CiTOS: Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis

What we do: CiTOS (Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis) is a research center specializing in advancing organic chemistry by integrating innovative technologies such as micro- and mesofluidic continuous flow reactors. The center develops sustainable, efficient, and safe chemical synthesis methods, focusing on producing high value-added organic compounds from bio-sourced starting materials, including industrial waste like CO2 and glycerol. CiTOS also employs quantum chemistry and artificial intelligence to accelerate reaction development and optimize processes, reducing waste and trial-and-error experimentation. The center combines fundamental academic research with industrial services, serving pharmaceutical, biotech, and chemical industries.

Location: CiTOS is located on the Sart Tilman campus of the University of Liège, Belgium, at Allée du Six Août 13, 4000 Liège. The center is housed in the Department of Chemistry, Building B6a, Room 3/16a.

History: Founded in 2013 by Prof. Jean-Christophe M. Monbaliu upon his return from the United States, CiTOS has grown from a small team to an internationally recognized laboratory with approximately 25 researchers. The center has developed innovative methods for green chemical synthesis and has secured funding for projects such as manufacturing medicines entirely from biosourced materials using flow production units.

Organization & culture: CiTOS values collaboration, scientific excellence, and innovation. The team consists of experts in microfluidics, computational chemistry, and organic synthesis who work together in a dynamic research environment. Core values include integrity, curiosity, and commitment to excellence, fostering a culture where each member contributes to collective success.

Recent developments: CiTOS recently welcomed Dr. Mariia Hruzd as a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the Interreg Poly-DREAM project, focusing on sustainable polymer production and additive manufacturing technologies, reinforcing the center’s commitment to sustainability and industrial upscaling.