The University of St Andrews (USTAN) is a public university in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland and was founded in the 15^th century, making it the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and the third-oldest university in the United Kingdom and English-speaking world. It was recently judged to be the best University in the UK according to The Times and Guardian University Guides for 2024. The University of St Andrews is world-leading, with a responsibility to integrate sustainability within the University strategy, from climate science and sustainable development to energy ethics and grass-roots level action across all our communities. The University has set an ambitious target of carbon net zero by 2035 and has a strong commitment to clean energy.

The School of Chemistry at St Andrews is recognised as one of the leading chemistry departments in the UK, being also ranked 1^st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024. Scientific research in Professor Irvine’s group- the key solid state materials group here- strongly focuses upon new generation and storage technologies. The group has a very high international research profile, with a team of over 50 researchers working in various areas and possesses excellent facilities for such research. The group has the expertise and proven track record in developing and characterising new materials, including the recent discovery of nanocatalyst ex-solution materials (Emergent Nanomaterials, UK, EPSRC EP/R023522/1), integrating these new materials into devices and testing them. In the group there are a vast range of skills, covering chemistry, physics and engineering, with people with both academic background and industrial experience. The links to top research groups from all over the world as well as strong connection to industrial partners offer a two way flow of people and ideas, giving a strong collaboration and practical base to the group.

USTAN will provide over 30 years of experience in materials for Solid Oxide Fuel and Electrolysis Cells, including synthesis, processing and complete cell fabrication as well as structural and electrochemical characterization. USTAN will focus in the OLEFINS project on the synthesis, characterization and testing of co-ionic electrolytes, H₂O and CO₂ electrode materials as well as suitable, performant electrocatalysts and interfaces. We will take care of ex-solution strategies for enhancing the electrocatalytic properties developed electrode structures. Moreover, USTAN will produce, integrating the materials developed within this project and characterize the ci-EMR tubular single cells in their testing facilities.