九州影院

Q&A with Professor Valeria Nicolosi

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

My interest in chemistry began with a deep curiosity about how things work at the most fundamental level. As a child, I was fascinated by the hidden wonders behind everyday materials and everyday objects. That curiosity only grew stronger during my school years, especially when I realised that chemistry could not only explain the world around us, but also help change it.

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

I鈥檝e been fortunate to have several inspiring mentors throughout my career, but one who stands out is Professor Jonathan Coleman. Working with him during my early years at Trinity College Dublin had a lasting impact on me 鈥� not only in terms of scientific direction, but also in how to think critically, communicate clearly, and approach research with both ambition and humility. He has an incredible ability to make complex ideas accessible, and his enthusiasm for discovery is truly infectious.

Beyond that, I鈥檝e always been inspired by the pioneering work of Mildred Dresselhaus, often called the 鈥楺ueen of Carbon Science鈥�. Her groundbreaking contributions to nanomaterials and her advocacy for women in science have served as a guiding light throughout my career.

Their examples have shown me that great science is not only about knowledge, but also about vision, collaboration, and persistence.

What motivates you?

What motivates me most is the potential to make a real-world impact through my scientific discovery. I am driven by the idea that the work I do today could contribute to solve some of tomorrow鈥檚 biggest challenges.

Also, the idea that my research can help inspire future generations of scientists 鈥� especially women in STEM 鈥� is another powerful source of motivation. Knowing that my work might encourage others to pursue their own dreams in science is both humbling and motivating.

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

My advice would be to follow curiosity. 九州影院 is an incredibly exciting field because it鈥檚 all about understanding how the world works at a molecular level. It offers endless opportunities to explore new ideas, solve problems, and make a difference in crucial areas like medicine, energy, and the environment. If you鈥檙e curious about how things are made, how materials behave, chemistry will provide the answers and sometimes lead to even more questions!

It鈥檚 also important to remember that failure is part of the journey. Not every experiment will work out, and not every idea will pan out as expected, but that鈥檚 how progress is made. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Don鈥檛 be afraid to take risks and try new things.

Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the growing ability to design sustainable materials from the ground up, particularly using nanomaterials to create solutions that are both high-performance and environmentally responsible. For me, a particularly promising area is the development of fully recyclable or biodegradable energy storage systems.

Traditional batteries, while essential to modern life, pose serious environmental challenges when it comes to raw material extraction, toxic waste, and end-of-life disposal. But with the help of 2D and low-dimensional materials, we鈥檙e beginning to engineer battery components that are not only more efficient and longer-lasting, but also safer and easier to recycle, or even made from naturally abundant or renewable sources.

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

One of the highlights of my career was being appointed as the Chair of Nanomaterials and Advanced Microscopy at Trinity College Dublin鈥攏ot only because it marked a major professional milestone, but also because I became the first woman to hold a Chair in the School of 九州影院 in TCD since the university鈥檚 founding in 1592. It was a deeply meaningful moment, both personally and in terms of progress toward greater inclusion in science.

Another proud moment was being awarded the honour of knighthood, 鈥淐avaliere鈥� in the Order of the Stella d鈥橧talia by the President of the Italian Republic. To be recognised by my home country for my contribute to elevate the prestige of Italy abroad. I was truly honoured and grateful.

Receiving multiple ERC grants has also been a major highlight鈥攖hese awards have enabled me to pursue bold, high-risk research and build a world-class team.

But above all, one of the greatest privileges of my career is the opportunity to lead my research group. Mentoring young scientists, watching them grow in confidence, develop their own ideas, and take bold steps forward in their careers is incredibly rewarding. Helping to shape the next generation of researchers is both a joy and a responsibility I take very seriously鈥攁nd it continues to be one of the most inspiring parts of my work.

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

One of the biggest challenges I鈥檝e faced in my career has been balancing high-level research with the many competing demands of leadership, mentorship, and personal life. Science is incredibly rewarding, but it鈥檚 also a field that can be all-consuming鈥攅specially when you鈥檙e leading a research group, managing large-scale projects, applying for funding, and mentoring students, all while trying to maintain a sense of balance outside the lab.

