Happy to share that on September 8–9, we participated in a joint Seminar that brought together four research groups: the Supramolecular Chemistry Group of Prof. Richard Hoogenboom from Ghent University, and from our University – the Department of Supramolecular Chemistry and the Laboratory of Functional Organosilicon Compounds – with Prof. UAM Beata Dudziec as Leader, and the Centre for Programmable Polymers – with prof. UAM Róża Szweda as Leader. The event was organised by Prof. Michał Cegłowski from the Department of Supramolecular Chemistry at UAM. Our Laboratory was represented by Monika, Kasia, Julia, and me (BD), each of us giving an oral presentation. It was a great opportunity to share our research, exchange ideas, and discuss future collaborations. Continue reading →

ISySyCat 2025 (International Symposium on Synthesis and Catalysis) took place from September 2 to 5, 2025, at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra. The conference focused on modern topics in chemical synthesis and catalysis. It was truly an unforgettable experience – filled with inspiring scientific discussions and the rich flavours of Portuguese cuisine. Together with Monika, Kasia, and myself (Beata), we each had the chance to present our research during the Flash Communication sessions. Continue reading →

This July, our student Julia Frąckowiak had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Symposium on Innovation and Future Perspective in Silsesquioxane Chemistry (IFSC2025), hosted at Shandong University in Jinan, China. Organised by Prof. Hongzhi Liu, the symposium brought together a global community of scientists working on silsesquioxane-based materials—from synthesis to real-world applications. She had a presentation, “Verification of the catalytic activity of palladium and platinum complexes with N,N- and N,S- donor ligands anchored on organosilicon cages in the hydrosilylation of olefins“, which sparked some great discussions with researchers from Japan, Korea, and France. Continue reading →

Last week, I had the great honour of participating in the 11th European Silicon Days (11ESD) conference as an invited speaker. The event gathered leading experts in organosilicon chemistry and materials science for an inspiring exchange of ideas and research. I was delighted to attend alongside my brilliant colleagues, Monika Rzonsowska and Kasia Mituła-Chmielowiec, and contribute to the vibrant discussions, especially with Prof. Furgal, Unno, Wong Chi Man, and many others. A special highlight of the conference was the presentation of the WACKER Silicone Award 2025 to Prof. Lutz Greb from Heidelberg University, recognising his outstanding achievements in silicon chemistry—heartfelt congratulations! Continue reading →

Yesterday, 24th June, I had the pleasure of supervising and witnessing the successful defence of Julia’s Frąckowiak MSc thesis titled:  “Verification of the catalytic activity of palladium and platinum complexes with N,N-donor ligands anchored on organosilicon cages in the hydrosilylation of olefins.” Her contributions to the field of organometallic catalysis and materials chemistry are commendable. Congratulations to Julia on reaching this significant milestone, and we wish her continued success in her scientific journey.

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Last Saturday, May 24th, we participated in the Graduation Ceremony of the 2025 students of the Faculty of Chemistry. This year, Julia Frąckowiak and Paulina Strzelecka were the MSc graduating students. The ceremony is one of the last opportunities to meet with lecturers and friends. It was also an unforgettable moment for our families and loved ones. It was a time to sum up your achievements and dream about the next ones. Gaudeamus Julia and Paulina!
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Last week was full of interesting intellectual events. May 13th 2025, Beata Dudziec was invited to give a lecture “Unveiling the Potential of Functionalized Cage Organosilicon Systems — Modifications and Emerging Functions”, delivered as part of the CZT seminar series, promoting the research topics and activities of her team. The lecture aimed to showcase recent advances and highlight the scientific contributions of my research group. Additionally, the next invited Lecture: “The Many Faces of Silicon – From Sand to Functional Materials” was delivered as part of the Open Event at the Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, for secondary school students during the summer semester of the 2024/2025 academic year (May 16, 2025). The initiative aimed to popularise science and introduce chemistry-related topics to school students. Continue reading →

Last week we were hosting a great scientist of materials chemistry and the chemistry of silsesquioxanes – Prof. Rick Laine from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA). He is the author of 328 research papers (h-index = 64) with more than 14500 citations. The Doctoral School of Exact Sciences invited him to deliver a lecture series titled ‘Sustainable Materials from Agricultural Waste‘, funded by the ID-UB initiative. This course was primarily intended for PhD students specialising in chemistry and materials engineering. It focused on inorganic and materials chemistry research, with particular emphasis on organosilicon compounds and their applications in nanotechnology and materials engineering. He also delivered a lecture for CAT employees. It was scheduled for Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with an intriguing title, “Left Handed Chemistry”. Continue reading →

Dr. Monika Rzonsowska and Dr. Katarzyna Mitula-Chmielowiec, researchers from the Faculty of Chemistry and the Center for Advanced Technologies at Adam Mickiewicz University, send their greetings from Shandong University in Jinan, China.

Prof. Hongzhi Liu’s research group hosts the scientists, and their visit is funded through the Erasmus+ program.

During their stay, Dr. Monika and Dr. Katarzyna will carry out the planned teaching program and discuss future directions of collaboration. They will also have time to explore the charms of China and immerse themselves in the local culture. Continue reading →

Collaboration is a great idea! Can silicon cages be linked to singlet oxygen emission? A study by Prof. UAM Beata Dudziec, Dr. Joanna Szymkowiak, and Prof. UAM Tomasz Pędziński published in the prestigious journal The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (MNiSW=200, IF=4.8) shows that yes, they can.

The researchers developed a synthetic pathway for hybrid salphen compounds with T₈ cages at their periphery, using solution-based and mechanochemical methods for Zn²⁺ ion coordination. The study revealed intriguing photophysical properties of these systems, influenced by their aggregation behavior. Additionally, their ability to generate singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was examined, highlighting the role of excited-state dynamics in their emission properties and potential applications in medicine and materials science. Continue reading →