Our second hands-on workshop took place at Radboud University: "Solid-state NMR methods for quadrupolar nuclei"
A hands-on workshop on “Solid-state NMR methods for quadrupolar nuclei” has been held at the Radboud University in Nijmegen from June 12th to June 16nd 2023. Organized jointly by Radboud and Aarhus Universities, it comprehended four theoretical classes and four hands-on (practical) sessions and a dedicated computational session.
The workshop, gathering 15 PhD students, post-docs and industrial scientists, included a state-of-the-art overview of the recent developments in the field of NMR quadrupolar nuclei including hands-on session for their implementation on the spectrometer. Furthermore, there was tutorials on the processing and fitting of the data and the computation of relevant NMR parameters in solid samples, as well as lessons accompanied by a few talks on specific applications involving quadrupolar nuclei by renowned experts in the field.
PANACEA Fellows
Student profile: Márcio SOARES - CICECO, University of Aveiro (PT)
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a PhD in Science?
A: From a young age, I always enjoyed learning new things about every topic - I was an extremely curious kid. With this in mind, I never imagined myself working in the industry, in a 9-to-5 job. Instead, I always envisioned a future where I would engage in research, innovation, and problem-solving, ultimately making a positive impact on others. Challenges have always been my driving force, and what better challenge than undertaking a PhD at this moment? My decision has always been clear!
Q: Why did you choose a topic related with NMR?
A: When I studied NMR in the university classes, I always found it immensely interesting. All the complexity, versatility and power of the technique amazed me right away. As someone with a computational background, my excitement peaked when I stumbled upon an opportunity to embark on a PhD thesis that seamlessly integrated computational studies with NMR. Instantly recognizing its alignment with my interests, I knew deep down that this was the path I had to pursue.
Q: Do you have a Science Hero or Mentor?
A: While I wouldn't classify Alan Turing as a Science Hero or Mentor, his life story is undeniably fascinating. As a passionate computer enthusiast, I am awestruck by his involvement in computational science, cryptography, mathematics, and logic, particularly in deciphering the Enigma code. The sheer brilliance and significance of his work are truly remarkable.
Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?
A: During my childhood, one career aspiration that stuck with me for long was to become an airplane pilot. However, my trusty glasses reminded me that it might not be the most suitable path. Fortunately, my enduring passion for science and technology persevered and guided me to the place I find myself today.
Users profile: Marta DUDEK & Piotr PALUCH - Center of Molecular & Macromolecular Studies, Lódz (PL)
Q: Where are you from and what is your field of research?
A: We are from a research institute in Poland and our main field of research is chemistry.
Q: Where have you heard of PANACEA?
A: We heard about PANACEA at a conference devoted to solid-state NMR: the Alpine NMR Conference.
Q: What was the purpose of your visit?
A: We wanted to use a higher field magnet (700 MHz) than the one available in our laboratory to get better resolved MAS NMR correlation spectra under very fast MAS conditions. This was done in
order to establish the crystal structure of a salt important in pharmaceutical sciences, folic acid mesylate.
Q: Overall, did you enjoy this access opportunity?
A: Yes, very much. We recommend without hesitation PANACEA!
