Science of Synthesis Early Career Advisory Board

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?
I have been interested in sustainable organic synthesis using abundant resources, as well as the design and creation of novel active species and biomimetic catalysts to achieve fundamentally challenging transformations to streamline synthesis. Making fundamental scientific discoveries and contributing to solving societal problems may seem unrelated and require different efforts, but I believe they often point in the same direction and merge in the end.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?
Chemistry deals with natural phenomena, but it is also a human activity. It reflects a great deal of individual personal values, experiences, and chance encounters. My research is partly planned, but mostly the result of just accepting what comes my way. It would be interesting to learn about the research history and philosophy of each researcher.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?
I walk and cycle in the city or along the river and have regular acupuncture treatments to clear my head.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?
I am always interested in the world of the far future, so I would like to travel in time and discuss with future scientists about each other’s ‘cutting-edge’ science. I am particularly intrigued by the potential connection between chemistry, brain science, and consciousness. It would be fascinating to invite both future and ancient scientists/philosophers to organize a colloquium.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?
I don’t like organic chemistry being perceived merely as a tool, but it is central to materials science, has a high affinity with other fields of research, and will continue to provide key substances and molecules to solve a variety of problems, including those that don’t exist today. The unprecedentedly accelerating growth of research data will find connections between events previously thought to be unrelated and will deepen our understanding of phenomena. I also hope that organic chemistry will continue to develop as a pure science.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?
Deciding what research to do and what not to do is important, but always difficult. There are various types of researchers with different approaches: some focus on trendy projects that are easy to secure publication and funding for, some on topics with a certain guarantee of success, some tackle extremely challenging unresolved issues, some pursue topics purely out of interest, and some just venture into uncharted territories. In reality, it is necessary to balance these approaches, but in the end, it is best to pursue what you are truly passionate about to avoid future regrets. The regret of not having done something is the hardest to bear. On the other hand, unpredictable and unexpected events that were not part of the initial plan will occur, and research projects that initially didn’t interest you but later become key will come your way. Therefore, it is also important to keep moving forward with a flexible mindset.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I work in homogeneous catalysis with first-row transition-metal catalysts. I chose this field because, through both one- and two-electron mechanisms, these metals enable more pathways than the more established precious metals. This facilitates new reactivity, new disconnections, and presents a challenge for the community in trying to understand their behavior.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Our main focus is to understand how and why the reactions are occurring so that we can challenge the current opinion of first-row transition metals as being unreliable and unpredictable.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I watch a lot of sports on television, especially soccer, basketball, and American football.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead), who would it be and why?

I would love to have met Gregory Hillhouse because he laid the foundation for most of the chemistry we work on through a series of stoichiometric experiments that demonstrated how to accelerate Ni-mediated reductive elimination.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

While this is not my focus, I think the current efforts to merge organic chemistry and artificial intelligence to find new targets and uncover underlying reasons for reactivity trends from a broad perspective hold great potential.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

I think the hardest challenge is to establish your brand—deciding what you want your group to do and be known for, and what sets you apart from the rest. My advice is to follow your ideas but also pay close attention to the unexpected results that chemistry often provides.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I’m a radical advocate for radical chemistry. The ease with which one can get their hands on radicals these days with technology platforms like photo- and electrochemistry, and also developing understanding in first-row transition catalysis, have opened new dimensions of radical chemistry that are shaping the way chemists now do organic synthesis.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

We use visible light and electricity, separately or in combination, to discover reactions that engage unactivated molecules, like persistent pollutants and biomass, in order to step towards a circular carbon economy for the sustainable future of organic synthesis.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

i) Listen to low-volume funk, ii) tinker on my Clavier, iii) spend time with my partner, our human toddler child and our cuddly cat child ‘Mochi’.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Being British and a fan of radicals, probably Professors Jack Baldwin and Derek Barton. Baldwin was very strict with organic molecules, making a set of rules that – he said – they all ‘must obey’. Barton was said to have yielded in chemistry Genius only to Robert B. Woodward. Sound like special characters and ones from whom I’d love to hear wild views from on aspects of chemistry and life. In particular, I’d be interested in their impressions on how the ways we produce, disseminate and consume science changed over the decades.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry will move toward different feedstocks for carbon. As a consequence of the transition away from fossil fuels and global sustainability development goals (SDGs), I foresee chemists will increasingly depend less on petrochemical-derived feedstocks and in turn depend more on biomass-derived or persistent chemical waste-derived molecules to fuel academic and industrial organic synthesis. In that context, de-functionalization reactions will become more important as will methods that engage strong bonds / stubborn molecules with less accessible redox properties.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

The list is long – two in particular are i) the ever-growing platforms and metrics for comparison with peers and ii) the changing ways of societal interaction (social media) that encourage short attention spans making it harder to focus on deep, meaningful scientific reading. Tips would be to i) research the ‘Imposter Phenomenon’ by reading the book ‘You Are (Not) a Fraud’ (by Dr. Marc Reid), ii) use RSS feeds to ‘shortlist’ papers of interest. Print out selected papers, earmark time to read them in a quiet place, front to back, rather than skimming through on a computer screen. Make a regular commitment with your supervisor to read ‘x’ number of papers per week and summarize in a short digest report.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am interested in the development of transition-metal-catalyzed reactions in organic chemistry, with a focus on middle and late first-row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni). During my career I have investigated these metals from different angles, and I have witnessed how the organic chemistry field has had growing interest in them over time. These metals feature unique chemical properties and their use in catalysis align with the principles of sustainable chemistry. Our research aims not only at developing novel synthetic methodologies but also at elucidating catalytic cycles involving these transition metals.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

We design and synthesize molecular catalysts based on abundant transition metals, tailoring them to facilitate the formation or cleavage of bonds in organic molecules – which is important for a variety of research fields including pharmaceuticals, materials, energy, etc. Thus, think of us as molecular assemblers!

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

After a busy day, I enjoy playing with my 2-year-old son, who is very active and curious about the world, in the company of my partner as well.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

During my studies in chemistry, my way of finding female scientific role models was by reading biographies of women who had won Nobel Prizes in science. I often wondered how these pioneers managed to overcome the societal stereotypes of their time. Therefore, I think I’d have really loved to go out for brunch with female pioneers in science like Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, Maria Goeppert Mayer, Rita Levi-Montalcini, and others, to have a chance to learn more about them from the personal and academic perspective – they must have had to face so many challenges!

