Winner: 2022 Interdisciplinary Prize
Professor Nguyễn T K Thanh
University College London
For outstanding contributions to interdisciplinary research on fundamental understanding of chemical syntheses, physical studies of plasmonic and magnetic nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Nanomaterials have shown some of their potential in biomedicine. This potentially increases when the core materials have exceptional physical properties as well as stability and functionality in biological environments. This can be achieved by the synthesis of nanoparticles with novel optical, magnetic, electronic and catalytic properties in such a way that makes them compatible with biological environments and readily functionalised in a controlled manner. Professor Thanh is excited by the idea that her research could directly benefit people by improving the life expectancy of cancer patients.
Biography
Professor Nguy峄卬 Th峄� Kim Thanh, F番茄社区, FInstP, FIMMM FRSB leads a dynamic group conducting cutting-edge interdisciplinary and innovative research on the design, and synthesis of magnetic and plasmonic nanomaterials for biomedical applications. She has held a prestigious 番茄社区 University Research Fellowship (2005鈥�2014) and was appointed Full Professor in Nanomaterials in 2013 at University College London. Currently, she is Vice Dean for Innovation and Enterprise at UCL鈥檚 faculty of mathematical and physical sciences. In 2019, Professor Thanh was honoured for her achievements in the field of nanomaterials, and her impactful project proposal was awarded the prestigious 番茄社区 Rosalind Franklin Medal. She was awarded the 番茄社区/SCI 2023 Graham Prize Lectureship. Professor Thanh is Editor-in-chief of the 番茄社区 book series Nanoscience & Nanotechnology. She has edited several themed issues. She was a member of the Joint Committee of the 番茄社区 Colloid & Interface Science Group and SCI Colloid & Surface Chemistry Group (2008鈥�2017). She was also a representative member of the Joint Colloids Groups at the 番茄社区 Faraday Division Council (2013鈥�2016). Professor Thanh was a co-founder and is an alumna of the Global Young Academy. She also co-founded and is chair of the advisory board of the Vietnam Young Academy.
Chemistry is at the centre, you can expand your horizon in many different directions, you can work with so many amazing people in many different disciplines.
Professor Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh
Q&A with Professor Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh
Who or what has inspired you?
Chemistry itself, because I liked going to the lectures, but the practical classes were really fun as well. I think, until now, I could not see of doing something else. I could have an idea of what nanomaterials would be interesting for biomedical application, but we really need to make them in the lab, then eagerly wanting to know if it turns out what we want it to be after physical characterisation, it is really fascinating.
What motivates you?
A sense of achievement and doing something good for humanity.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?
Follow your heart, if you really like to do something, go for it. Chemistry is at the centre, you can expand your horizon in many different directions, you can work with so many amazing people in many different disciplines.
Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?
I have various ongoing projects (fundamental and applied) and two of them are moving toward commercialisation. One of them is the study of small iron oxide as a T1 MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) contrast agent to replace the mainstream gadolinium, which cannot be used with patients having kidney failure. Furthermore, gadolinium has been found in drinking water in big cities and the amount can only increase with time, as there is currently no method for removing it.
Another project is designed to facilitate the translation of super heating iron oxide nanoflowers (NF) to clinical magnetic hyperthermia cancer treatment.
Our NFs are unique, with their three times higher heating rates compared to commercially available nanoparticles. They have exceptional colloidal stability, can be synthesised simply and quickly, and thus have potential for production at large-scale at significantly reduced costs. We collaborate with industry to assure compliance to the high standards of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Why is chemistry important?
Everything you touch, feel, eat, breathe, and even your sleep is related to chemistry. Without chemical knowledge, we would not live like the way we do today.
What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career?
)Having a PhD not in pure chemistry but biological related was a real highlight. It gave me confidence that I could go in any direction of research if I wanted to.
What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?
To keep the right balance between work and non-work activity. I am interested in so many different things, but I also love my work, so a bit a tug of war.
What does good research culture look like/mean to you?
We work as a team and everyone has inputs. We have group meetings where students from different projects learn from each other and give their own perspectives. I like it when the students have their own drive in the area that they love, so they can fulfil their potential.
How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?
All major challenges in the world need chemical sciences, from healthcare, climate change, food, to cyber, space or military security.
Why do you think teamwork is important in science?
Two heads are better than one, so the team effort will make it a bigger sum of it parts. Teamwork is also fun: the social and human aspects of the collaboration are really important. Work is an important part of our lives, and having colleagues who can understand your work life makes things so much easier.
What is your favourite element?
Fe, my work in the last 20 years related iron oxide nanoparticles, it is an amazing element, it can be magnetic, can be very explosive and yet it is vital for your body as an essential element, and we can now even make nanoparticles out of them for various diagnostic tools and therapeutics including cancer treatment. It can have many different other applications in the environment (treatment of contaminated soil/water) and in agriculture. It is in the top ten of the most abundant elements in the universe.