Visit to the Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
Awards:
Sir Eric Rideal Travel Bursary 2005
I spent a month with the Departament de Química Inorgànica
i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló (Spain)
to initiate a research collaboration with Dr Beatriu Escuder
and Dr Juan F. Miravet based on supramolecular gel-phase materials.
This branch of chemistry is based on rationally designed organic molecules that hierarchically self-assemble to form nanoscale architectures that underpin gelation. By understanding the physical and chemical properties of these soft materials it may be possible to develop materials applicable to drug delivery, catalysis and tissue growth.
Funded by the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), the Sir Eric Rideal travel bursary gave me the opportunity to continue my personal and professional development, both in terms of working in a different culture and being exposed to new ideas and experimental techniques. Particularly important, was the chance to discuss scientific problems on an ad hoc basis leading to stimulating and highly informative discussions.
The York research group will also benefit as new skills and ideas will be incorporated into existing expertise. It is anticipated that this initial collaboration will develop further in the near future and will promote development of new links between the University of York and the Universitat Jaume I. All in all, my visit to Spain was highly enjoyable and I hope to return in the near future.
Andrew Hirst
Department of Chemistry
University of York
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