Ariba Adnan

" Since October 2022, I have been a PhD student in Prof. Marc Koper's Catalysis and Surface Chemistry (CASC) group at Leiden University. My research focuses on studying the double-layer region of gold single-crystal electrodes and the effect of the double layer on electrode reactions. I am happy to join the HRSMC PhD platform, as it offers a great opportunity to gain academic knowledge and work with PhD students from different groups. I look forward to organising HRSMC social events and workshops, which will provide a platform for collaboration between young researchers from different universities in the Netherlands." 

Joost Koning

"Since April 2025, I have been doing my PhD research under the supervision of prof. dr. Marc Koper’s Catalysis and Surface Chemistry group at Leiden University. I’m interested in the fundamentals of organic electrosynthesis. I think that this field has more potential if we understand the mechanisms behind the electron transfers and chemical reactions at the electrode surface. As my PhD is a result of the HRSMC Class of Excellence, I value the collaboration between the universities provided by the HRSMC. Through the PhD Platform, I hope to connect people from different universities and accelerate the transfer of knowledge, as well as establish a strong foundation for new scientists."

Lin Xu

"In November 2022 I started my PhD in the group of Sander Wezenberg at Leiden University.
My research focuses on studying phototunable conductivity in polymer hydrogels.
HRSMC provides a great platform to gain academic knowledge and learn from young researches from other universities. I’m excited to join the PhD platform and contribute to the social events and workshops that HRSMC holds."

Anissa Haim

“ In February 2023 I started my PhD in the group of prof. dr. Tom Grossmann (VU Amsterdam). During my PhD I will focus on the synthesis of peptide-derived molecules and on protein engineering. One of the goals is to use biocompatible reactions for the selective functionalization of unprotected peptides and proteins. I am very excited to be a member of the PhD platform in which I would like to actively contribute to the academic programme and workshops the HRSMC offers. I also look forward to meet and collaborate with fellow PhD students.”

Yuman Hordijk

“ Starting in 2022 I am a PhD student in the TheoCheM group at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Under the supervision of dr. Trevor. A. Hamlin and prof. dr. F. Matthias Bickelhaupt, I research the application of machine learning/AI techniques to understanding organic reactions in the context of density functional theoretical calculations. My research will hopefully lead to a “smart” toolbox that can be used by both experimental and theoretical chemists. To aid in the needs of various types of chemists I believe that collaboration is essential and platforms such as the HRSMC PhD platform are invaluable for these purposes. I am more than happy to be able to contribute and help improve the platform and bring young scientists together.”

Pier Wessels

"In January 2023, I started my PhD at the Chris Slootweg Research Collective (Universiteit van Amsterdam). My project is focused on finding novel ways to store hydrogen in certain boron salts, particularly sodium borohydride. Although research is my main joy, I also thrive by teaching fellow students and socializing with colleagues and peers. I believe that an important part of a person's doctoral research is the connections you create and the friends you meet. Through the PhD platform, I hope to facilitate events where PhD students can establish these connections and friends and finish their projects with more than just a doctorate."

Rodolfo Monegato

“In April 2025 I started my PhD in the Functional Materials group at the Universiteit van Amsterdam. My project focuses on designing adsorbent materials for hydrogen purification, combining fundamental chemistry with advanced functionalization to make materials that can actually work at an industrial scale.
As I go through my PhD journey, I’m realizing that research is only one part of the experience. Just as important is meeting people, who can become collaborators, colleagues or even friends. My goal is to create opportunities for other PhD students to connect, share their experiences and build meaningful relationships."

Wouter Mulder

"In February 2026, I started my PhD in the Molecular Photonics group at the University of Amsterdam under the supervision of dr. ir. Annemieke Petrignani. My research focuses on identifying abiotic reaction pathways for the formation of biomolecules such as proteins, with the aim of better understanding the origin of life.
I believe most research benefits greatly from meaningful collaborations and discussions between researchers with different expertise. It is therefore important to sustain a platform such as the HRSMC PhD platform, where my peers and I can connect, exchange ideas and learn from one another. I am eager to contribute to the platform and to help bring young researchers together."