The journal Inorganics (ISSN: 2304-6740) is delighted to present the winner of the Young Investigator Award—Dr. Thomas Scattolin.

Dr. Thomas Scattolin obtained his BSc and MSc degrees in chemistry, both summa cum laude, from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. He earned his PhD in chemistry from the University of Trieste. Since 2022, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Padova. His research mainly focuses on the synthesis and reactivity of late-transition metal complexes, with applications in homogeneous catalysis and medicinal chemistry. In 2026, he was awarded the Young Investigator Award by the journal Inorganics, in recognition of his innovative contributions to inorganic chemistry.

The following is an interview with Dr. Thomas Scattolin:

1. Could you please introduce yourself, including your current affiliation and main research areas?

I was born, raised, and currently live in the countryside of the Eastern Veneto region in Italy, a truly beautiful area that I always recommend people to visit, including unique cities such as Venice, Treviso, and Padua.

I obtained both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. After a brief experience as a high school teacher of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, I pursued a PhD at the University of Trieste, in a joint program with Ca’ Foscari, under the supervision of Prof. Fabiano Visentin and Prof. Luciano Canovese. During my doctoral studies, I began applying my background in the synthesis and reactivity of organometallic compounds to the development of potential new chemotherapeutic agents based on transition metals other than platinum. From that moment, I realized that this field best matched my scientific profile, and it remains my main research focus, alongside interests in homogeneous catalysis and reaction mechanisms.

During my PhD, I also had the opportunity to spend time at ETH Zurich in the group of Prof. Antonio Togni, where I developed new palladium organometallic complexes featuring trifluoromethyl-functionalized carbenes, which showed great potential as chemotherapeutic agents.

After completing my PhD in 2019, I was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship in the group of Prof. Steven Nolan at Ghent University, where I worked on the development of new catalysts as well as metallodrugs based on N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. This period, which also included the challenging lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, was crucial for my career. It allowed me to build strong collaborations and to develop new metallodrugs using more sustainable and elegant synthetic protocols, which are key aspects in modern industry and economy.

I then returned to Italy after being awarded a research fellowship at the National Cancer Institute of Aviano (CRO), where I focused again on the development of metallodrugs, also exploring their application in personalized medicine approaches, such as patient-derived organoids.

In 2022, I moved back to academia as a tenure-track Assistant Professor (RTD-A) at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Padua, within a project funded by an ERC Starting Grant led by Prof. Alessandro Aliprandi. During this time, we developed new organic and organometallic molecules for electrochemiluminescence and chemiluminescence applications. Since 2024, I have held a tenure-track Assistant Professor position (RTD-B) at the same institution, where I returned to my main research focus: the development of metallodrugs.

I am currently part of the Applied Organometallic Chemistry (AOC) Group, where, together with colleagues (Professors Biffis, Tubaro, Aliprandi and Baron), we cover several important applied areas of organometallic chemistry. My primary research area remains the design and development of novel metallodrugs, a topic that I find particularly engaging for students at both the master’s and PhD levels.

2. Could you share with us what inspired you to work in this research area?

Organometallic chemistry has always fascinated me because it requires a deep understanding of both organic chemistry and coordination chemistry, ultimately allowing the creation of a true hybrid: compounds featuring at least one metal–carbon bond. This dual nature gives rise to a unique, rich, and often unpredictable reactivity, which has enabled major advances across several fields, including catalysis, materials science, and medicinal chemistry.

Among these areas, I found my strongest motivation in medicinal chemistry. I see working in this field not just as a scientific interest, but almost as a vocation. The idea that the compounds we design and study could one day evolve into effective drugs—with manageable side effects for patients—is incredibly inspiring. It represents a powerful combination of scientific challenge, ethical responsibility, and societal impact, which continues to drive my research.

3. What do you consider the most exciting developments in your field in the coming years?

Undoubtedly, the most exciting developments I foresee in my field would be if one or more of the compounds I have synthesized—or will synthesize in the future—progress to clinical trials and, ideally, successfully pass them. The possibility of seeing a molecule I helped design and develop make a tangible impact on patients’ lives is, in my view, the most thrilling prospect I could imagine as a scientist in this area of research. It would represent the ultimate validation of years of work and dedication, combining scientific achievement with real-world societal benefit.

4. What has been the most challenging aspect of your research career so far, and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging period of my research career, both scientifically and mentally, was undoubtedly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. I found myself in a foreign country, Belgium, far from home, unable to see my family, and unable to conduct research for about three months—a work I was paid to do and genuinely excited about, as it represented a major opportunity to learn and grow.

I managed to overcome this difficult period thanks to the invaluable support of my family, even from a distance, and the enormous guidance I received from my supervisor, Prof. Steven Nolan. During the lockdown, he provided me with numerous reading materials and spent a lot of time discussing strategies for how we could advance our research once the emergency was under control. This support not only helped me stay engaged and motivated but also allowed me to emerge from that period with renewed focus and determination.

5. What advice would you give to early-career researchers?

My advice to early-career researchers is to pursue deeply the topics and aspects that genuinely excite you. This path can require a lot of time and effort, and there will be moments of frustration—but never lose hope. When the right opportunity comes, turning your research into a profession will feel like pursuing a hobby, something you are truly passionate about. True passions give you the strength to overcome difficult periods. Waking up in the morning for a passion is a joy; waking up just to go to work is far less so.

6. Lastly, as the award winner, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers?

I would like to sincerely thank the committee for awarding me this prize. Having one’s work recognized by esteemed scientists is always an immense satisfaction. I dedicate this recognition to my parents, who have supported me throughout my entire educational journey. A special thought also goes to my wife, Anna, and my daughter, Isabel, who are my greatest joy and who appreciate my work every day, as it is driven by genuine passion.