They talk chemistry, breathe chemistry, and feel chemistry. Like they never did anything else. Augustinas Kulbickas, Kirsten van der Zee, and Anne Bokma all work at Symeres,a 'Contract Research Organization' on Campus Groningen that helps with drug discovery and development. “Sometimes you realize, that you are working on something bigger,” says Kirsten, “and that you really contribute to people's health.”
“Symeres immediately felt good”
“Symeres is one of the largest European company in the field of organic chemistry. So it is actually not a surprise that all three of us ended up here.” Anne, 29, and Kirsten, 23, both studied in Leeuwarden. The 29-year-old Augustinas grew up in Lithuania, but after studying decided to take his chances in the rest of Europe. “I got several offers. But Symeres in Groningen immediately felt good.” The three chemists now work as associate scientists at the company.
Making Molecules Matter
Symeres supports pharmaceutical companies in the early stages of research into the development of new medicines. “Suppose you have the flu, then we look for the molecule that is active against a virus,” Augustinas explains. “We do this by finding specific connections and making combinations,” adds Kirsten. “So we make active molecules. Then another company develops it further.” According to Augustinas, you could see it a bit like cooking. “You put certain ingredients together and then you have to wait and see.”
“What is failure”
At least Kirsten, Anne, and Augustinas agree on one thing: chemistry is anything but boring. "It's actually very fascinating," says Anne, "you never know what kind of reaction you'll get. Sometimes you add something together and then the color changes. Or you work with dangerous substances. That's what makes it great." Of the countless experiments, many also fail. "Sometimes that is demotivating," admits Anne. "But if something does work, it's even more beautiful." Augustinas: "And the question is: what is failure? Because you can also learn a lot from the process."
Keep learning
According to the chemists, it is not surprising that so many young people work at Symeres. They are the next generation; they keep the wheel turning. “Students are really needed to innovate,” says Kirsten. “I recently gave a course to my team on green chemistry. My colleagues had never heard of that.” Moreover, starters at Symeres are given every opportunity to continue learning and growing. “You get a lot of freedom to discover what suits best for you,” says Anne. Augustinas: “Symeres gave me the opportunity to get my Ph.D. If I am accepted, I will study for another three years.””
It can take years
Behind every medicine in the world, there is a long development process. “Perhaps our work will not produce a cure for another fifty years,” Augustinas nods. Anne: “But famous scientists didn't suddenly make a name for themselves either. Even if it takes years, from Groningen we have made a nice contribution to that.”
