Elliott Denton - KR

What made you decide to apply for a grant at the Leading House Asia?
In the third year of my PhD, I was considering moving into the field of polymer chemistry for a postdoctoral position and felt a change would benefit both myself and my science. I decided to research funding and groups with which I could initiate a collaboration from my project to extend it into that field. This would provide me with invaluable experience, broaden my network and give me an opportunity to travel to a completely new country.

How did you secure a host professor?
After finding there was funding for an exchange stay in Korea, I began researching which groups would fit my research interests and where I would be happy to stay. With the help of an old colleague, who is now a professor in Korea himself and the support of my supervisor, I reached out to the host professor expressing my interest in undertaking an exchange in his group. After an initial discussion about research and life in South Korea, I began to write the proposal with support from colleagues, my supervisor, and the host.

How would you describe your experience of the programme?
My host was great. They were helpful in organising the exchange, replying quickly to emails and ran the group with an international outlook. Further, they ensured I was introduced to the lab members and checked up on me. I really benefited intellectually from them and their groups expertise in group meetings and daily research. The whole experience was a memorable one, but two highlights were: 1) having rigorous and in-depth discussions of the literature during group meeting; and 2) My last day when we all gathered and had some interesting conversations. People have been extremely generous to me during my exchange, I am very grateful for this.

What role did the Leading House Asia play in the programme?
Without the Leading House Asia, the exchange would not have been possible. They were quick to answer questions, help resolve issues, provided contact points to meet others and even arranged a a zoom call with the Science and Technology office of the Swiss Embassy to Korea which provided helpful information.

What were the impacts you made through the project/partners/individual?
The impact of the project demonstrates the initial application of a new class of monomer. While this work is a first in exploring these monomers in polymerisation, there is potential to apply these where multiple functions are required in a polymer such as combining on-demand release of small molecules with self-healing materials and beyond.

Testimonial: what were your personal experiences/thoughts on the bilateral cooperation experience?
I am very grateful to both countries, the people and organisations involved in providing me with such an outstanding opportunity. The experience allowed me to grow as a person, gain experience and see some excellent chemistry. I was able to see a part of the world I have never been to before, with this being my first trip outside of Europe. Having an opportunity to challenge myself academically and discover a new country with the support of both institutions and research groups was a great privilege.

Read more on Elliott's story on ETH Ambassadors.