How can we ensure that tomorrow's green technologies are genuinely sustainable? We spoke with Abhinandan Nabera, whose PhD research at ETH Zurich combines catalysis with systems-level sustainability assessment to tackle exactly that challenge. He discusses the value of interdisciplinary research, collaboration across scientific fields, and the experiences that have shaped his journey as a researcher.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your academic journey so far.

I’m Abhinandan, and I grew up in Chennai, India. As a kid, I spent hours taking apart RC cars and helicopters to figure out how they worked. That curiosity eventually led me to engineering, and I chose to study chemical engineering at NIT Tiruchirappalli before moving to ETH Zurich for my master’s degree. At ETH, I was introduced to life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis. I found myself drawn to a bigger question: are our green alternatives truly sustainable when we consider the whole picture? That question has shaped everything I’ve done since. I went on to pursue my PhD with Prof. Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez and Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez, where NCCR Catalysis gave me the opportunity to work at the intersection of process systems engineering and catalysis.




Abhi presenting at the NCCR Catalysis Annual Meeting 2025.




2. Can you describe your PhD research and the scientific challenge you are working to address?

My PhD asks a simple question: how do we know whether a greener way of producing a chemical is actually more sustainable? The chemical sector is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and many alternative production routes have been proposed, including CO₂ utilization, biomass, and plastic recycling. However, it is essential to assess whether these alternatives truly deliver environmental benefits. My research develops assessment frameworks that combine economic, environmental, safety, and resource-use metrics – something that is closely aligned with NCCR Catalysis' mission – allowing emerging technologies to be compared on a common basis before they reach industrial scale. Throughout my PhD, I worked closely with catalysis groups within NCCR Catalysis, using real experimental data rather than relying solely on assumptions, which made the assessments more realistic and relevant.

3. NCCR Catalysis fosters joint PhD projects across research groups. How would you describe your experience of being part of two research groups?

Being part of two research groups was the defining feature of my PhD and, at the same time, its greatest strength. I worked between the process systems engineering and catalysis communities – two fields that approach the same challenges from different perspectives.

Moving between them every day meant constantly learning, translating ideas, and finding a common language. It wasn’t always easy, and at the beginning the two perspectives often felt quite far apart. Over time, though, that gap became much smaller, thanks to the support and openness of collaborators from both groups. One of the biggest lessons from my PhD is that some of the most valuable research happens at the boundaries between disciplines rather than within a single field.


Abhi, together with his colleagues and research collaborators during the Escape 34 - PSE 24 in Florence, 2024.


4. In many collaborations, researchers remain primarily anchored in their own groups while interacting with others. In your case, the integration has been much deeper. What has made this level of collaboration possible?

For me, the key was moving from simply exchanging results to building genuine feedback loops. Rather than working in parallel, we created a process where my modelling helped guide the design of catalytic systems, while experimental results continuously improved my system-level analysis. This only worked because the expertise on both sides was truly complementary, connecting what happens inside the reactor with what happens at the process and systems level – something no single discipline could achieve on its own. Trust and shared goals were equally important. They developed gradually through years of working together on common challenges. NCCR Catalysis played a vital role by bringing different communities together, lowering barriers between disciplines, and creating an environment where this kind of collaboration became natural.

5. Beyond the scientific results, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your doctoral journey?

What I’ll remember most are the people. Having two supervisors meant benefiting from two different ways of thinking, which shaped me as a researcher far more than any individual result. Teamwork was just as important. Through NCCR Catalysis, I had the opportunity to interact with researchers from many different fields, and their questions often challenged me to rethink my own approach. Those exchanges changed how I work, teaching me to listen before defending an idea and to view problems from someone else’s perspective before jumping to conclusions. On a personal level, I also became more patient and more comfortable with uncertainty, learning to trust the research process even when the way forward wasn’t immediately clear.