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry is a fundamental discipline that plays a crucial role in advancing toward a more sustainable society. What I find particularly inspiring about this field is its capacity for continuous evolution and innovation. Recent literature frequently surprises me with groundbreaking discoveries, where researchers uncover novel disconnections and develop transformative bond-forming reactions. Moreover, organic chemistry is a cornerstone for interdisciplinary research, bridging fields such as biology or materials science, and beyond, thereby contributing to a broad spectrum of scientific advancements.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

I think one of the most common struggles – as in many research areas – is dealing with high-pressure and tight deadlines, securing funding, and earning recognition from your peers. Probably the best tip I can give to young upcoming chemists is that they should pursue research areas they enjoy, where they can explore their creativity, think outside the box and distinguish themselves from mainstream trends, while making meaningful contributions to the advancement of the field. And of course, always take good care of your co-workers – success is a team effort!

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am most interested in physical organic chemistry. It’s fascinating to see how theoretical models and experimental data come together to explain the behavior of organic molecules.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Studying reaction mechanisms is like solving a puzzle, where you must piece together a comprehensive picture of the chemical transformation from the fragments of information given.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I have a young child and I enjoy spending time with him in the evening.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Dmitri Mendeleev. I admire him for his ability to summarize the patterns of chemical elements and to predict undiscovered elements, even with limited information available at the time. The periodic table played a vital role in my early study of chemistry, offering a glimpse into the fascination of the field and sparking my interest in chemistry.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

There is a significant potential in organic chemistry for advancements in precise synthesis and rational design, driven by computational chemistry and artificial intelligence. This will enable chemists to develop reactions with greater efficiency and predictability.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

For young independent researchers, securing funding, building a research team, and establishing a reputation are significant challenges that require dedication. In the field of reaction mechanism studies, young researchers often face difficulties in identifying crucial reaction mechanism questions. Collaborations with experimental scientists can help to identify key questions and also facilitate a fruitful interplay between computations and experiments. The discovery of new reaction mechanisms can also be challenging, as one’s experience may sometimes limit creativity; sometimes we need imagination when proposing mechanisms.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am interested in the medicinal chemistry of (oligo)nucleotides. This field is so exciting since it is not only expected to advance fundamental knowledge across the fields of organic and medicinal chemistry and biomedical science, but it also holds incredible promise in advancing human health.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

For oligonucleotide therapeutics, there is a disconnect between the design of the drug’s pharmacophore using the genetic code, and incorporation of structural modifications to optimize the dianophore. Because of this disconnect, oligonucleotides have the potential to treat almost any disease so long as we have the right chemistry tools to overcome their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic barriers. This also means that their development time is much shorter than with traditional small molecule drugs, giving them incredible promise in individualized medicines.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Exercise! During my down time on the weekends and holidays I really love outdoor activities like hiking and snowboarding. When I’m pushed for time during the week, running and the gym are also great ways to blow off some steam.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Kaitlin Karikó. She overcame incredible personal and professional challenges and persevered through the skepticism surrounding her earlier work to bring mRNA vaccines into the clinic. Her story is incredibly inspiring, and I would relish the opportunity to hear it first-hand. While I haven’t yet read her autobiography, it is sitting on my bookshelf, and I hope to get to it this summer!

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry has immense potential to revolutionize disease treatments through innovations like RNA-based therapeutics, which will require significant advancements in their synthesis and medicinal chemistry strategies, alongside changes to regulatory processes. I’m also particularly excited about the role of AI in accelerating the design and development of new therapeutics and optimizing efficiencies in organic chemistry workflows.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Young chemists presently face huge competition for funding and job opportunities. Moreover, there is a lot of pressure to balance innovative research with practical applications. My advice is to focus on building a strong network of supportive researchers across several disciplines. Try to seek mentors who can guide you in both your research and career development. In many situations, your network can be your most valuable asset.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I love total synthesis, because it challenges us into making complex structures, while promoting our creativity. But I am also interested in new synthetic methods involving cascade reactions, rearrangements and enantioselective synthesis.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Research should not always be “useful”, in the sense that you should not always try to look for a direct application of it. Sometimes, our work is just about creating knowledge, and it might or might not find application in the future months, years or decades.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Either have a beer with my wife and friends, play with my dog or simply cook at home with my wife.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would like to meet one of my academic descendants in one century and ask them what organic chemistry has become. If it doesn’t abide by the rule of the question, then my answer would be Irène Joliot-Curie. I would like to hear her talk about her life combining scientific research and political commitment.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

There is still plenty to discover: we can only access a very small fraction of the theoretical chemical space. We need new synthetic methods and the creativity of organic chemists to explore the uncharted parts of chemical space.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

The main difficulty we are facing is the lack of funding, which is an everyday struggle. Sadly, I don’t have any good tip for that, I only wish that our political representative would understand that spending money in research is not a waste of money but rather an investment for the future (even when research is not directly applicable). Another challenge to which I still have not found a good solution is how to explain our research to non-specialists (in particular to non-scientists).

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am highly interested in boron chemistry, which has a wide range of applications, including its use as catalysts, boron reagents, building blocks, as well as in the synthesis of functional molecules such as drugs.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Due to the multiple C–B bonds in polyborons, precisely constructing their chiral structures from readily available starting materials and utilizing these C–B bonds for controllable functional group transformations, post-modifications, or skeletal rearrangements is expected to provide an efficient pathway for introducing diverse functional groups into functional molecules such as drugs. This approach could significantly advance the synthesis and development of functional molecules. Our research group is dedicated to developing novel methods for the selective synthesis and transformation of polyboron compounds, addressing the limitations of existing synthetic approaches.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Having dinner with family and spending time together is a great way to relax.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would like to chat with Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev about how he managed to create the first periodic table of elements and accurately predict several undiscovered elements in an era with limited characterization tools. Where was the source of his inspiration?

