The PhD thesis was supervised by José Vidal Gancedo, from the Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials (NANOMOL) Group, ICMAB-CSIC, and Vega Lloveras Monserrat, Technical Services, at ICMAB-CSIC. The PhD Committee that evaluated the Thesis was formed by Rafael Gómez Ramírez, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorganica (President), Rosario Nuñez Aguilera, Inorganic Materials & Catalysis (LMI) Group, ICMAB-CSIC (Secretary), and Yolanda Vida Pol, Universidad de Málaga, Departamento de Química Orgánica (Vocal).

Songbai Zhang’s PhD thesis was part of the PhD Programme in Chemistry from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). 

Why did you choose the ICMAB for your PhD?

Because of its reputation and I was looking forward to living in Barcelona.

How would you explain your research to a non-scientific audience?

We aimed to develop new metal-free imaging agents to improve the efficiency of medical diagnosis.

What are the main applications of your research? Could you give us an example?

The product is promising to detect diseases, such as tumors or other abnormalities in the body.

From the lessons learnt here, which one do you value the most?

To have a critical thinking way is important, we need to think about one thing from a different perspective in research.

What will you miss the most from ICMAB?

I will miss the people I met here and the good working atmosphere.

How do you think this experience will contribute to your training and to your future?

Now it is hard to say how this valuable experience will shape my future, but I believe these four years will have an important influence on my career.

What are your plans once you finish your PhD?

I plan to return to my country to continue academic work.

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your PhD, that now you can recommend to the ones who are starting?

When you have an idea, just give it a try.

Why did you become a scientist? Which have been your role models?

Because I like working in the lab to find out the reason for one phenomenon. I met many people who have led me to the way to becoming a scientist, such as my teachers in the university.

Which is your favourite female scientist? And why?

Chien-Shiung Wu, Chinese Madame Curie, because of her achievement in science.

Describe in 3 keywords…

• Your research: synthesis, radical dendrimers, contrast agents.
• Barcelona: sunny, beach, colorful
• Your experience at ICMAB: friendly, energetic, challenging 

More information and photos.