Floris Rutjes is Professor of Organic Chemistry at Radboud University and annually supervises many students during the intensive Bachelor's and Master's phases of their studies. 'These students conduct research for eight weeks during their Bachelor's phase, and eight months during their Master's phase. This allows for concrete research and helps develop research skills that you can use later.'
Floris Rutjes
With eight months of research during your Master's, you can conduct substantial research projects and develop research skills that will be valuable for your future career.
- Name
- Floris Rutjes
- Programme
- Chemistry of Life
- Current role
- Hoogleraar Organische Scheikunde
The patent that a Master's student secured through his research after lengthy experimentation exemplifies how things can unfold in organic chemistry, explains Professor of Organic Chemistry Floris Rutjes. 'You need creativity and perseverance for it.'
Chemistry guest lectures for primary schools
He often uses his own career path as an example for prospective students. 'In secondary school, I had a chemistry teacher who really inspired me, and I felt drawn to that direction. I think it's very important to follow your intuition when choosing your study programme. Occasionally, I give guest lectures at primary schools (final year) because you can't start too early with understanding what you can do in this field.'
Experimental chemistry
After secondary school, Floris Rutjes deliberately chose not to pursue mathematics, physics or biology, but opted for the experiments promised by studying chemistry. At that time – the 1980s at the University of Amsterdam – while the first two years were heavily focused on physics and mathematics, persistence pays off. Floris Rutjes saw his perseverance rewarded with experimental chemistry in the second half of his studies.
Building molecules
He spent four years on his PhD and two years in the USA, to engage more deeply in research – read: experiments. 'During that six-year period, I essentially began building molecules, which I still do, and which fascinates me most. Still. That Master's student who achieved a patent with his research into medicines for post-traumatic stress is the finest example of how things can work out.'
The sky is the limit
Building molecules gained new momentum through the development of so-called click reactions, Floris Rutjes continues. 'In 2022, three professors were even awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the click reaction principle. In this field, the sky is the limit. You can discover new possibilities for this click technology as well. Applications include biomedical chemistry. You need to persevere and think outside the box. But then you have the most wonderful subject in the world, if you ask me.'
This article was written and published by TechGelderland.nl. Photo credits: Linda Verweij