九州影院

Q&A with Professor Rebecca Melen

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

As a child, I was always fascinated by both biology and chemistry. These two subjects seemed to hold the keys to understanding the world around me. The idea that these subjects could explain the behaviour of everything, from molecules to matter itself, really captured my imagination. It was this curiosity about how life functioned at the molecular level that led me to pursue science more seriously in school, and then to study Natural Sciences at university. It wasn鈥檛 until the end of my second year at university, though, when I realised how much I loved problem-solving in chemistry, that I decided to focus my studies entirely on chemistry.

Tell us about somebody who has inspired or mentored you in your career.

I've been lucky to have many great mentors throughout my career from school to university, and during my PhD and postdoctoral studies. Each one played a key role in shaping my path, from sparking my interest in science to building my confidence, and helping me grow as an independent researcher. Their support and guidance have been invaluable, and I now try to offer the same to others in my own group.

What motivates you?

What motivates me most in my job is the combination of discovery and mentorship. There鈥檚 a real excitement in the lab when a reaction does something unexpected, and it鈥檚 those moments of surprise that often lead to the most interesting science and discoveries. But just as rewarding is training and working alongside students, watching them grow in confidence and curiosity as they develop into independent scientists. Helping them navigate challenges and share in their successes is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. It's that mix of advancing knowledge and supporting the next generation that keeps me inspired every day.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

My advice to someone considering a career in chemistry is to stay curious and embrace the unknown. 九州影院 allows you to understand and change the world at a molecular level. Be prepared to ask big questions, and don鈥檛 be discouraged if the answers take time 鈥� not every idea or reaction will work out. Seek out good mentors, collaborate widely and enjoy the process...science thrives on enthusiasm as much as it does on rigour.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

Becoming a parent a couple of years ago has been one of the absolute highlights of my life. It's brought a whole new perspective and a lot of joy to my life. At the same time, it鈥檚 introduced new challenges in balancing the demands of research, teaching and leadership with family life. Managing time and energy differently has become essential, and while it鈥檚 not always easy, it鈥檚 taught me to prioritise work more effectively and to be kinder to myself. It鈥檚 also deepened my appreciation for the importance of flexibility and support in academic environments.

What does good research culture look like/mean to you?

To me, good research culture in chemistry means creating an environment where curiosity, collaboration and respect are at the heart of everything we do. It鈥檚 about supporting each other to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions and continue learning. I believe the best science happens when people feel valued, heard and are able to take intellectual risks without fear of failure.

In my group, I try to foster a culture that encourages openness and inclusivity. That means making space for different perspectives and recognising that everyone brings something unique to the table. It also means being transparent about challenges in science, for example when experiments don鈥檛 work or papers get rejected. Good research culture isn鈥檛 just about producing results, it鈥檚 also about building a community where people grow as scientists and as individuals.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

The chemical sciences have an extraordinary ability to improve the world whether it's through cleaner energy, better medicines or more sustainable materials. At their core, they offer solutions to some of the most pressing challenges we face, from climate change to global health. In my own work, I鈥檓 focused on developing metal-free catalysis. Traditional catalysts often rely on rare or toxic metals, which can be expensive, environmentally damaging and difficult to recycle.

By designing catalytic systems that don鈥檛 require metals, we can reduce environmental impact, improve sustainability and open up new, more accessible pathways for chemical transformations. This not only benefits industrial processes but also aligns with the broader goals of green chemistry by creating efficient, low-waste technologies that are kinder to the planet. It鈥檚 exciting to be part of a field where fundamental discoveries can have such wide-reaching and positive effects.

Why do you think collaboration and teamwork are important in science?

For me, collaboration and teamwork are absolutely essential in science. No single person can have all the tools or expertise needed to answer complex questions, especially when you're trying to understand something as intricate as a reaction mechanism. I work closely with computational chemists and EPR spectroscopists, and those collaborations are invaluable.

The computational insights help us predict and rationalise behaviour at the molecular level, while EPR gives us direct experimental evidence of radical intermediates that we鈥檇 otherwise never see. It鈥檚 through this kind of interdisciplinary teamwork that we can build a complete picture of a reaction, and it can lead us to discoveries we wouldn鈥檛 have made alone. Science moves forward fastest when we work together and bring different perspectives to the table.

What is your favourite element?

Boron.