Chemists’ ability to envision synthetic pathways both for new compounds and known molecules via innovative catalytic methods has been an important enabler for modern society well-being, as they allow access to materials and molecules that are crucial for many aspects of our lifestyle. In the modern society, the ubiquitous presence of chemical innovations is seemingly invisible, though they form the technological pillars of several major societal areas such as health, nutrition, transportation, construction materials, and device components for computers, information and  communication technology. Chemistry is also a crucial tool in solving current global problems concerning health, nutrition, pollution, depleting resources: the needed sustainable solutions will have chemistry at their core.

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Fundamental knowledge i.e. the understanding of chemical phenomena, which can be achieved only by conducting basic research, represents the starting point from which all innovation are born. In line with this, the Helaja group seeks to develop novel methodologies (i.e. chemical reactions) able to allow access to important molecular motifs in a more efficient way with catalytic means that weren’t previously considered possible.