6. What have you learned about yourself throughout this process?

More than any technical skill, my PhD taught me patience. Research rarely follows a straight path, and I learned to deal with uncertainty without losing confidence in the process. I also realized how much I value the people around me. I’m incredibly grateful to my supervisors and collaborators, who were always willing to answer questions, offer new ideas, or help me look at a problem from a different angle. Along the way, I also became less attached to individual outcomes and more focused on the learning process itself. That shift made it much easier to deal with setbacks and keep moving forward.


Abhi, together with supervisors Prof. Gonzalo Guillen Gosalbez (left) and Prof. Javier Perez-Ramirez (right). His thesis defense entitled "Integrating sustainability metrics for chemical systems across scales" took place in July 2026.


7. What advice would you give to young researchers considering interdisciplinary or highly collaborative PhD projects?

My biggest piece of advice is to stay genuinely open and not be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. The most interesting ideas often emerge outside your comfort zone. I would also encourage young researchers to invest in relationships, not just in results. Be willing to help others when they need it. Those small interactions build trust, and trust is what makes strong collaborations possible. In the end, successful interdisciplinary research is built just as much on communication and openness as it is on technical expertise.

8. Looking ahead, what are your next steps and aspirations?

I would like to continue working in sustainability, developing practical metrics that help measure how sustainable a technology really is and making those tools accessible to non-experts. My hope is that sustainability assessment becomes a routine part of technology development, so that environmental impacts are evaluated early, transparently, and alongside technical performance.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We wish you the very best for your next steps.

Learn more about Abhi’s research here and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Over 140 members of the NCCR Catalysis community came together in Fribourg from 8-10 June for three days of science, exchange, and collaboration.

Advancing sustainable chemistry through collaboration

The Annual Meeting showed once again what makes this network special: researchers from different disciplines, institutions, and career stages engaged in lively discussions, reconnecting in person and setting the tone for three days of scientific exchange toward sustainable chemistry.

The program opened with interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, digital research tools, life cycle assessment, machine learning, and FAIR data practices – reflecting the broad set of skills now needed to move catalysis research from fundamental insight toward real-world impact.

Across the following days, talks from early-career and senior researchers highlighted progress across all four Research Tracks, while poster sessions created space for lively discussion around new results, open questions, and future directions. The meeting also included updates on Phase III, communications, and data management, as well as community activities ranging from the Fribourg City Games to padel, museum visits, and dinner at Casino Fribourg.

The event closed with presentations from Turbo Grant recipients and Young Talents Fellows, followed by awards recognizing outstanding posters and talks. Beyond the formal program, the meeting was a reminder of the energy, creativity, and shared ambition that continue to drive the NCCR Catalysis community forward.

Looking ahead



The meeting also created space to reflect on the next steps for NCCR Catalysis. For a large collaborative program, this kind of shared planning is important, helping the community align, build on what has been achieved, and continue moving forward together. Above all, the Annual Meeting was a celebration of the people, ideas, and scientific progress that make the NCCR Catalysis community so strong.

The directors of the NCCR Catalysis center, Javier Pérez-Ramírez and Jerome Waser, closed the event by reflecting on progress achieved and outlining the importance of continued collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition for the years ahead. Watch the video and others on our NCCR Catalysis YouTube channel.

On 10 April 2026, NCCR Catalysis hosted its third Sustainability Day. The event brought together academic and industry experts to discuss approaches to sustainability assessment, complemented by a panel discussion that encouraged cross-disciplinary exchange. More than 110 participants joined on-site at the ETH Zurich Hönggerberg Campus and on-line via Zoom.



The program covered a wide range of topics focused on rethinking the chemical value chain, including systems thinking, circularity, sustainable process development and manufacturing, data availability and gaps, metrics for assessing sustainability, and the role of guidance and regulatory frameworks. Discussions also highlighted the persistent gap between scientific progress and its translation into measurable, real-world sustainability impact. Here are three key takeaways from the event.

