What is your impression of the Chemical Synthesis portfolio of PhD projects?

The TECS CDT is fundamentally a synthetic chemistry PhD Programme, with every project having a clear research focus on cutting-edge chemical synthesis. Each project also has the potential to be progressed using aspects of automation or AI you learn about during TATE. What has struck me most is the diversity of projects being offered, ranging from having relevance in biology and medicine, to being applicable in material science research.

What do you particularly enjoy about TATE?

I really enjoy the variety within TATE. Each rotation has a distinct focus, enabling you to learn about different techniques and technologies that you will be able to apply to your synthetic chemistry PhD project. Importantly, you learn about these techniques and technologies in a synthetic chemistry context to see how they could be useful to chemists. Alongside the rotations, through journal club, brainstorming and problem session, you pick up a variety of transferable skills, like problem solving, presentation skills and teamwork skills, which will be useful beyond the programme.

How have you found the automation and A.I. aspects of the course? 

The course has opened my eyes to the usefulness of these technologies to augment synthetic chemistry. Since no prior knowledge of or experience with these technologies is required, the sessions on automation and AI have been accessible to all students. We have all really benefitted from learning together as a cohort, discussing these aspects of the course to improve our understanding of relevant technologies.

What would you tell a prospective PhD student considering TECS?

That the TECS CDT helps you understand the potential applications, benefits and limitations of different technologies for synthesis, alongside receiving the core training in theoretical and practical synthetic chemistry from leading academics at the University of Bristol. I think this makes the CDT unique, as it equips you with the skills to develop innovative solutions to modern synthetic chemistry challenges.