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

I believe the future of organic chemistry will become more precise, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Guided by practicality, it will also be closely integrated with material science and synthetic biology.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Young researchers may encounter challenges when entering new fields, particularly if they lack familiarity and substantial prior experience. Actively engaging with experts in the field and continuously building their professional knowledge can be highly beneficial.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

My research group focuses primarily on developing innovative chemical reactions. We aim to uncover new activation mechanisms and explore reactive intermediates to enable the formation of chemical bonds in novel and unique ways.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Our research focuses on investigating underexplored and elusive reactive intermediates in main-group chemistry. These fleeting species, often overlooked due to their transient nature, hold the key to unlocking groundbreaking advancements in organic synthesis. By studying these intermediates, we aim to uncover their fundamental reactivity, harnessing their unique properties to design novel reactions that challenge traditional boundaries. This research has the potential to pave the way for future innovations in synthetic chemistry, impacting fields as diverse as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and green technology.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

After a long day, I prioritize activities that help me unwind, recharge, and regain a sense of balance. Playing soccer is one of my favorite ways to relax. It offers more than just physical exercise – it’s an opportunity to engage with a team and enjoy the mental clarity that come from focusing entirely on the game. Scuba diving is another passion of mine that provides a completely different kind of relaxation. Immersing myself in the underwater world is both calming and awe-inspiring. Beyond physical activities, I deeply value quality time with my family. Sharing meaningful moments over good food, and simply enjoying each other’s company brings me joy and renewed energy.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

If given the chance, I would love to meet Jabir Ibn Hayyan, often regarded as one of the fathers of chemistry. His pioneering work in early chemical processes, such as distillation, sublimation, and crystallization, laid the foundation for modern chemistry. It would be fascinating to discuss his insights and how he bridged science and philosophy to influence the field profoundly.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

The future of organic chemistry is bursting with potential! From revolutionizing sustainable synthesis and pioneering transformative drug discoveries to unlocking renewable energy solutions and tackling pressing environmental challenges, this field is poised to shape the future. With the development of novel, cutting-edge materials, organic chemistry is set to drive innovation, transform industries, and redefine what’s possible in science and technology.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Young chemists often face challenges like intense competition, securing funding, and balancing creativity with rigorous standards. My advice is to stay curious, build a strong support network, and focus on solving meaningful problems while being persistent in pursuing opportunities.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am deeply interested in synthetic methods driven by photocatalysis, organofluorine chemistry, and the development of organic and hybrid materials. These areas offer exciting opportunities for sustainable chemistry, particularly in applications like medicinal chemistry, artificial photosynthesis, and renewable energy.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

My research focuses on creating innovative and sustainable pathways for chemical synthesis. By harnessing light and developing new materials, we aim to mimic nature’s efficiency in energy conversion and molecule construction, paving the way for greener technologies.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I enjoy watching TV series, having a pleasant walk around the beach, or experimenting with new recipes in my kitchen—another way to use creativity!

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

What a difficult question. I would love to meet Robert B. Woodward. His pioneering work in complex molecule synthesis and the elegance of his approach to chemical problem-solving continue to inspire chemists worldwide.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry holds immense potential for addressing global challenges and will play a pivotal role in advancing green chemistry, renewable energy, and precision medicine. Innovations in catalysis and sustainable synthetic strategies will drive the field forward.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Funding and publishing pressures can be challenging. My advice is to stay passionate, seek collaborations, cultivate strong mentorships, and maintain perseverance. It is also important to cultivate a strong knowledge while being open to interdisciplinary approaches.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am most fascinated by catalysis and its uses to facilitate the preparation of organofluorine compounds. I am also finding new interests in non-conventional ways to achieve chemical transformations beyond thermal induction, whether it be photocatalysis, electrochemistry, or mechanochemistry.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

That the presence of fluorine atoms near reactive sites often alters reactivity in non-trivial ways, and that new sets of reaction conditions must be developed to successfully prepare fluorinated compounds in high yields. Additionally, the preparation of fluorinated starting materials to study the scope of a transformation is far more tedious that one could imagine.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

For me, there is nothing quite comparable to tending to my garden and house plants to unwind after a long day. It forces me to focus on something completely different from research, and I get the gratification from seeing plants thrive!

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Robert Woodward. I am amazed and impressed by those working in total syntheses and coming up with such elegant ways to synthesize very complex architectures – my brain doesn’t work that way!

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

There is a need to shift our practices towards the use of starting materials derived from renewable sources, which will require us to think differently about organic synthesis. I imagine that the use of fine-tuned enzymes will become increasingly common – I am most looking forward to the first few fluorinases! I am also curious to see how computational chemistry aided by AI will become a powerful tool to help devise organic syntheses.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Securing sufficient research funds can be quite challenging when you don’t yet have a solid track record of independent work, but finding concrete applications of your proposed work helps to sell your ideas; this is especially true for those among us working in methods development. Additionally, recruiting can be a difficult task at first as we are not yet well known beyond our institution, but finding ways to make ourselves visible is the key.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

New concepts and strategies in organic chemistry are necessary to address the increasingly complex synthetic problems presented by research in contemporary natural products, biological, and organic materials. Our research group aims to discover and develop novel reaction strategies that will enable access to versatile reactive intermediates for the mild and sustainable synthesis of important molecular scaffolds. We are particularly interested in developing innovative new methodologies by harnessing the power of ring strain and the high reactivity of carbenes.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

I would like people to understand how one can use light and electricity for chemical synthesis and how the strain in small molecules can enable interesting and complex transformations at very mild conditions.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

After a busy day, I would like to watch a movie with my wife and daughter.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Gilbert Stork and ask him how he designed and discovered many wonderful organic transformations. He pioneered chemical synthesis from an empirical endeavor to a design-guided one. He introduced straightforward and rational methods in organic synthesis and influenced many generations of chemists.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

The synthesis of organic molecules has transformed our society, providing medicines, food preservatives, and components of organic materials. Despite this, the problems and difficulties associated with organic synthesis continue to limit these fields’ growth and development rates. To meet the emerging challenges across new disciplinary boundaries in a quickly changing scientific landscape, we require more rapid and robust techniques for chemical synthesis.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Starting up a new research group has both excitement and challenges. Talking to and training students gives me more satisfaction than publishing. Grant rejection and paper rejection are something that we have to live with. The best advice from one of my supervisors is that what you publish matters, not where you publish.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

