Golden Master Award 2024

Considerans

Marko Beslać, Eindhoven University of Technology
Triazatruxene-based supramolecular polymers

The Golden Master Award Jury has nominated the thesis of Marko Beslać, entitled “Triazatruxene-based supramolecular polymers” as the Winner of the Golden Master Award 2024. 

In his thesis, Marko describes his research that was performed under supervision of Prof. Dr. Bert Meijer in the Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry (Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry) at the Eindhoven University of Technology in a clear and engaging manner.

Marko prepared supramolecular polymers based on triazatruxenes. He demonstrated synthesis of the monomers, their self-assembly into supramolecular (co)polymers, and characterization of their photophysical properties. The thesis was lauded by his supervisor and the Golden Master Award jury unanimously agrees.

The thesis of Marko was a true pleasure to read. He provides cohesive and clear literature review of the various topics in his introduction setting the stage for thesis work. The thesis traverses a range of topics from synthesis and characterization of supramolecular polymers, DFT calculations and evaluation of their photophysical properties. Marko demonstrated he is insightful in his research approach, and he can also reflect on his results in a critical manner. He took significant strides in the development of these novel supramolecular monomers that will have impact in the areas of organic electronics and optoelectronics. Thus far, the study enclosed within the thesis is being written up for publication.

Prof. Dr. Bert Meijer shares in his letter that Marko is both an excellent scientist and speaker and his reports are written and defended in an expert manner; a young scientist in the making we will enjoy for a long time in the Dutch Sciences.

Based on the above, the jury was unanimous in nominating the thesis Marko Beslać as the Winner of the Golden Master Award 2024.

The other two prizes were awarded to:

• Frank de Kleijne, Radboud University Nijmegen
  'New methods for detection and characterization of glycosyl cations'
• Loes Kleinsmit, University of Twente
  'Design, fabrication, and validation of microreactors to study olivine carbonation in-operando with high-throughput'

The jury consisted of KNCV members in the broad range of chemistry: