Congratulations to alumna Marta Chronowska, who has been announced as a 2023 winner of the prestigious Salters’ Institute Graduate award for Chemistry. Each year the Salters’ Institute recognises up to ten top graduates of Chemistry and chemical engineering who show potential to occupy leading positions in the UK chemical and allied industries. Marta continues the tradition of School of Chemistry success, following on from fellow recent graduates Thomas Winbolt who won in 2022, Finlay Clark (2021), and Adelina Ivanova (2020). Marta graduated with a first-class MChem Chemistry degree from the University of Edinburgh School of Chemistry in July 2023. Her final year project completed at the Nagoya University in Japan explored use of lasers to control chemical reactions. She is now continuing her studies in Edinburgh by pursuing a PhD in collaboration between the Wells Wood Lab and the Jarvis Group, thanks to the EASTBIO DTP funding. Her research spans chemistry, biology and computer science to develop data-driven methods for de novo design of flavoprotein-based light-activated novel enzymes. It is a tremendous honour to uphold the University of Edinburgh's School of Chemistry's tradition of excellence by becoming its 21st recipient of the Salter's Award. The application process and subsequent interviews allowed me to reflect on the complex interplay between geopolitics, the economy, and the chemical industry, which shaped my aspirations for the future. I am deeply thankful to the supportive community at the School of Chemistry, both staff and fellow students, for five years of learning inspiring science, the long-lasting friendships I left with, and for the opportunity to compete for this prestigious award. Marta Chronowska I am extremely pleased that Marta won this very prestigious award – richly deserved considering Marta’s knowledge in the field as well as her passion, motivation, communication, and leadership ability! It has been a privilege to accompany Marta during her undergraduate journey with us in the School of Chemistry: she has been truly a stand-out during her studies, and this prize will certainly not be her last one. My heartiest congrats on your award and best of luck in your PhD studies and beyond, Marta! Dr Uwe Schneider Further information Salters’ Institute Graduate Awards See the full list of 2023 award winners This article was published on 2024-03-11
