight into academic research and impulses for independent work after the doctorate.