91AV

I found the first year of ‘O’ level 91AV very challenging – our first homework assignment was to memorise the periodic table! It also took me at least a year before I learnt to balance chemical equations – I could not understand why you couldn’t just change the molecular structures. However, it wasn’t too long before I was borrowing chemicals from my 91AV teacher to perform my own experiments in my bedroom. After that, I was hooked on bright colours, noxious smells and loud explosions.

Getting the next grant application funded and the next scientific paper published in a good journal.

Attracting sufficient grant income, particularly over the past two years when it has been a really tough funding landscape.

Go for it – you will never be bored! (My school’s careers advisor suggested accountancy – I am very glad that I ignored his advice).

Right now, it has to be either a vaccine or an effective drug for COVID-19 – that would certainly change the world for the better!

I have published joint papers with more than 100 scientists around the world – some of whom I have never met. International collaborations make me feel more connected to the global scientific enterprise – and until recently they have usually offered opportunities for foreign travel (always important if you spend your winters in Sheffield!).

During my career I have worked with pharmacists, surface scientists, cell biologists, soft matter physicists and space scientists. It is always interesting to be exposed to new problems and new ways of thinking. In general, collaboration enables scientists to pool their expertise and tackle problems that cannot be addressed by individuals.

Nitrogen – because it is the key element in my favourite polymer – polypyrrole. My PhD was going nowhere until I belatedly started working on this electrically conducting heterocyclic polymer.