Recipients of 2026 Young Talents Fellowship

We’re delighted to announce the five recipients of our 2026 Young Talents Fellowship, who will begin their Master’s theses within our member groups in 2026. Congratulations and welcome to our network, Adrian, Iulia, Alexander, Patricia and Milena!

• Adrian Hodum, from Germany, studies Molecular and Biological Chemistry at EPFL, and will join Prof. Waser’s group.
• Iulia Mihail, from Italy, studies Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zurich, where she will join Prof. Guillén-Gosálbez, Prof. Bardow and Prof. Hellweg's groups.
• Alexander Pitzer, from Germany, studies Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zurich, and will join the group of Prof. Pérez-Ramírez.
• Patricia Simion from Romania, studies Chemistry at Durham University, and will join Prof. Bill Morandi’s group at ETH Zurich.
• Milena Rodriguez, from Germany, studies Chemistry at the University of Basel, and will join Prof. Ward’s group.

The Young Talents Fellowship supports students with exceptional academic records and potential, while promoting diversity and fair representation in sustainable chemistry research. It offers recipients the opportunity to conduct a Master’s thesis in one or more NCCR Catalysis research groups and to develop scientific connections and ideas within a multidisciplinary environment. The initiative was launched in 2022.