Research projects

The core of my research focuses on advancing NMR capabilities to unlock insights into the structure, dynamics, and function of molecules that play critical roles in key chemical and biochemical processes, achieving atomic-level resolution unattainable by other experimental techniques. Leveraging my expertise in both complex biological macromolecules and paramagnetic materials, my main objectives over the last decade have been to (i) push the boundaries of biomolecular structure determination using magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR—a project previously funded by an ERC grant (2015-2021), and (ii) develop and apply new methods for solid-state NMR of paramagnetic materials.

These two goals build on groundbreaking work developed in our lab, where we utilize MAS-NMR through novel concepts to (i) enhance resolution and sensitivity, (ii) detect signals from nuclei surrounding paramagnetic metal ions like cobalt, nickel, and iron, and (iii) expand MAS-NMR’s applicability to large integral membrane proteins in lipid environments, insoluble assemblies, battery materials, and supported catalysts. Achieving these goals requires a leap beyond current protocols, combining innovative NMR experiments with isotopic labeling, faster MAS rates, and higher magnetic fields. My long-term vision is for this research to yield a widely applicable method for characterising essential chemical and cellular processes, providing a powerful tool for addressing today’s frontiers in molecular and chemical sciences.