Team

Giulio Ragazzon
Principal investigator of the Laboratory of Driven Chemical Processes.

My research interests evolved from photochemistry to molecular machines, self-assembling systems and nanomaterials, as reflected by the interests of my mentors: Credi, Aida, Prins & Prato. I am recipient of multiple awards, including the European Young Chemist Award.
You can get to know more about me in this Angewandte Chemie article, or from my full CV available here.

Shuntaro Amano (天野俊太郎)
PhD with Prof. David Leigh – University of Manchester

I am from Japan where I obtained my Bachelor degree in chemistry at the University of Tokyo. There, I joined the group of Prof. Mitsuhiko Shionoya and worked on the artificial switchable DNA base pairs. I then did my Master and PhD at the University of Manchester in the group of Prof. David Leigh. I worked on the synthesis and analysis of autonomous molecular machines. During PhD, my interest developed into more general non-equilibrium synthetic systems reminiscent of biology. This is why I moved to Strasbourg to join the group of Prof. Thomas Hermans as a postdoctoral researcher, working on a dissipative self-assembly system. To pursue my interests further, I joined Giulio’s group in December 2023.

In my free time, I like reading books, sightseeing, and going to museums.

Research: I investigate ratchet mechanisms driven by light and chemical energy.

Federico Nicoli
PhD with Prof. Alberto Credi – University of Bologna

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a thesis in Plant Physiology under the supervision of Prof. Giulia Di Lorenzo at Sapienza University, I pursued a degree in Chemistry under the guidance of Prof. Patrizia Gentili. My master’s thesis focused on the inhibition activity of synthetic (2-hydroxyimino) aldehydes towards oxidoreductase enzymes. Under the guidance of Prof. Alberto Credi, I completed my PhD in Chemistry focusing on the synthesis and investigation of reaction networks in dynamic mechanically interlocked molecules incorporating photochromic moieties.

In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with cooking, reading, and learning new things from the most disparate fields.

Research: I investigate ratchet mechanisms driven by chemical and light energy.

Pradyut Roy (প্রদ্যুৎ রায়)
PhD with Prof. Pramod P. Pillai – IISER Pune

I am from India, born and brought up in West Bengal, in the eastern part of the country. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Garbeta College, under Vidyasagar University in India. I then enrolled in an integrated MS-PhD program at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune. My MS thesis focused on understanding the energy transfer dynamics within semiconductor quantum dot (QD) assemblies. During my PhD, I developed a strong interest in designing synthetic strategies for theoretically challenging QDs and gaining a fundamental understanding of their exciton dynamics. My research explored charge and energy transfer processes in multicomponent donor-acceptor systems. I completed my PhD in September 2024, under the guidance of Prof. Pramod P. Pillai at IISER Pune. Driven by my passion for fundamental discoveries, I have now joined Giulio’s group at the University of Strasbourg, where I will be exploring polaritonic interactions in collaboration with Prof. Thomas Ebbesen’s group.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, hanging out with my friends, and watching TV series to relax.

Research: Strong light-matter coupling and its consequences for the properties of materials and molecules.

Fabiana Ciocchetti

I was born in Alatri, a small town in the center of Italy. I took my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Roma Tor Vergata. Then, I moved to Padova where I took my Master’s degree, under the supervision of Leonard J. Prins. There, I discovered my passion for supramolecular chemistry. Now, I’m in Giulio’s group to grow this passion. 

How do I spend my free time? I’m a lover of good wine, travel, and rock and roll. 

Research: I investigate supramolecular systems, which are often redox-active.

Ahmad Bachir ( أحمد بشير )

I was born and raised in Tripoli, Lebanon, and received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Lebanese university. During my undergraduate studies, I became interested in physical chemistry; later, I received a scholarship from the CSC graduate school in Strasbourg, where I studied supramolecular and system chemistry.

In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking Mediterranean food, and playing and watching football.

Research: I investigate soft electroactive materials based on interlocked structures.

Thitiporn Sangchai ( ฐิติพร แสงไชย )

I was born in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. My passion for chemistry began during high school. It paved my way and led me to my undergraduate studies at the department of chemistry at Mahidol University. Then, I continued and completed my Master’s degree in France at the Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Rennes 1. Currently, I am now on a mission with Giulio’s group to get closer to my career dream.

Apart from my study life, I am a cooking lover. I relax by watching TV series/ listening to music during my free time.

Research: I investigate small molecules operating away from equilibrium.

Kaiyuan Liang (梁凯圆)

I was born in Shandong, a northern Province in China. I got both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Fudan University majoring in Pharmacy. I developed interest in chemistry during high school and focused on medicinal chemistry and natural products during my University time.

During free time I like reading and writing and watching TV to relax.

Research: I am trying to explore ratchet mechanism powered by chemical energy

Sani Yahaya

I come from Nigeria, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Federal University Dutse. Continuing my academic journey, I enrolled in the integrated program of CSC Graduate School – University of Strasbourg, where I earned my Master’s degree in Chemistry of Complex Systems. Throughout my academic pursuits, I gained valuable experiences in Catalysis and Prebiotic Chemistry while working with the Dydio and Moran Groups, respectively.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, as well as playing table tennis and basketball.

Research: Synthesis and investigation of photoactive molecules.