Now, I focus on peptide synthetic chemistry. We have reported some results in recent years, but there are so much unknown areas, and very exciting. So, I am most interested in this field of peptide chemistry.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

We have recently discovered chemoselective peptide bond formation between unprotected amino acids (as of 2024). This method is expected to be useful in the future, as it allows us to break free from the protecting groups that are essential in conventional methods.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Relaxing in hot spring and going shopping with my family are special time for me.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Robert Merrifield!! He is a pioneer in the development of the first solid-phase synthesis, which is used in practice today. I would like to know the motivation behind the precision research with equipment and analytical techniques that were available more than half a century ago.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic compounds are used in all situations in medicine, agriculture, and engineering, etc. Therefore, the development of efficient reactions and the synthesis of new compounds will continue to enrich human life.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

I am myself one of those researchers under growing. Therefore, I would love to hear the answer to this question from a great researcher such as one from the Thieme Chemistry Family! Anyway, my point of view: I hope there will be a flexible environment where young researchers can have their own independent laboratories.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am particularly interested in asymmetric catalysis for the synthesis of novel chiral functional molecules. This area has significant applications in drug discovery, materials development, and fine chemicals production.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

We’re aiming to develop efficient synthetic methods to expedite the synthesis of silicon-stereogenic silanes and boron-stereogenic compounds, and to explore their functions and applications in asymmetric catalysis, chiral materials, and chiral bio-active molecules.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, watching movies and Premier League.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Frederic S. Kipping and Leo H. Sommer. I would like to discuss with them about the potential of silicon-stereogenic silanes.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry has immense potential to shape the future across various fields, as it intersects with multiple disciplines to address global challenges such as sustainability, healthcare, biotechnology, energy, materials, and so on. By enabling the design and synthesis of novel molecules, organic chemistry has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve quality of life worldwide.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

1) Choosing a research topic with concept advance and then finding/solving the challenges in the area.
2) Balancing professional and personal life.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

The synthesis and functional analysis of complex natural products, particularly polyketides, is an area of research that still holds immense potential. There has been a resurgence of interest in natural product research, driven by the realization that only a small fraction of the metabolites encoded in nature have been studied. The synthesis of natural products has historically been foundational to the field of organic chemistry, serving as a critical training ground for aspiring chemists and inspiring the development of some of the most transformative chemical reactions. However, interest and funding for research in this area have unfortunately declined in recent years. This decline stands in stark contrast to the vast and largely untapped potential for discovering new chemistry and bioactivity by exploring the “dark matter” metabolites—an almost limitless reservoir of unknown compounds waiting to be uncovered.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Natural product synthesis has traditionally been highly “target-focused,” with researchers dedicating years, sometimes even decades, to the pursuit of a single molecule. In contrast, nature has evolved an elegant yet relatively straightforward strategy to generate an endless array of structurally and functionally diverse molecules. I believe there is much to learn not only about how nature assembles these molecules but also why. By understanding the principles underlying these natural processes, we can develop synthetic strategies that are versatile and adaptable, enabling access to a broad diversity of molecules. Furthermore, this knowledge may eventually pave the way for the de novo “design” of novel bioactive compounds—drawing inspiration from nature but ultimately going beyond it, freeing us from being solely dependent on what we can isolate.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I enjoy switching off my mind by immersing myself in cooking while listening to a podcast, or through the painful distraction of a CrossFit workout.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Alexander Borodin – a remarkable polymath and one of the co-discoverers of the aldol reaction, a transformative chemical reaction that remains highly relevant and continues to inspire research in my lab over 150 years later. Borodin’s contributions extend far beyond organic chemistry; he was also a practicing physician and one of the most celebrated composers of classical music in the 19th century.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence— so all the buzzwords —do hold significant potential to transform and streamline many aspects of organic chemistry. While these technologies are sometimes overemphasized or prematurely prioritized, their ability to accelerate research and simplify complex workflows cannot be overlooked. Organic chemists, in contrast to other scientific fields, are often a more skeptical group, traditionally slow to embrace new technologies. However, I believe it is crucial for us to remain open-minded and actively explore the opportunities these advances offer, as they could drive meaningful progress in our field.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

The journey of scientific research is often fraught with distractions and pressures that can steer you away from the work you are truly passionate about. The expectations tied to tenure and the scarcity of grant funding frequently push early-career scientists toward low-risk projects with shorter timelines or into “hot” research areas that are easier to fund and publish. While these strategies may seem practical, my advice is to stay connected to what genuinely excites you—the curiosity and passion that inspired you to pursue a career in science.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

Oddly enough, anyone who knows me could probably answer this question for me: strained ring synthesis (with organofluorine chemistry being a runner up). My early days in organic synthesis focused on the synthesis of bicyclobutanes while I was at Stonehill College under Prof. Leon Tilley, and I got hooked on the challenge of making high energy molecules. A good cyclopropanation reaction will always pique my interest!

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

My research is a window into who I am. I like to focus on solving problems with an aim for practicality and with interesting mechanistic elements. One of my favorite tactics is to intercept a reactive intermediate via a wholly new pathway (this was very true in my early forays into odd electron chemistry enabled by photocatalysis).

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Moving to industry from academia has given me the opportunities to really invest in several hobbies and the answer to this question changes based on the season. If it’s winter, I’ll be gaming (typically Halo) with my longtime friends. If it’s spring, I’ll be in my now rather elaborate garden, transplanting seedlings I grew from seed. If it’s summer, I’ll be enjoying wine with my wife and friends by our firepit after a day of harvesting. And if it’s fall, I’ll be planning for and setting up Halloween décor (my favorite holiday!)

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I’ve thought about this one a lot and I think I’d like to have met Christopher Ingold. I considered my undergraduate advisor, Prof. Leon Tilley my chemistry “parent” so tracing back the linage, Ingold is my “great-grandparent”. The way Ingold thought about and taught organic chemistry jives with how I conceptualize organic reactions. In fact, I still teach at the University of Pennsylvania as part of their Masters in the Chemical Sciences program and some of my first lessons emphasize the nucleophile/electrophile concept as the basis for much of the reactivity in organic chemistry. I’m sure we’d have a lot to talk about!