1. Systems-level thinking as the starting point

Sustainability Day 2026 opened with a clear message: transforming chemical value chains requires a systems-level perspective. From circularity to life cycle assessment, discussions led by Prof. Yvonne van der Meer and Prof. Matthew Eckelman highlighted that sustainability must be embedded throughout the entire life cycle, from raw materials to end-of-life. This approach is central within NCCR Catalysis, where activities span the full value chain to identify more sustainable chemical production pathways. At the event, Prof. Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez introduced these efforts, illustrating how systems analysis can guide catalyst and process design toward broader environmental and economic goals.

2. Data and metrics remain a critical bottleneck

Industry perspectives showed how sustainability is being operationalized through metrics, data, and process design, while also revealing persistent challenges. Talks by Dr. Michael U. Luescher (Novartis) and Dr. Stefan Hildbrand (Roche) demonstrated that chemistry and catalysis are central to improving sustainability outcomes, but decisions must balance environmental impact with safety, cost, and performance. While data-driven tools are becoming more widely used, gaps remain, particularly in early-stage decision-making, where the greatest influence lies. The discussion made clear that progress depends on combining robust data with practical judgment to guide trade-offs and scale solutions effectively.

3. Closing the gap: From insight to implementation

Across the day, life cycle thinking emerged as a shared foundation, aligning perspectives from academia, industry, and policy. At the same time, Prof. Catharina Bening highlighted a persistent misalignment between sustainability frameworks and research practice, showing how NCCR Catalysis is working to better understand and bridge this gap through integrated, interdisciplinary approaches.

The panel participants agreed that earlier integration of sustainability, better data, and shared frameworks are essential to closing the gap between innovation and implementation. Programs like NCCR Catalysis play a key role in enabling this shift by connecting disciplines and stakeholders. The overall conclusion was pragmatic: advancing sustainable chemistry depends on stronger collaboration and the ability to consistently turn insight into impact.

Follow our LinkedIn page for the latest updates on upcoming events, expert talks, and featured speakers – including highlights from Sustainability Day 2026.

We have the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Praveen Bollini for an open-to-all lecture on Heterogeneous chemical kinetics, which will take place over two sessions in-person at ETH Zurich (Hönggerberg Campus) and via Zoom.

Chemical kinetic analysis represents a powerful tool in the chemical scientist’s arsenal, both for the comparative evaluation of catalyst performance and also for the detailed mechanistic interpretation of structure-catalytic property relationships. These lectures will discuss a subset of the most salient fundamental aspects of chemical kinetics on heterogeneous catalysts, with a specific focus on kinetic phenomena commonly encountered in chemistries of scientific and industrial significance.

15 April, 15:45-17:30, HCI J 3 or Zoom link: Part 1 - Measurement and Interpretation of Reaction Rates


Assessing heat and mass transfer limitations
Deconvoluting kinetic and thermodynamic contributions to measured rates
Addressing product inhibition
Dealing with complex reaction networks


22 April, 15:45-17:30, HCI J 6 or Zoom link: Part 2 - Advanced (but Simple) Concepts and Formalisms


Thermodynamic formulation of rates
Formalisms for evaluating rate-determining (or kinetically relevant) steps
Significance of stoichiometric numbers
Single-path and multi-path reaction sequences


Prof. Praveen Bollini is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston, where he leads a research group in catalysis and materials science. He received his B.S. from the Institute of Chemical Technology (2008), a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2013), and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota. His background includes experience in heterogeneous catalysis, including work with industry and advanced research labs. His research focuses on catalyst and adsorbent materials, especially understanding molecular-level diffusion, adsorption, and reactions in nanoporous systems. He is particularly known for work on carbon capture, CO2 conversion, and sustainable fuels, developing technologies that convert carbon dioxide and biomass into value-added chemicals.

