Ahmad Sousaraei joins the SUPREMA group at ICMM as postdoctoral researcher

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Ahmad Sousaraei has joined the ICMM in October 2025 as postdoctoral researcher. This iranian chemist brings a relevant experience working in international research projects and he appreciates the value of open dialogue, cross-cultural exchange, and building bridges between disciplines like it's done at our institute.

What have you worked on so far?

In January 2017, I began my research career in Spain by joining IMDEA Nanociencia as a predoctoral researcher. Under the supervision of Juan Cabanillas González, my PhD work focused on the photophysical study of various luminescent materials for applications in optical sensors, laser cavities, photovoltaics, and optoelectronics.

After completing my PhD, I continued as a postdoctoral researcher at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), where I worked with Ana E. Platero-Prats on the post-synthetic functionalization of luminescent MOFs for detecting environmental pollutants.
Later, I was awarded the prestigious Margarita Salas postdoctoral fellowship (3 years, 2+1), which gave me the opportunity to work at both École Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL) in Paris and UAM in Madrid. During this time, I collaborated with Christian Serre, Antoine Tissot and Ana Platero-Prats. My research focused on the development of new luminescent MOFs through green and sustainable methods for optical sensing of air and water contaminants.

What will you work on? With whom?

At ICMM-CSIC, I am excited to be part of the SUPREMA group led by Sara Núñez Sánchez. I am contributing to a large-scale European project titled ADAPTATION (Adaptable Bio-Inspired Polariton-Polariton Energy Management). This interdisciplinary project aims to develop materials and devices inspired by two of Nature’s most efficient energy management processes: photosynthesis, Nature’s method of capturing solar energy, and terrestrial radiative cooling, a passive mechanism for thermal regulation. Together, we aim to create advanced materials with sustainable energy applications.

Why ICMM?

ICMM-CSIC is a renowned scientific institute with excellent research infrastructure and a dynamic, collaborative environment. As a young researcher aiming to further my career and broaden my scientific network, ICMM offers the ideal ecosystem. The opportunity to interact with researchers from diverse fields and benefit from shared expertise is something I deeply value. I am also happy to see several colleagues and friends starting their own independent careers here, demonstrating a sign of ICMM’s support for early-career researchers.

A personal touch – any hobbies? What would you like to contribute to the institute?
Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, going to the gym, walking around Madrid, and exploring Spanish culture and cuisine.
In addition to my research background, I am eager to bring a global perspective and a strong sense of collaboration to the ICMM community. My experience working in international research environments has shown me the value of open dialogue, cross-cultural exchange, and building bridges between disciplines. I believe these elements are key to innovation, and I look forward to contributing to a dynamic and inclusive research culture at the institute.