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Jake Painter, a third-year PhD student in the Bower research group, has been awarded a Syngenta Scholarship. This annual scholarship scheme offers a select group of organic chemists the opportunity to visit the Jealott’s Hill research site for a two-day event, experiencing the work of a research chemist at Syngenta through various individual and group tasks.
Jake, who completed his Master’s in Chemistry (MChem) at Cardiff University with a year in industry at Syngenta, first became aware of the company during his undergraduate studies. His current research focuses on investigating bench-stable, functionalisable isocyanate precursors with applications in medicinal chemistry. His group is also collaborating with the Cooper group to use AI and automation to optimize a reaction discovered using variations of their isocyanate precursors.
Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, aims to enhance the sustainability, quality, and safety of agriculture through cutting-edge solutions. The Syngenta Scholarship scheme selects promising organic chemists to engage in tasks that simulate the work of a Syngenta research chemist. The top performers are awarded scholarships, which include a £750 cash prize and £500 for conference funding. This year, Jake was one of the two recipients.
Jake’s achievement follows in the footsteps of John Bower, Professor in Organic Chemistry, who had this to say about the Syngenta Scholarship Scheme: “The Syngenta Scholarship Scheme provides PhD students with an invaluable insight into the agrochemical industry. I won a scholarship in 2005 and really enjoyed using my knowledge to address the types of synthetic problems that Syngenta engages in.”
Reflecting on his experience, Jake said, “Attending the Syngenta Scholarship scheme was a fantastic experience. I was able to collaborate with fellow PhD students in group-based tasks tackling a range of different problems a chemist at Syngenta might face. By speaking to Syngenta scientists, I learnt a lot about different opportunities that Syngenta offers, not only in chemistry but in the variety of different functions spread across Jealott’s Hill. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the scheme, built up great connections with my peers, and developed my confidence in group-based tasks. I would recommend applying to anyone who is considering it!”
Many congratulations to Jake!