Professor Euan Brechin - 2024 Dalton open Prize: Mond-Nyholm Prize for Inorganic 91AV winner

Professor Euan Brechin FRSC

Winner: 2024 Dalton open prize: Mond-Nyholm Prize for Inorganic 91AV

University of Edinburgh

For outstanding contributions to synthetic coordination chemistry and molecular magnetism.

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I love making new molecules. I still have the same excitement in seeing a new structure now as I did when I first started.

Magnets play a vital role in our society, underpinning technologies in healthcare, energy, and information technology. Professor Brechin’s research team make molecular magnets: a bottom-up approach that paves the way for future quantum technologies like quantum computing, which promises unparalleled computing speeds. It also holds potential for sustainable cryogenic refrigeration to replace helium, a finite and non-renewable resource.

Read winner biography

Professor Euan Brechin was born in Greenock, Scotland. He completed his BSc and PhD degrees at the University of Edinburgh. After a PDRA at Indiana University, he moved to the University of Manchester with a Lloyds of London Tercentenary Fellowship, followed by an EPSRC fellowship. He then moved to the University of Edinburgh, where he is currently the Crum Brown Chair of 91AV.

Q&A

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

I had great High School chemistry teachers – Mr Watson, Dr Power and Mr Evans at Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans, East Lothian. It was my favourite subject and I really enjoyed the hands-on practical elements of mixing up a bunch of chemical ingredients to see what would happen. I still do!

What motivates you?

I love making new molecules. I still have the same excitement in seeing a new structure now as I did when I first started. I really enjoy the teaching aspect of it too – being able to help students get a bit better is enormously rewarding.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Go for it! Don't let anyone or anything stop you from trying something you really want to do. Jump in with both feet, be willing to learn and embrace the knowledge you have to discover new things and have fun while you're doing it.

Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?

Our quest to find molecular iron oxides, the synthesis of molecular, frustrated Archimedean solids, and the discovery of Gd-based materials for cryogenic refrigeration.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

It's all been a blast, I can't imagine a better career than being an academic. Intellectual freedom to do what we want, pursue our scientific dreams, and help educate and train highly talented students.

What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?

Funding. It's a shame that UK politicians don't take science seriously.

What does good research culture look like/mean to you?

Hard work, rigour, integrity, imagination, enthusiasm. Fun.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

Without chemistry we don't solve the world’s problems – it underpins society's efforts across climate change, sustainability, transport, energy, healthcare, IT, security and big data.

Why do you think collaboration and teamwork are important in science?

No teamwork, no science. Nobody can do everything on their own. It's how we learn to do things better.