Yuchen Sun

My research interest lies in the development of new catalytic strategies for organic synthesis, with a particular focus on photoredox catalysis, homologation, and complex molecule modification. I am particularly interested in exploiting unconventional reactivity and new catalytic activation modes to form chemical bonds that are difficult or inaccessible using conventional approaches. During my PhD, I hope to explore previously unrecognised reactivity and develop new transformations that have not been demonstrated before, rather than simply extending established reaction classes. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to the discovery of new synthetic concepts and expand the accessible chemical space, while developing a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that govern these transformations.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

I have always been curious about how the natural world works and enjoy forming hypotheses about the things I observe around me. Chemistry gives me a unique opportunity to test these ideas experimentally and receive tangible answers within hours or days. I find this process deeply rewarding: asking a question, designing an experiment, and discovering whether nature agrees with my prediction. I am also fascinated by how deeply chemistry is embedded in everyday life, from medicines to materials. The possibility that something I discover could eventually be useful in the real world is an especially strong motivation for me to pursue research.