Scott O'Brien
MChem - Since October 2025
Current: MChem - The University of Manchester
Funding: Self Funded
Prizes: AstraZeneca Organic Chemistry Prize - best organic chemist in first year (2023), J. K. Sutherland Prize - best organic chemist in second year (2024), Eric Braithwaite Prize - Best inorganic chemist in third year (2025), RSC Undergraduate Research Bursary (2025)
Biography: I grew up in Leicester and I am in the final year of an integrated master’s at the University of Manchester. In my third year of study, I completed a project in the group of Dr Aaron Trowbridge investigating Sb(V) porophyrins and their application as red-light photoredox catalysts. Following this, I went back home to do an RSC-funded placement at the University of Leicester in the group of Dr Alex Pulis, using organoborane catalysis to develop a novel route to the beta-functionalisation of amines. Now in the Procter group for my final year project, I will be investigating skeletal rearrangement of sulfur-heterocycles. Outside of chemistry, I enjoy playing football, going to the gym, and being out in nature
MChem - Since October 2025
Current: MChem - The University of Manchester
Funding: Self Funded
Prizes: AstraZeneca Organic Chemistry Prize - best organic chemist in first year (2023), J. K. Sutherland Prize - best organic chemist in second year (2024), Eric Braithwaite Prize - Best inorganic chemist in third year (2025), RSC Undergraduate Research Bursary (2025)
Biography: I grew up in Leicester and I am in the final year of an integrated master’s at the University of Manchester. In my third year of study, I completed a project in the group of Dr Aaron Trowbridge investigating Sb(V) porophyrins and their application as red-light photoredox catalysts. Following this, I went back home to do an RSC-funded placement at the University of Leicester in the group of Dr Alex Pulis, using organoborane catalysis to develop a novel route to the beta-functionalisation of amines. Now in the Procter group for my final year project, I will be investigating skeletal rearrangement of sulfur-heterocycles. Outside of chemistry, I enjoy playing football, going to the gym, and being out in nature