Adisorn Khantong (อดิศร ขันทอง)

I am originally from Thailand, where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Mahidol University. I then moved to France to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Rennes under the supervision of Dr. Pierre-Antoine Bouit. During my Master’s, I studied the photophysical and redox properties of π-conjugated organophosphorus compounds. After completing my Master’s, I moved to Strasbourg to pursue a Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Giulio Ragazzon.

In my free time, I enjoy playing PC and console games, watching game casting videos, and relaxing by listening to K-Pop music.

Research: Investigation of redox-active systems for their electrochemical and photophysical properties.

Elena Incerto

I was born in Avezzano, a small town in the center of Italy. I took my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences and a Master’s degree in Synthesis and Chemical Reactivity at the University of L’Aquila (Italy). I’m currently pursuing a PhD in chemistry, as part of a Vinci programme funded by the Franco-Italian University. My PhD is being carried out under a co-tutelle agreement between the University of Strasbourg, under the supervision of Prof. Giulio Ragazzon, and the University of L’Aquila, under the supervision of Prof. Armando Carlone.

In my free time, I enjoy playing video games and cooking.

Research: Development of supramolecular photoactive organocatalysts.

Debora Iapadre

I come from L’Aquila, a small city in the center of Italy. I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in chemistry from the University of L’Aquila. There I found my passion for organic chemistry, in particular synthesis and organocatalytic systems. To follow these interests, I’m currently pursuing a PhD in catalysis in the group of Prof. Armando Carlone. Now I’m a visiting PhD student in Giulio’s group to explore the reactivity of chemical reactions in photoswitchable buffers.

During my free time I like reading, taking long walks, drawing and mixing art with science.

Research: light-driven ratchet mechanism.

Jakub Ossowski

I come from Łódź, Poland. I obtained my Batchelor’s degree in Łódź University of Technology where I worked on organocatalysis in the group of Prof. Łukasz Albrecht. After graduating, I completed an internship at KAUST in Saudi Arabia under the supervision of Prof. Magnus Rueping. In 2023 I moved to Strasbourg to pursue a Master’s degree as part of CSC graduate school. I joined the group for my master internship.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, photography, hiking and going to concerts.

Research: Investigation of artificial systems for active transport

Rosa Allotta

I come from Sant’Antioco, a small town in the south-west of Sardinia, in Italy. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in 2023 at Cagliari University, working on supramolecular eutectogels as sorbent materials for water remediation under the supervision of Prof. Claudia Caltagirone and Dr. Giacomo Picci. In 2024, I did an internship in the group of Prof. Annalisa Chiappone, during which I worked on 3D printing VOC optical sensors. I’m currently attending the master degree program in Chemical Sciences at Cagliari university and I joined the group as an Erasmus student for my master internship. 

In my free time I like hanging out with my friends and watching movies.

Research: Light-driven artificial systems

Zhipeng Li （李志鹏）

I was born in Shandong, a northern Province in China. I will get my Bachelor’s degree from Jilin University in Jilin Province, northeast China, majoring in Chemistry in June 2025, and then I will pursue my doctor degree in Jilin in Prof. Zhong-Yuan Lu’s group. I think the physical phenomena and chemical reactions caused by the movement of molecules in the microscopic world are magical so I entered the world of molecular dynamics simulation. Now I’m a visiting student in Giulio’s group to explore the reaction in non-equilibrium system driven by chemical fueling.
In my free time, I like traveling, watching football games and science fiction film. And I also like trying to explore new things like skiing and cooking.

Research: I investigate ratchet mechanisms driven by chemical energy.

Yijian Zong （宗毅健）

I was born in Xi ‘an, Shanxi Province in China. I will get my Bachelor’s degree from Jilin University in Jilin Province, northeast China, majoring in Chemistry in June 2025, and then I will pursue my doctor degree in Tsinghua University in Prof. Xi Zhang’s group. I am very interested in the molecular mechanism of life, and I think supramolecular chemistry may be a very important perspective to understand them, so I will engage in related research during my PhD. Now I’m a visiting student in Giulio’s group to explore supermolecule-mediated control of azobenzene photoisomerization in non-equilibrium systems.

In my free time, I like traveling, watching all kinds of interesting movies. And I also like trying to explore new things like cooking.

Research: I investigate ratchet mechanisms driven by light energy.

Anton Barbuta

Originally from the Republic of Moldova, I competed in the International Chemistry Olympiads in 2022. Afterwards, I moved to France to pursue Bachelor studies in molecular chemistry at the University of Strasbourg. I joined the Ragazzon group in May 2025, to complete an internship in redox-active compounds.

In my free time, I enjoy travelling, cooking and playing video games.

Research: Investigation of redox-active systems for their electrochemical and photophysical properties

Claire Menouna Ekani
Administrative assistant

I was born in Strasbourg, but left as a baby to live with my family in Cameroon, since my father is Cameroonian. I lived there until 17, and then came back to Strasbourg to study languages. I have been working in ISIS for almost 10 years and have worked with several teams in the institute, which has made it possible to meet people from all over the world and build a great experience with researchers, and most of all, be in touch with a lot of diversity, which I really enjoy.

I am a great fan of sports in general, and basketball in particular.