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

I think there will be even more interfacing of computations with synthesis, especially as our models get better. I think future chemists will be more hybrids of programmers/data scientists with synthesis skills than the more traditional lab-centric synthesizers that were commonplace in my early training.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

I think the space in organic synthesis is much more crowded than ever and this can be extremely overwhelming for newcomers. There is so much published on a day-to-day basis, it’s hard to digest and keep up! However, I have a few words of advice for new students:
1) Don’t let setbacks demotivate you. Chemistry is hard and although it may look like your peers are hitting all homeruns, I can assure you they had many failed reactions leading up to that success. That is just the nature of the game of synthesis!
2) Publish often. This is the best way to get a deliverable from your work that you will have for the rest of your life. Not every paper needs to be in a high-tier journal (though you should always be aiming high!)
3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Collaborative projects give you strong leadership experience in driving a project home (and allows you to make friends!)
4) Keep an open mind. One of the best things I did was explore all possible career paths via internships and visiting professorships which allowed me to arrive at the niche (but perfect) slot I hold in the chemistry community today!

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

My research interests are best described as mechanistic organic and organometallic chemistry. I have always been driven to understand the world (and the chemical processes crucial to sustaining our lives) at a fundamental, molecular level. On a more practical level, I find that these fundamental insights are the essential building blocks for innovation in the pursuit of new and more efficient processes and transformations. In this vein, it’s especially challenging and rewarding to focus on the catalytic reactivity of abundant metal elements due to their complex and versatile reactivity patterns. There is much we still don’t understand, and the potential to use mechanistic insight to harness unconventional, efficient, and/or sustainable reaction manifolds is immense.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

The fundamental reactivity principles driving catalysis are conserved from enzymes to heterogeneous catalysts and everything in between. My group draws inspiration from the full breadth of this field. We focus on the cooperative reactivity principles that drive the most efficient biological and heterogeneous catalysts to inform the design of modular, selective, and general molecular catalysts that enable widespread application for synthesis towards a sustainable and healthy society.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I find it restorative to spend time out in nature and with the people I care about. As such, I always look forward to long evening walks with my spouse and our dogs.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Given the opportunity to time-travel, I would want to meet Scottish chemist Elizabeth Fulhame. Her work on the photoreduction of metals (published in 1794) contradicted (correctly) many of the prevailing theories of the time and provided the earliest known conceptual framework for catalysis. I would have loved to discuss the long-term implications of her work and learn more about her experiences as a woman scientist working independently in an era where that was nearly unthinkable.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Looking ahead, development of efficient methods for constructing both organic small and macromolecules will continue to play a critical role in meeting grand challenges facing society: producing and storing clean energy, manufacturing and recycling materials, nourishing our population through agriculture and medicine while sustaining native species. Even as the day-to-day work of organic chemists evolves to incorporate new tools including automation and artificial intelligence, ingenuity in synthesis and mechanistic elucidation remains at the core of the field. Together this emphasis on combining human insight with enhanced efficiency through the collection and analysis of larger and larger data sets provides exciting opportunities for innovation.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

With the rapid increase in the amount and availability of information, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Establishing a sustainable strategy to “keep-up with the literature” is necessary to generate informed ideas, hypotheses, and experimental designs. I find it helpful to block off “reading” time every week and use RSS feeds, automated alerts, and a citation manager to keep track of what’s new. Using curated databases like Science of Synthesis is also very helpful for balancing an awareness of the latest results with the longer-term foundations and context of the work.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

Organic Electrochemistry. It is fascinating to move beyond the traditional paradigm of organic synthesis, generate open-shell intermediates in a relatively controllable manner, and explore their exotic reactivity.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

In organic synthesis, while target-oriented synthesis, which focuses on achieving a specific target, is important, my research is driven more by pure curiosity and the joy of discovering new reactivity. I hope others can also relate to how enjoyable this kind of research can be.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I have two major hobbies: futsal and wine tasting. When I have some energy to spare, I enjoy playing futsal with my local team, and when I don't, I spend my free time tasting Champagne or Burgundy wines. Since the birth of my daughter in early 2024, however, most of my time has been devoted to being with her.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

If I had the chance to meet any chemist, it would be Robert Burns Woodward. He is considered the greatest organic chemist of the 20^th century, known for his groundbreaking work in synthesizing complex natural products. Meeting him would provide an incredible opportunity to learn and discuss his unique problem-solving methods and synthesis strategies. I would love to understand his thought process and how he managed to synthesize such complex molecules without modern tools and computational chemistry.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

The integration of organic chemistry with advanced technologies like AI and automation will allow us to explore chemical space faster and more efficiently than ever before. I also see immense promise in uncovering entirely new reactivities—transformations we haven’t even imagined yet—driven by curiosity and the desire to push the boundaries of what chemistry can achieve.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Managing relationships with students and overseeing a research group can be one of the most challenging aspects of academic life. For early-stage students in particular, excessive micromanagement—rooted in a professor’s inability to fully trust their potential—can sometimes stifle creativity and limit their research to predefined boundaries. On the other hand, it is equally important to trust students’ creativity, give them time, and allow space for independent exploration. However, complete laissez-faire supervision can be counterproductive as well.

Striking the right balance between guidance and autonomy is especially critical—and challenging—before a research program is firmly established. Finding this middle ground requires patience, intuition, and adaptability, as it ultimately shapes not only the success of the research but also the development of students into independent, creative thinkers. This delicate equilibrium is perhaps one of the most essential, yet difficult, aspects of managing a research group.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

My group is interested in designing new chemical transformations that simplify the way we make organic compounds by harnessing cheap catalysts and radical chemistry. I’m always fascinated by novel reactivity modes and innovative pathways of constructing molecules.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

A huge motivation for my research is to devise strategies that overcome longstanding challenges in organic synthesis. For example, we developed directing-group-free NHC-nickel catalysis to address the issue of efficiency and regioselectivity in catalytic alkene carbofunctionalization reactions (Nat. Chem. 2022, 14, 188). In another example, we engineered a protecting-group-free ‘cap and glycosylate’ approach that directly transforms native sugars into unprotected glycosides and glycoproteins through photoinduced radical chemistry (Nature 2024, 631, 319). Recently, we started to explore unconventional approaches of assembling molecules through novel bond disconnections. Much of the work that we do aims to simplify chemical production and minimize the environmental footprint of synthetic chemistry, which is crucial as the world transits towards sustainable development so that we can all continue to live, work, and play on a resource-limited Earth. 

