Mercedes Alonso Giner

Mercedes Alonso Giner is a 10% ZAP Professor and postdoctoral researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), affiliated with the Department of General Chemistry. She leads the Quantum Chemistry Group (ALGC) and has been funded by the FWO and Marie Curie programs. Her work focuses on quantum chemistry modeling of organic/organometallic compounds, aromaticity quantification, and molecular switch design for nanoelectronics. She has supervised 24 theses, including notable works on noncovalent catalysis and cyclobutanone reductions.

Education: PhD in Chemistry (Complutense University, 2008), Master in Chemistry (2005), and Bachelor in Chemistry (2002). Completed additional training at the University of Girona (2004) and held postdoctoral roles at CSIC (2008–2011) and VUB (2011–present). Engaged in civic projects like Movilab (2010–2011).

Research interests span aromaticity indices, molecular electronics, noncovalent interactions, and main-group metal complexes. Her work bridges computational methods with experimental validation, emphasizing neural networks for structure-activity relationships.

Key projects include designing singlet fission materials (FWOTM1232), sustainable catalysis (CRC EUTOPIA), and pressure effects on molecular reactivity (FWOTM1065). Over 90 publications and 1946 citations reflect her interdisciplinary impact.

Awards include FWO and Marie Curie fellowships, and she actively participates in conferences, supervising PhD committees, and collaborating internationally. Notable collaborations include work with Nobel laureate Ben Feringa and institutions across Europe.