In September 2008 I attended the 11th International Conference on Molecule-based Magnets in Florence, supported by an SCI Messel Travel Bursary. This was my first international conference and it proved to be very informative, with a busy schedule of talks and poster sessions. The event attracted leading academics from around the world and it was interesting to see the wide variety of research topics at the forefront of molecular magnetism, which provided a perspective of where my own research fitted in to the field as a whole.
I presented my research as a poster entitled ‘Cobalt Citrate Cubanes: from discrete to network via hedgehogs’, and it generated considerable interest. It was a welcome opportunity to discuss my findings, and prompted many useful discussions with academics with similar research goals, and with other researchers unfamiliar with our techniques, and generated many new ideas. It was also an ideal opportunity to network with other research group leaders and discover what post-doctoral research posts were available.
Florence itself is a beautiful city, with a vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage. During the free time our group toured the city to see the impressive architecture, find good restaurants for our evening meals and sample the delicious local ice cream. The conference dinner was particularly memorable, as the whole conference came together in dramatic surroundings to enjoy a relaxed evening of excellent food, drink and lively discussion.
It was nice to conclude my PhD research on such a high point and I would like to thank SCI for its support, both for the Messel Travel Bursary to attend the ICMM2008 and for my Scholarship from 2005-2008.
Kyle W Galloway
University of Glasgow
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