Dr Josef Boronski - 2023 Dalton Emerging Researcher Prize winner

Dr Josef Boronski AMRSC

Winner: 2023 Dalton Emerging Researcher Prize

University of Oxford

For groundbreaking investigations into actinide-cyclobutadienyl chemistry, leading to the preparation of a σ-aromatic cluster featuring direct actinide-actinide bonding.

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Every day is exciting when you’re experimenting at the frontiers of inorganic chemistry, pushing elements to give up their secrets.

Actinide elements, such as uranium, are used as nuclear fuel and are produced as waste during the generation of nuclear energy. The radioactive nature of these elements means they are more challenging to investigate and are relatively poorly understood.

Dr Boronski’s fundamental research reveals some insight into the chemistry of actinides at the interface of the metallic and molecular phases. This information is of relevance to the environmental behaviour and speciation of actinide elements. It has the potential to inform new methods for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel or for the separation and management of the components of nuclear waste.

Read winner biography

Josef completed his MChem at the University of York in 2017. His fourth-year research project involved investigations of reactive low-valent gallium complexes under the supervision of Dr John Slattery. Subsequently, Josef undertook a PhD with Professor Steve Liddle at the University of Manchester, which he completed in 2021. His doctoral research focused on the preparation of uranium and thorium complexes furnished with carbene and cyclobutadienyl ligands. These studies led to the preparation of a compound featuring a three-centre two-electron tri(thorium) bonding motif: the first example of actinide-actinide bonding in a stable compound and the heaviest homometallic bonding combination yet reported.

In 2021, Josef began a Junior Research Fellowship at St John’s College, Oxford, under the mentorship of Professor Simon Aldridge. At Oxford, Josef initiated a programme of research into the chemistry of beryllium, with a particular emphasis on beryllium-metal bonding and low oxidation state compounds. This work resulted in the synthesis of diberyllocene: the first example of a stable compound featuring a beryllium-beryllium bond and the lightest homometallic bonding combination yet reported.

Q&A

What motivates you?

I’m acutely aware of how lucky I am to work in chemical research. Every day is exciting when you’re experimenting at the frontiers of inorganic chemistry, pushing elements to give up their secrets. My engaged, talented, and supportive colleagues also really enthuse me.

Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?

Solvent and solubility limit many reactions. I think mechanochemistry will take synthetic chemistry to places which have previously been out of reach.

What does good research culture look like/mean to you?

Diversity is at the heart of good research culture. We need an academic ecosystem in which people from all backgrounds are represented and their voices are heard. This will create an intellectual landscape where beautiful ideas will flourish – a community stronger than the sum of its parts.

What is your favourite element?

All elements are unique and have individual ‘personalities’, so it’s hard to choose a favourite. I find it particularly rewarding when an element shows you its idiosyncrasies. I’ve really enjoyed working with gallium, aluminium, uranium, thorium, and beryllium.