Join us on 10 April 2026 at ETH Zurich (Siemens Auditorium HIT E 51, ETH Hönggerberg Campus) for a full day dedicated to the future of sustainable chemistry and chemical manufacturing, see program here. The event will bring together leading academics, industry experts, and policy makers to explore how we can accelerate the transition toward more sustainable chemicals and manufacturing processes across the entire value chain.

This year, we have an excellent lineup featuring the following keynote speakers:


Prof. Yvonne van der Meer (Maastricht University, NL)
Prof. Matthew Eckelman (Northeastern University, USA)
Dr. Michael Umberto Luescher (Novartis, CH)
Dr. Stefan Hildbrand (Roche, CH)
Michel Wildi (Federal Office for the Environment FOEN, CH)
From NCCR Catalysis: Catharina Bening and Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez


The event will be held in-person (limited to 150 attendees) and online via Zoom. If you are interested in on-site attendance, please register through this form by 6 April. You are welcome to share this registration link with any colleagues who may be interested in attending. If you can't attend in person, you can join online at this link.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: .

We look forward to seeing you at Sustainability Day 2026!

PhD researchers from the team, from left to right: Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang, Milica Ritopecki, Patrik Willi, and Katja Raue.
Three NCCR Catalysis groups, together with collaborators from ICIQ (Spain) and Empa, recently discovered a new catalytic architecture for green methanol synthesis that utilizes single-atom catalysis with a more efficient active site. In this Behind the Publication feature, Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang (aCe lab, ETHZ), Milica Ritopecki (TheorHetCat Group, ICIQ), Patrik Willi (Functional Materials Laboratory, ETHZ), and Katja Raue (EPR Research Group, ETHZ) share the story behind the discovery and what it could mean for the future of sustainable methanol production.

Can you please tell us about yourselves and your role within this project?
Adam: Originally from Taiwan, I am currently in the third year of my PhD in the group of Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez. My research focuses on green methanol synthesis and single-atom catalysis, both of which contribute to advancing sustainable chemistry and the transition toward more environmentally responsible chemical processes. Within this project, I coordinate experimental efforts across different research groups and stages of the investigation, aligning objectives and consolidating results.
Milica: I am a second-year PhD student at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA) in Tarragona, Spain, in the group of Prof. Núria López. My research focuses on atomistic modelling of heterogeneous catalysts. In this project, I was responsible for the theoretical work, developing realistic models of atomically dispersed indium sites and using simulations to understand their structure and catalytic behaviour.
Patrik: I am currently in the final year of my PhD with Prof. Wendelin Stark. I was originally trained as an organic chemist, but for my PhD, I transitioned into chemical engineering to work on more application-driven problems. In this project, I used flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) to prepare some of the materials we studied. This powerful technique allows us to produce comparable materials quickly while ensuring reproducibility and scalability.
Katja: I am a second-year PhD student in Prof. Gunnar Jeschke’s group, where I use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to better understand different catalytic systems. In this study, I investigated how this superior catalyst differs from established systems (e.g., ZnZrOx and InZrOx), which we had previously measured by tracking paramagnetic intermediates throughout the reaction. Using EPR, we can focus on oxygen vacancies, which are usually difficult to detect with other techniques.



The breakthrough: indium single atoms on monoclinic hafnium oxide achieve unparalleled methanol productivity via CO2 hydrogenation.
Can you explain the significance of your discovery and how it differs from previous work on indium oxide catalysts?
Adam: Sustainable chemical transformations, such as CO2-based methanol synthesis, are a cornerstone of the decarbonization of the chemical industry. Over the past decade, indium oxide supported on monoclinic zirconia has ranked among the most stable and selective catalytic systems. Previously, zirconia was believed to be the only support capable of effectively promoting indium oxide. Here, however, we report a new class of catalytic materials: hafnia-supported indium single atoms. We demonstrate that hafnia provides a strong promotional effect for indium single atoms, even surpassing the performance of the established zirconia support. Through advanced experimental and theoretical analyses, we show that this enhanced catalytic performance arises from the synergistic coupling of atomically precise material engineering with high-κ dielectric oxides.

