Get to know Bohdan Kozibroda, PhD student at ISIS and LBP

• Can you tell us about your academic career so far and what led you to choose this area of research?

I was fascinated by chemistry from a relatively early age, participating in several chemistry competitions, including the International Chemistry Olympiad, where I represented Ukraine in 2016 and got the Bronze medal. After that, I completed my Bachelor's studies at the Institute of High Technologies at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, one of the most prestigious places in Ukraine to study chemistry, receiving my degree with honors in 2020. During that period, I got interested in dynamic covalent chemistry which led me to join ISIS, for the first time for a summer internship in Prof. Lehn’s Laboratory of Supramolecular Chemistry. While there I learned about the CSC Graduate School, to which I subsequently applied and was accepted. As part of the master's degree in that school, I did all my three internships in ISIS, two in Prof. Lehn’s laboratory studying the adaptation of dynamic covalent libraries to liquid-liquid phase separation in fluorous biphasic systems and one in biotech startup Syndivia where I worked on self-immolative linker for the payloads for antibody–drug conjugates. Finally, after getting my master's degree, I continued my academic path as a Ph.D. student under joint supervision of Dr. Klymchenko at the Laboratory of Bioimaging and Pathology and of Professor Lehn at the Laboratory of Supramolecular Chemistry, to explore dynamic covalent chemistry in lipid nanostructures and living cells.

• What does the research environment at ISIS bring you (professionally and personally)?

The research environment in ISIS provides an outstanding foundation for professional growth. The institute has state-of-the-art equipment, as well as a supportive staff of engineers and technicians allowing research to go as smoothly as possible. Particularly scientifically enriching aspect of the work here are the seminars, as usually the most distinguished speakers who come to Strasbourg to give a talk in chemistry, choose ISIS to do it. Furthermore, the presence of startups and strong industry collaborations offers invaluable opportunities to connect with real-world applications of research.

• What are your wishes and plans for the future of your career?

After completing my Ph.D. thesis, I intend to join the research department of one of the biotech/pharma companies. It would allow me to be at the forefront of the development of life-changing therapies that can improve human lives.

• What do you like about your life in Strasbourg?

I really enjoy living in Strasbourg, the city has an optimal size—it's not too big, which makes it easy to navigate, but it's also not too small, so there's always something happening. The public transportation system is excellent, making commuting simple and stress-free, whether I'm getting to work or exploring different parts of the city. Plus, the food here is really good, there's always a new place to try and enjoy something delicious.

• If you were to name the one thing you are most proud of (career-wise or in your personal life), what would it be?

I wouldn’t say that I am particularly proud of anything, as, in my opinion, it is generally difficult to separate the impact of one’s effort from chance, like meeting the right people or learning about the right opportunity at the right time.