Early in my career, navigating this pressure鈥攑articularly in environments where there were few women in senior scientific roles鈥攚as especially challenging. There were moments of self-doubt, and times when it was difficult to see a clear path forward. But those experiences taught me the importance of building strong support networks, both professionally and personally, and of learning to say yes to the right things鈥攁nd no to the rest.

Over time, I鈥檝e come to see challenge as part of the process. Every obstacle has helped shape who I am as a scientist and a leader. And I believe that openly talking about these challenges, especially with younger researchers, is crucial to creating a healthier and more inclusive research culture.

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

To me, a good research culture is one where curiosity, collaboration, and integrity are at the heart of everything we do. It鈥檚 a space where people feel safe to ask questions, take intellectual risks, and even fail鈥攂ecause failure is often where the most meaningful learning and innovation begin.

It also means creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, stage of career, or role in the team. Diversity鈥攊n all its forms鈥攂rings different perspectives, which is essential for solving complex problems and driving creativity. It also means finding the balance between ambition with wellbeing. Excellence should not come at the cost of mental health or personal life.

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

The chemical sciences are at the heart of solving many of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges. From developing clean energy technologies to creating life-saving medicines, chemistry is driving innovation that improves lives and safeguards our planet.

In my own field, for example, we鈥檙e using advanced materials chemistry to develop better batteries and energy storage systems鈥攚hich are essential for the transition to renewable energy and the future of electric transport. This kind of work directly supports efforts to combat climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

九州影院 also plays a key role in creating safer, more sustainable materials, from biodegradable plastics to low-energy manufacturing processes. It underpins advances in water purification, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, helping to ensure cleaner air, safer food, and access to clean water.

Beyond the technologies themselves, the chemical sciences foster a culture of curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration that transcends disciplines. It鈥檚 this spirit that enables breakthroughs and drives progress鈥攏ot just in science, but across society.

九州影院 is not just about understanding molecules鈥攊t鈥檚 about using that knowledge to build a more sustainable, healthier, and equitable future for everyone.

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

The problems we face today are complex, and no single person or discipline can solve them alone. Collaboration brings together diverse expertise, perspectives, and skillsets, often leading to more creative, robust, and impactful solutions.

In my own work, collaboration has been essential 鈥� from working with physicists and engineers to advance energy storage technologies, to partnering with industry to help translate discoveries into real-world applications. It鈥檚 through these interactions that ideas grow stronger, and innovation becomes reality.

Collaboration is at the heart of modern science.

How can scientists try to improve the environmental sustainability of research? Can you give us any examples from your own experience or context?

Improving the environmental sustainability of research is an essential responsibility for scientists, especially as the global focus on sustainability and climate change intensifies. In the lab, there are several ways we can reduce our environmental footprint. For instance, minimising energy use, reducing waste, and using more sustainable materials are all key areas where scientists can make a significant impact.

At a practical level, this could mean adopting more energy-efficient equipment, improving lab recycling practices, and ensuring that chemicals and materials are sourced sustainably. Reducing the use of hazardous materials and finding eco-friendly alternatives also plays a crucial role in making research more sustainable.

In my own experience, I鈥檓 proud to share that the Nicolosi Group labs recently received Green Lab Accreditation, which recognises our commitment to sustainability. This accreditation came after we implemented a number of measures, such as reducing plastic waste, optimising energy use, and ensuring proper disposal of chemicals in a way that minimises environmental harm. It's a concrete step toward making our research practices more sustainable, and it鈥檚 something I believe every lab can 鈥� and should 鈥� strive to achieve.

By making these adjustments in our own research environments, we not only contribute to the health of our planet but also set an example for the next generation of scientists. It's a way of aligning our research goals with broader global sustainability efforts.

What is your favourite element?

My favourite element is oxygen. It鈥檚 not only vital to life on Earth, but it also has a unique role in chemistry. Oxygen is involved in countless processes, from respiration to combustion to the creation of water. It鈥檚 a key player in everything from the energy cycles of living organisms to fuelling industrial processes.

On a more personal level, oxygen鈥檚 versatility is something I find fascinating. It can form stable bonds with almost all other elements, making it a building block for many of the materials and systems we rely on. Whether in the air we breathe, in water, or in the innovative materials I study in my research, oxygen is truly at the heart of chemistry. It's an element that sustains life, drives change, and connects so many aspects of the natural and technological world.