CiTOS: Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis

What we do: CiTOS (Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis) is a leading research center at the University of Liège specializing in the advancement of organic chemistry through the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as micro- and mesofluidic continuous flow reactors. Our core mission is to develop sustainable, efficient, and safe chemical synthesis methods, with a strong focus on producing high value-added organic compounds from bio-sourced and renewable starting materials, including industrial waste streams like CO2 and glycerol. We serve the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries by combining fundamental academic research with practical industrial services. Our expertise spans methodology in continuous flow organic synthesis, pharmaceutical development, and the upgrading of biosourced molecules. We also employ quantum chemistry and artificial intelligence to accelerate reaction development and process optimization, significantly reducing waste and experimental iterations[3][6].

Where we are located: CiTOS is based on the Sart Tilman campus of the University of Liège, Belgium, at Allée du Six Août 13, 4000 Liège. Our laboratories are located in the Department of Chemistry, Building B6a, Room 3/16a, providing a modern and collaborative environment for research and innovation.

Short history: Founded in 2013 by Prof. Jean-Christophe M. Monbaliu upon his return from the United States, CiTOS has rapidly grown from a small research group to an internationally recognized laboratory with approximately 25 researchers. Over the past decade, the center has established itself as a pioneer in green chemical synthesis, securing significant funding for projects such as the manufacturing of medicines entirely from biosourced materials using compact flow production units. Our collaborations with industry leaders and participation in international research networks underscore our commitment to translating academic discoveries into industrial applications[6].

Organization & culture: CiTOS brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts in microfluidics, computational chemistry, and organic synthesis, fostering a dynamic and collaborative research culture. We value scientific excellence, integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to innovation. Our organization is structured to encourage teamwork, knowledge sharing, and professional growth, with each member contributing to our collective success. The center’s culture is characterized by openness, mutual respect, and a shared passion for solving complex chemical challenges.

Recent developments: CiTOS continues to expand its research horizons, recently welcoming Dr. Mariia Hruzd as a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the Interreg Poly-DREAM project, which focuses on sustainable polymer production and additive manufacturing technologies. This initiative reinforces our dedication to sustainability and the industrial upscaling of green chemistry processes. Our ongoing collaborations with partners such as NovAliX and Mithra Pharmaceuticals highlight our role in developing innovative, scalable, and safe synthetic routes for high-value chemicals and pharmaceuticals[1][3][4].