The 5th edition of the Master's in Chemistry at the Interface with Biology and Materials Science (ChemBio&Mat) has concluded with the farewell ceremony held last Tuesday at CiQUS. Over the past few days, students had the opportunity to present and share the results of their final research projects, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in chemistry, biology, and materials science.
"Every year, we are impressed by the quality and depth of the projects developed by our students," says Prof. Juan R. Granja, coordinator of the program. "In this edition, we have seen innovative approaches in areas such as the synthesis of new functional materials, supramolecular chemistry applied to biological systems, and the development of more sustainable catalytic strategies." He also encouraged students to pursue their dreams: "With the youth and talent they possess, along with everything they have learned over these months from the center, their mentors, and the visiting scientists who have participated in the master’s program, they have all the qualities needed to keep growing and developing to make their dreams a reality." At the same time, Prof. Dolores Pérez, deputy director of CiQUS, highlighted the scientific maturity demonstrated by the students during the defense of their research projects, which, in her words, "proves the quality and training capacity of the master’s program, far superior to other shorter and less research-oriented programs".
The closing program included a meeting with Dr. Daniel Maspoch, ICREA researcher at ICN2, whose work masterfully combines fundamental and applied research in nanotechnology and chemistry for the development of porous reticular materials. Maspoch delivered the closing lecture, Clip-off Chemistry: Synthesis by Bond Cleavage, in which he introduced a novel synthetic approach based on the selective cleavage of bonds in complex molecular structures, enabling the precise generation of new materials. "Innovations in synthetic methods not only pave the way for new structures but also redefine how we design and build materials to address global needs," explained Maspoch.
Beyond the knowledge acquired, the master’s experience has left a lasting impact on the students. Speaking on behalf of his class, David Montoto emphasized that these past 18 months have been much more than just an academic journey: "We have learned at the frontier, at the intersection of disciplines and cutting-edge scientific advancements. We have conducted research to improve people’s lives and to uncover the unique beauty of the world around us. And we have grown, as individuals." He also highlighted the crucial role of CiQUS in this experience: "This is the CiQUS master’s program, which has truly become our second home… if only because we’ve spent more time here than in our actual homes." Most importantly, he underscored the sense of community and the human quality they have encountered throughout this journey: "The most important things in life are given to us freely, and the most valuable thing we have received during this time is the sincere support and care from those around us. That is the most precious gift we can receive, and the most precious gift we can give."
With this fifth graduating class, the Master ChemBio&Mat continues to establish itself as a leading interdisciplinary program at the interface of Chemistry, Biology and Materials Science, providing students with high-level training in a cutting-edge research environment.
The 5th ChemBio&Mat Master's class, together with professors Pérez, Granja and Maspoch, during the closing ceremony.
Dr. Daniel Maspoch (ICN2) delivered the closing lecture: Clip-off Chemistry: Synthesis by Bond Cleavage.