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I would usually listen to my favorite music or watch video clips to relax.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Probably E. J. Corey. I met him once as a graduate student and would love to meet him again to chat about my research. In my opinion, Corey is one of the greatest organic chemists of all time. He has truly elevated the art of organic synthesis and is a source of inspiration for me.  

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry will forever be an integral part of our daily lives. As we continuously broaden our human imagination and discover novel ways of making molecules in unprecedented ways, I expect the field of organic synthesis to evolve to exciting new heights. The best is yet to come.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

The chemical pathway to access a particular molecule of interest can be a tricky and complex enterprise. Likewise, the pathway of an early career chemist can be subject to many twists and turns. I believe challenges and failures are bound to happen. The question is how we deal with these challenges, so that we can grow and improve. We should learn to accept failures along the way, and to be patient, resourceful, open-minded, and willing to learn new things outside our comfort zone. If we embrace challenges and failures positively, it is only a matter of time before we get to enjoy success.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

Physical organic chemistry! Because quantifying reactivity and developing a deep understanding of reaction mechanisms is super interesting. ‘Thinking like an atom and moving like a molecule’ is a great way to expand into unknown areas of chemistry.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

I lead a team of brilliant young and up-and-coming scientists that contribute collectively to everything we produce.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I would like to sit back in front of the fire, with a glass of something tasty and read or watch something insightful about faraway lands and people. But what I actually do is far less relaxing than that…

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I’ve always been most impressed by total synthesis chemists from the middle of the last century. The analytical techniques, catalysts, reagents and transformations were all not available to them, like they are to us. The laboratory skills that people had in those days must have been much greater than those we typically have now, although their safety standards were much lower; doing columns with benzene whilst smoking cigarettes! So, I think I’d have a good conversation with Robert Woodward.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

I should probably say digital chemistry, AI, or biocatalysis (which all have bright futures in organic chemistry), but I’m going to say ‘reaction monitoring’ and all the technology and automation that goes with it, as it is essential for developing sustainable processes, which is basically the whole point of it all… Note to self: we need to do more reaction monitoring!

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

With so many opportunities out there and with pressure from funding agencies to have a more ‘rounded’ CV, there is a very strong temptation to spread your time thinly and become distracted from focusing on bigger and more challenging problems, which, I believe, will ultimately do you better in the long run.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

My group focuses on organic reaction discovery and sustainable energy storage. I’m particularly drawn to these areas because they allow us to be creative and push the boundaries of what’s known. Discovering something entirely new—those first discoveries—is incredibly exciting and rewarding. What I find most fulfilling as a scientist is seeing members of my group experience these moments of discovery, often on a daily or weekly basis, while working toward a larger goal of making meaningful contributions to society.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

If there’s one thing, I’d like people to understand about our research, it’s how we harness electricity and chemical synthesis as central drivers of innovation. For example, we use electricity to selectively upcycle chemical feedstocks and break down harmful environmental pollutants. On another front, we leverage synthesis to design and develop the next generation of redox-active materials, paving the way for more sustainable energy storage solutions.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

To relax after a busy day, I video call my family in the Philippines. We’re very close and share everything with each other, so connecting with them—even virtually—feels like quality time. It’s the most relaxing and fulfilling way for me to unwind and stay grounded.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

If I could meet any chemists, it would be Suzuki, Heck, and Negishi. I would love to ask them how they persevered with their work, even when their discoveries were underappreciated at the time. I actually had the chance to meet Richard Heck a few months before he passed away, during a school project interview back when I was a student in the Philippines. At the time, transition-metal catalysis was just something I knew from textbooks—I never imagined I would one day work in the same field.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry is a central pillar of the physical sciences and engineering, with a long history of transformative contributions in medicine, food production, and catalysis. Looking to the future, I believe organic chemistry holds immense potential to address critical challenges in sustainability and environmental preservation, paving the way for greener technologies and a more sustainable world.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Starting an academic career in chemistry can be overwhelming, as it comes with numerous challenges. However, behind those challenges lie some of the most fulfilling aspects of an academic job. My advice to those planning an academic position is to always do your best, find ways to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, and never be the first to reject your own work.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am particularly interested in the resurgence of radical chemistry and homolytic bond cleavage mechanisms. As we move away from oil-derived raw materials to molecules derived from biomass, the compatibility of radical-based bond transformations with densely functionalized precursors is a key strategic advantage. On a fundamental level, it is fascinating to learn about and develop means of controlling the selectivity of radical-based transformations, which were long considered too unselective to be applied to complex molecules.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

My group is interested in the influence the extended environment can have on metal-based active sites. Inspired by the design approach of metalloenzymes, we try to optimize the environment of active sites in heterogeneous catalysts to enable new reactivity or replace noble metals with more sustainable active sites.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I enjoy doing sports with my partner or playing with our two pet chinchillas.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

It would be extremely exciting to talk to any chemist that was able to make seminal discoveries before the advent of modern characterization tools.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

I see organic chemistry as the science of making (complex) molecules efficiently, which gives the field tremendous potential. Developments in organic chemistry not only fuel the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, but they also advance adjacent disciplines such as biology or material science which rely on access to molecules.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Many people move to new countries or even continents at critical stages in their career, which can be isolating both personally and professionally. Collaborations are a fantastic way to advance your research goals while connecting with other scientists that have different perspectives and skill sets.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I’m most drawn to computer-aided synthesis planning and de novo molecule design because they represent the frontier where artificial intelligence meets practical chemistry. Artificial intelligence for organic chemistry fascinates me because it allows us to predict and optimize chemical transformations before we set foot in the lab, potentially making synthesis more efficient and sustainable or uncovering novel synthetic routes that a chemist might not intuitively consider.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

AI in chemistry isn’t theoretical – it’s transforming how we discover and optimize reactions in real laboratories today. When we combine machine learning with chemical expertise, we can explore vastly more possibilities while reducing waste and environmental impact.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

When I have time, I enjoy hiking and camping in the Swiss Alps – the physical challenge and taking pictures of beautiful landscapes help clear my mind. Also, being a father and spending time with family keeps me grounded and brings a different kind of problem-solving joy that refreshes my perspective on research.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead), who would it be and why?