What are single-atom catalysts, and what is the motivation for this work?
Adam: Single-atom catalysts are a class of nanostructured materials in which catalytically active species are atomically dispersed on a support, enabling maximal atom efficiency. These systems feature low-nuclearity metal species whose catalytic performance is strongly governed by their interaction with the support, making structure-performance relationships highly sensitive to the physicochemical properties of the carrier. The motivation of this work is to elucidate the structure-performance relationship of indium-hafnium catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation by controlling the catalyst nanostructure via flame spray pyrolysis. In contrast to previous reports, where indium oxide clusters or patches were identified as the optimal active sites, we demonstrate that indium single atoms on hafnia exhibit the highest methanol productivity. These findings bridge single-atom catalysis and green methanol synthesis, providing new design principles for advanced reducible oxide catalysts.



Group photo of some of the researchers, from left to right: Dr. Mikhail Agrachev, Katja Raue, Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang, and Patrik Willi.
Which was the main challenge? How did you address it?
Adam: The main challenge was understanding the synthesis-performance relationship of indium-hafnium oxide catalysts. Initially, we used a conventional impregnation approach to disperse indium oxide on monoclinic hafnia on isostructural supports, but even after extensive optimization, these catalysts were largely inactive. Through collaboration within the NCCR Catalysis network, we partnered with the Stark group to use flame spray pyrolysis to produce catalysts that were highly active and stable, outperforming zirconia-supported systems. Surface vibrational spectroscopy and adsorption studies showed that enhanced surface hydroxylation drives this unique synthesis-structure-performance relationship. Tackling this challenge required close interdisciplinary collaboration across synthesis, catalysis, and surface characterization.
Milica: The main computational challenge came from the large configurational space of indium single atoms on monoclinic supports. The flexible coordination of indium and the monoclinic surface create many possible structures, oxygen-vacancy arrangements, and surface hydroxylation states. To tackle this, we used a systematic modeling strategy combining density functional theory with ab initio thermodynamics to identify the most relevant configurations under reaction conditions. Continuous feedback from experiments guided the models, allowing meaningful comparisons between simulations and observed catalytic behavior.
Patrik: For a long time, I faced the challenge of obtaining sufficient high-purity Zr and Hf precursors. Discussing this issue with other members of our group led to alternative preparation routes - approaches I would not have considered on my own.
Katja: The results from my EPR measurements were highly unusual, especially compared to our previous experiments, as we observed no changes throughout the reaction. This puzzle could only be resolved by combining the EPR data with other techniques, such as XANES, highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration among experts from different fields.


Some of the researchers presenting the work at the Y5 Annual Review Meeting, from left to right: Abhinandan Nabera, Katja Raue, Patrik Willi, and Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang.
As junior researchers, what did you learn from this collaboration?
Adam: My main takeaway from this collaboration is that while one can move fast alone, truly impactful science requires going far together. This project illustrates a catalysis problem that demands expertise across multiple disciplines, from experimental catalysis and materials synthesis to theoretical chemistry. In hindsight, several key challenges could not have been tackled by a single researcher or group. The collaborative framework of NCCR Catalysis was crucial in fostering open communication among PhD students and researchers from diverse backgrounds. This teamwork not only strengthened the scientific outcome but also reshaped how I approach problem-solving.
Milica: I gained a deeper understanding of experimental techniques and the insights they provide, which helped me design and interpret computational models more realistically. It was also my first time working in a large multidisciplinary team, where I learned to communicate across expertise areas and integrate complementary results into a coherent story. Developing resilience was another key learning. There were moments when results were inconclusive or hypotheses did not hold. Learning to adapt strategies and keep moving forward despite uncertainty was one of the most valuable outcomes of this project.
Katja: This project reminded me that understanding complex catalytic systems requires a team with complementary expertise. Working with a spectroscopy technique that is still underrepresented in catalysis, I was already aware of this in principle. However, witnessing such interdisciplinary collaboration in practice was truly empowering, and I am very grateful to have been part of it.

