FWF Schrödinger Fellowship for Constantin Eisen
For his new research project, “Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity in Electrocatalysis,” Dr. Constantin Eisen, a postdoctoral researcher in the Interface Science Department at the Fritz Haber Institute, has been awarded a Schrödinger Fellowship from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).
Starting in August 2026, Dr. Constantin Eisen will be able to conduct research for two years at the Interface Science Department of the Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin with the support of the FWF Schrödinger Fellowship. There, he will be part of Dr. Juan Navarro’s “Model Interfaces” research group and will be co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya. Following his stay in Berlin, the FWF is also supporting his potential return to Austria with a one-year Fellowship.
Witin his research project, the early-career researcher will investigate the influence of chirality in electrocatalysis: The CISS effect (Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity), a quantum mechanical phenomenon that can be used to control the behavior of electrons, has been proposed as a possible tool to modify the efficiency of catalytic reactions. Dr. Eisen intends to examine this effect in detail using various microscopic and spectroscopic methods. His project plan also includes operando studies of catalytic reactions - that is, observing them “at work” - involving complex experiments in which Prof. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya’s Interface Science department specializes. We hope that this research stay will serve as an important step forward towards stablishing himself as an independent researcher.
Electrocatalysis is a key technology for the energy transition: In electrolysers, electricity from renewable sources can be stored in the form of chemical energy, such as green hydrogen. This requires electrocatalysts. Optimizing electrocatalytic processes is an active area of research, and the CISS effect might bring about a new knob to tune complex catalytic processes. Dr. Eisen focuses on investigating copper-based catalysts, which are particularly well-suited for the electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons and whose performance, according to previous studies, could be significantly affected by the CISS effect.
We are delighted that Dr. Eisen is bringing an exciting new research project to our institute and wish him the very best of success!
About the FWF Schrödinger Fellowship
The FWF Erwin Schrödinger Program enables highly qualified postdocs to pursue career-enhancing stays at internationally renowned research institutions. The funding is intended for outstanding postdocs from all disciplines at the beginning of their scientific careers and is designed to enable them to carry out an independent research project. In addition, the program supports researchers after they return to Austria.
