14:00-14:30 Dr Ruth Webster

‘Iron(salen) Catalysed Reduction Reactions’

14:30-15:00 Dr Maria-Andreea Filip

‘Quantum Computing for Electronic Structure Theory’

15:00-15:30 – coffee break

15:30-16:30 Prof Melinda Duer

‘Heavy mice and lighter things: chemistry in biological tissues’

Our research focuses on the study of the molecular structure of the body’s tissues – especially the extracellular matrix, the scaffold that gives tissues their strength and structure. Using powerful analytical tools such as NMR spectroscopy alongside optical, Raman, and electron microscopy, we probe the chemistry in tissues at the molecular and nanoscale, uncovering how their structure drives cell function and how it changes in disease. Our work reveals how the extracellular matrix is altered in cancer, degenerative diseases, and ageing, providing new opportunities for therapeutic development in degenerative diseases such as vascular calcification (hardening of the arteries).

16:30-18:00 – drinks reception in the Cyber Café – all welcome