What makes this work particularly relevant for NCCR Catalysis and the research community?
Adam: This work highlights the strength of an interdisciplinary, collaborative research framework. The project brought together researchers with complementary expertise in materials synthesis, catalytic engineering, theory, and spectroscopy, and our frequent discussions often led to valuable insights and progress. Beyond the collaboration itself, the study shows how integrating experimental and theoretical approaches can significantly advance our understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. Importantly, the design principles emerging from this work suggest that oxide supports comparable to, or even surpassing, zirconia can be systematically identified.
Patrik: The work is another nice example of NCCR Catalysis bringing together complementary expertise within the network, combining different approaches to address complex questions. Only these types of highly interdisciplinary collaboration enable progress that would be difficult to achieve within a single group.
Katja: This project shows that research of this kind can only succeed through collaboration. In my experience, it is less common to have collaborations involving more than two groups. I think the research community can learn from this example and pursue more interdisciplinary projects alongside work within their own areas of expertise.

Publication details:
Single atoms of indium on hafnia enable superior CO2-based methanol synthesis. Y.T. Chiang, M. Ritopecki, P.O. Willi, K. Raue, J. Morales-Vidal, T. Zou, M. Agrachev, H. Eliasson, J. Wang, R. Erni, W.J. Stark, G. Jeschke, R.N. Grass, N. López, S. Mitchell, J. Pérez-Ramírez. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41565-026-02135-y.

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the second edition of the NCCR Catalysis Turbo Grants! This entrepreneurship program supports early-stage spin-offs working in the area of sustainable chemistry and catalysis, emerging from NCCR Catalysis labs. The grant enables researchers to take their first steps towards becoming an entrepreneur, transforming their research into a product.

The three recipients of the 2026 Turbo Grants are:


Roberto Valenza from the Haussener group at EPFL, working in electrocatalytic circular green hydrogen production with integrated CO2 capture.
Andrea Ruiz Ferrando from the Pérez-Ramírez group at ETH Zürich, working on single-atom catalysts for sustainable transformations.
Tom Nelis from the Luterbacher group at EPFL, working on sustainable bio-derived solvents.


Congratulations to the recipients, and we look forward to supporting you in your entrepreneurial journey!

Team portrait, from left to right: Nicolas Imstepf, Adriana Neves Vieira.
At the end of 2025, two researchers from ZHAW and ETH Zürich participated in a lab exchange, where they each spent time in the other's lab, working together on their joint project through the NCCR Catalysis Catalyzer Program. Meet Adriana Neves Vieira, a recipient of the 2025 Talent Program in Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry, and Nicolas Impstef, a recipient of the 2022 NCCR Catalysis Young Talents Fellowship, as they describe their experience!

Hi Adriana and Nicolas, could you tell us about yourselves and your research within NCCR Catalysis?
Adriana: I come from Portugal and grew up in Neuchâtel. I then moved to Lausanne, where I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular and Biological Chemistry at EPFL. I continued my training by joining the Morandi group as a PhD student to develop new catalytic methods for organic synthesis. I have been collaborating with Nicolas and Prof. Buller to develop a cooperative chemoenzymatic system. In parallel, I also focus my research on developing new uses for phosphonium salts.
Nicolas: I grew up in a small village in the canton of Valais and started my career with an apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory technician at Lonza. I subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Computational Life Sciences from the ZHAW. Since 2023, I have been a PhD student in the Buller group, where I focus on engineering enzymes for next-generation industrial biocatalysis. In our collaborative chemoenzymatic project, Adriana leads the chemical aspects, while I contribute specialized expertise in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering.