I would choose E. J. Corey, who revolutionized retrosynthetic analysis. Given my work in computer-aided synthesis planning, meeting the pioneer who systematized synthetic planning would be invaluable. His contributions to logical approaches in synthesis still influence how we develop AI systems for chemistry today.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

The future of organic chemistry will be driven by (semi-)autonomous discovery platforms that combine AI planning with automated synthesis. We’ll see chemistry labs evolve into hybrid environments where machine learning accelerates reaction optimization and guides more sustainable processes. This transformation won’t replace chemical intuition – instead, it will empower chemists to tackle more complex challenges, from drug discovery to functional materials.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

The biggest challenge for emerging chemists is bridging the gap between traditional synthesis and computational expertise. To succeed: master organic chemistry fundamentals while learning Python and machine learning basics. Join projects that combine wet lab work with computational modeling. The most impactful chemists will be those who can move fluidly between the bench and computational tools, understanding both reaction mechanisms and algorithms.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am interested in organic photochemistry as I am deeply intrigued by making new molecules and molecular architectures and by studying excited state pathways and transformations because it allows for reactivity that is forbidden or not easily accessible via the ground state.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

That as chemists, we consider some synthetic transformations as “beautiful” and admire an elegant sequence towards a (complicated) molecule. For (organic) chemists it’s not unusual to think of the structures of molecules as “retty” or name them after what they see in them, such as for penguinone. While we might not often share this view with other colleagues from biochemistry or biology, my team frequently experiences the appreciation for power of organic chemistry to “just make the molecule we want” and that’s quite rewarding.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I always liked to do sports and played handball until a few years ago. Now, I am mainly going running and more recently started bouldering encouraged by a friend and colleague, which I enjoy very much. Besides these, I like to cook for myself and for and with others and have my go-to dishes after a long day.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

That’s a tough one! I can think of several chemists both alive and dead, that would be great to meet. But as there is still a chance for the alive ones, let’s go with Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, that passed roughly 30 years ago and was a female scientist at a time where this was likely still rather unusual. As she contributed to the advance of X-ray as a technique for structure determination for large molecules and small proteins, she was both involved in developing technology, that is established nowadays, and in building the foundation of structural biology to a level that we teach in high school today. It would be great to learn to look back together how it was when all these things were not yet “normal” to know and to extrapolate what this could mean for the future impact of the research we do today. I could also imagine that research worked at a different pace when she did her PhD and it would be fascinating to get some insight into workflows and approaches to a scientific problem without the many tools we have available today.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry is and always will be a key technology in all aspects of life and society in my opinion. The field itself has the ability to transform according to its needs. With increasing requirements, for instance, in the sustainable and recyclable plastics, organic chemistry has found new ways to make materials meeting these requirements. Also, every new chemical transformation that is discovered and developed unlocks new possibilities to make “better” molecules or simply gives us access to molecules, which were previously not available and could allow us to, for example, make a new drug.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

My research field is – like many fields nowadays ­– at the interface between several classical disciplines and thus, incoming students often feel a bit overwhelmed with the diversity of techniques we use to study our molecules and systems. Usually, I tell the students that I don’t think there is a single person – strongly including myself – that was educated in their studies in all the aspects of research happening in our lab. And the same can be extrapolated for young upcoming chemists in the field, which are just starting their careers. While this can be a challenge, it equally is an opportunity as it allows chemists with different backgrounds to come jointly together in the same field and to look at the same problem from different angles, eventually learning more than the single person.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am interested in organic photochemistry and physical organic chemistry. I enjoy using light as a tool for controlling chemical reactions, and I like to study and rationalize molecular processes and mechanisms through physical organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

I believe that we can accomplish much more with light. I see it not only as a source of energy but also as information that governs the molecular matter towards bond formation, cleavage, structural rearrangements, redox and other processes.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I spend time with my family, cycling and hiking in the mountains. I enjoy spending time outside and experiencing all the elements of nature.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

There is a long list. Picking just one is hard but Linus Pauling would be one of the options. I like his interdisciplinarity, outreach and curious personality. I could spend hours discussing various topics from quantum mechanics to biochemistry.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

I feel that organic chemistry has great potential in expanding the diversity of molecular structures and functional groups. Exotic molecular constructs might have unique properties which can be utilized in materials chemistry, catalysis, and life sciences.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Young scientists face unprecedented growth in scientific community size, a rapidly changing publishing environment and limited resources for basic research. It seems more and more difficult to promote original research ideas that are far from the current ‘hot topics.’ However, I believe that high-quality research answering important fundamental questions having potential for exciting applications will always be read and appreciated by the scientific community.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am driven towards methodologies that can make processes more efficient and sustainable, and since my first research project in organocatalysis during my bachelor I found catalytic reactions fascinating. After joining Pfizer I expanded my interest towards bio-catalysis and non-precious metal catalysis, as I feel I have lots to learn in these areas.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

That for scaling up a process a bigger pot is not enough, and most 1 g “large scale” experiments in round bottom flasks are not much more informative than the screening in vials that preceded them. Kinetic data and mechanistic understanding, as well as an appreciation of the impact of mass transfer on scale up are information we seek to create a robust process, to obtain material of consistent quality for patients.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

No matter how late I come back home, I always cook my diner. Cooking, and even more so, sharing food is something I value a lot and keeps me connected to my upbringing. Once a week I also bake breads and cakes, though I have not been very good at recording the changes I am making to recipes… maybe it is a way to honor the day off, though a kitchen notebook would be a good idea.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I have started my career in the lab working with thioureas, and then continued during my PhD developing hydrogen-bonding phase-transfer catalysis with ureas, and all along I grow as a scientist by reading the work of Prof. Eric Jacobsen. Since then, I assisted to his Tetrahedron Chair lecture at the BOSS XVII, but I can’t say I really “met” him.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

