I completed the master’s degree in Organic Chemistry at University of Pavia, Italy in 2025. For my Master’s thesis, I worked at PhotoGreen Lab on the development of photoswitches for glioblastoma treatment. Alongside this, I am undertaking a traineeship in supramolecular photochemistry at Uppsala University in Crespi group, where I am expanding my skills in light-driven molecular systems.

During my PhD, I look forward to contributing to the field of photocatalysis, which I believe will play a key role in advancing more sustainable practices in the pharmaceutical industry, especially as interest in renewable energy and green chemistry continues to grow. I hope the training within the PIA project will shape me into a well-rounded researcher and prepare me for a future career in research and development, ideally in an international and dynamic environment. Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring new places, cities and trying new food-especially visiting local cafés.

Title: N-perfluoroalkylation of heteroaryl unit through merger of copper-catalysis and visible light photocatalysis

Summary: The goal of this individual research project is to provide a methodology that allows building fluorinated azoles. In this context, we will focus on developing N-functionalization of commonly occurring N-heteroaryl in active pharmaceutical ingredients (CNRS, France). Overall, we intend to enlarge the “magic methyl” story in drug discovery by another chapter. In the second step, the synthetic methodologies studied by the doctoral candidate will be applied through late-stage diversification of complex molecules and selected drug/candidates (Sanofi, Germany).

Work package: 2

Academic host institution: CNRS (France)

Academic main supervisor: Geraldine Masson

Academic co-supervisor: Luc Neuville

Industrial host institution: Sanofi-Aventis (Germany)

Industrial main supervisor: Volker Derdau