How did the collaboration between the Morandi and Buller groups emerge?
Adriana & Nicolas: The collaboration began during the preparation of Phase II of the NCCR Catalysis, when Prof. Buller and Prof. Morandi jointly proposed the project's core idea. At the same time, Adriana began her PhD in the Morandi group and expressed interest in a collaborative project that aligned well with the Phase II timeline. This led to a joint brainstorming session involving all four researchers, during which the project took shape and evolved into its current form.


Adriana and Nicolas in the Morandi lab at ETHZ (left), and Adriana in the Buller lab at ZHAW (right).
You recently conducted a tandem lab exchange between ZHAW and ETH Zürich. How did the exchange benefit you as researchers and impact the project?
Adriana: It has been an amazing opportunity for me to practice interdisciplinary collaboration. This reflects what happens in industry, where I am heading, where most projects include members with very diverse backgrounds. I could develop my leadership and communication skills as well as my understanding of biochemical lab work.
Nicolas: The collaboration exposed me to a different academic culture and strengthened my critical thinking by encouraging me to approach problems from new perspectives. A decade after completing my apprenticeship, the exchange also served as a valuable refresher in organic chemistry and provided deeper insight into advanced experimental techniques.

Adriana & Nicolas: At the beginning of the collaboration, we faced natural challenges: the partner lab’s organization and workflows were unfamiliar, with different methods and corresponding problems. This lack of shared context made it difficult to contribute ideas that were both relevant and technically feasible. Without a clear understanding of how their research was conducted, even well-intentioned input risked being impractical or misaligned.
Through developing a deeper understanding of our partners’ work and maintaining open, continuous communication, we were able to anticipate challenges early, align expectations, and collaboratively develop effective solutions rather than simply merging results. Daily exchanges during these weeks enabled efficient idea sharing, faster progress, and a shared perspective on the project, ultimately strengthening both its direction and the quality of the research.



Adriana and Nicolas with NCCR Catalysis colleagues from the Buller and Benin groups at the photo booth at the NCCR Catalysis Annal Meeting 2025.
What advice would you give other early-career researchers on collaborations and exchanges between labs?
Adriana & Nicolas: Take the opportunity to visit other laboratories! You learn about a new field from passionate researchers, and you can share your own passion with someone eager to learn. In addition, you will also gain more insight into your own field, since your collaborator will ask questions about information that you took for granted.

What did you learn from hosting your colleague in your lab?
Adriana & Nicolas: It made us aware of different working styles. The colleague's arrival burst the scientific bubble we had been in, since we had quickly gotten used to our own laboratory's working habits. We got a different perspective that helped us realise what we had overlooked as good organizational features. It also made us aware of areas that could be improved, to make our PhD stay better and healthier.

What was surprising about your experience in the other lab?
Adriana: I had the misconception that enzymes are fragile at temperatures far from 37°C and in the presence of water as a solvent. I was surprised to learn that they can be used in so many different conditions and for many different substrates. I was impressed by the high-throughput methods used in biocatalysis and, as a consequence, by the amount of data that bioinformaticians need to handle.
Nicolas: One of the most surprising aspects of my experience in the Morandi lab was the versatility of the research areas and the level of independence given to researchers. PhD students were encouraged to choose and shape their own research projects, fostering a strong sense of ownership and motivation. This combination of diversity and independence made the lab environment both empowering and inspiring.


Nicolas, Adriana and Stefan in a Zoom call between the Buller, Morandi and Jorner groups.
What will be the next steps in your collaboration?
Adriana & Nicolas: To accelerate the identification of a functional system, we expanded our collaboration to include Stefan Schmid, another member of NCCR Catalysis (Jorner group), who brings expertise in computational chemistry. His work employs Bayesian optimization to guide reaction optimization and efficiently steer the system toward product formation. In parallel, we are extending the developed model system to more complex substrates such as hormones.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We wish you continued success in your project.

Learn more about Adriana's research here, and connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about Nicolas' research here, and connect with him on LinkedIn.