There is more and more talk of automation in synthetic chemistry, bringing with it the promise of more reproducible conditions and streamlined access to the starting materials required for new research. Even more excitingly, new ways of interrogating the existing literature might help guiding future research towards the most impactful areas.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

While new technologies are appearing at a fast pace and continuous learning is more important than ever, I suspect most young scientists would find that the curiosity and desire of pushing the boundaries of knowledge who motivated them to pursue a chemistry degree would help them navigate these changes. More worrying is the recent news of the closure of the chemistry department in Hull (UK), due to the higher cost of this degree. To be a good process chemist, a mastery of synthetic chemistry, both practical and theoretical, is still required. If you are thinking of studying chemistry, and there is no university offering this degree near you, nor you know a chemist to talk with, national chemistry societies might be a good place to start.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am most interested in whatever excites my student and postdoc co-workers! Organic chemistry is a beautiful and diverse field and I love that I get to learn new facets of it every day from our group members!

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

Members of our group have become inspired by the challenges and opportunities related to generating – and reacting – free radical intermediates. These species are increasingly appreciated in synthetic chemistry and a powerful body of literature is building around them. With that said, the one thing I want people to understand most is there are countless remaining frontiers in organic radical reactivity and catalysis, and I can’t wait to see how future students push the field forward!

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I love listening to (and playing) music, exercising, and talking with my wife after a day at work. It can also be incredibly therapeutic to cook a delicious meal and appreciate how the flavors come together.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would have loved to meet Ron Breslow of Columbia as few chemists have had the same creative breadth and flexibility across chemistry as a whole.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry has already demonstrated its potential in the past by making critical contributions to human society through identifying and synthesizing key products (medicines, polymers, etc.) and helping to understand how they affect biology and the environment. This is amazing! However, to fully realize the transformative impacts of organic chemistry in the future we need to train scientists that are curious, flexible, and collaborative to solve the problems of today (including treating human diseases, minimizing – and reversing – environmental pollution, and making better materials) and those of tomorrow that we cannot even conceive of yet. Solving society’s greatest challenges will always need organic chemists, and we need to make sure they are prepared to make an impact when it counts.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

While there are always thorny (and rewarding) scientific problems in organic chemistry, I think the greatest difficulties arise from the hypercompetitive, zero-sum game mentality of many legacy research groups. This old school approach of “racing” to publication and “scoop-or-be-scooped” can make people quite cynical about the field and can be very discouraging to young upcoming chemists.

My biggest tip (and request) for all organic chemists, both established and upcoming, is to remember there is more than enough beautiful organic chemistry to discover and research for everyone, and someone else’s success is not your failure. We are lucky to be involved in a field with such an abundance of puzzling, inspiring, and useful findings and I hope young upcoming organic chemists will take this mentality of abundance to heart as they become leaders in the field.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am most interested in synthetic chemistry because it focuses on the design and synthesis of organic molecules, serving as the core of organic chemistry. This field drives advancements in drug development, materials science, and the creation of functional molecules through meticulous molecular design and efficient synthesis techniques. Moreover, it bridges multiple disciplines, enabling innovations across science and technology.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

One part of my research focuses on asymmetric catalytic functionalization of feedstock unsaturated hydrocarbons for forming various carbon–heteroatom bonds. This method is akin to assembling structures by pushing blocks; it allows the formation of various structures from readily available starting materials.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

Playing with my two-year-old son and diving into his imaginary world through his toys is pure joy and adventure.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would choose Rosalind Franklin, who made great contributions to the discovery of the DNA double helix. She was a British physical chemist and crystallographer. In 1952, she firstly discovered the “double helix” structure using X-ray diffraction! In 1962, James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins confirmed the molecular structure of DNA, mainly based on Franklin’s hypothesis and photos of DNA chains.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry holds immense potential for future advancements across various sectors, from driving pharmaceutical innovations like targeted therapies and personalized medicine, to creating advanced and sustainable materials for applications in electronics and environmental protection. It will also play a key role in enhancing renewable energy solutions, improving agricultural productivity through targeted crop protection and nutrient delivery, and advancing medical diagnostics and biotechnology. With ongoing research, organic chemistry is set to revolutionize multiple industries, addressing current and future challenges with innovative solutions that improve human health, sustainability, and quality of life.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

Embarking on an independent academic career as a principal investigator is very exciting, yet very challenging. We need to secure continuous grant support for our research, engage in high-quality teaching and mentoring, and publish high-quality papers. This is particularly challenging for female chemists with young children, who must also balance their personal lives. I think it is crucial to remember to spend time with our families, enjoy life, and accept frequent rejections as part of the academic journey.

1. Which field of organic chemistry are you interested in the most and why?

I am interested in asymmetric catalysis and biocatalysis. I am interested in these areas, as a deep understanding of interactions between the substrate and the catalyst, whether a small-molecule catalyst or a biomacromolecular catalyst, is an essential way to advance organic chemistry.

2. If there is one thing you would like people to understand about your research, what would that be?

We are interested in developing efficient and selective biocatalytic reactions and our recent research has put an emphasis on the discovery and development of biocatalytic reactions not previously known in either organic chemistry or biochemistry.

3. What do you do to relax after a busy day?

I spend time with my family.

4. Given the chance to meet any chemist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would be excited to talk to Ronald Breslow to learn about biomimetic chemistry.

5. Which potential do you see in organic chemistry in the future?

Organic chemistry continues to be an essential field of research, as people will always need to make molecules with desirable properties. A key way to innovate in future organic chemistry research is to embrace interdisciplinary approaches to the discovery of new activity patterns and new methods of doing catalysis.

6. Which difficulties are there for young upcoming chemists in your field? Do you have any tips?

For our generation and the younger generation of chemists, a key challenge is to keep our students excited about organic chemistry and to keep being inspired about innovating chemistry. We should never forget both the practical utility of organic chemistry and the fun in making molecular architecture.