IMM Best Thesis Award for HFML-FELIX PhD student Daniël Rap

IMM Best Thesis Awards with Daniël Rap on the right
Daniël Rap, who has finished his PhD thesis at HFML-FELIX in the group FELIX Infrared and Terahertz Spectroscopy within the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) of Radboud University, has been awarded one of the three IMM Best Thesis Awards 2024.
IMM yearly grants this prize to 1 to 3 PhD candidates in recognition of their excellent work performed by PhD students. The jury called the three theses of outstandingly high quality and they clearly stand out.
Daniël Rap was PhD candidate in the FELIX Infrared and Terahertz Spectroscopy group at HFML-FELIX. Rap defende his thesis “Cosmic Chemistry of Complex Aromatic Molecules” on 23 April 2024, under supervision of promoter Prof. Britta Redlich and co-promoter Dr. Sandra Brünken. In his studies, Rap used a combination of experimental methods, such as mass-spectrometry and in-situ cryogenic ion spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations to investigate the formation and fragmentation processes of complex molecules relevant in an astrochemical context. Rap has elucidated efficient, and often overlooked, chemical pathways from and towards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that should be considered in the chemical evolution of cold interstellar clouds and star-forming regions.
According to the jury the thesis showcases Rap’s broad knowledge and passion for astrochemistry. The jury was impressed by his ability to combine experiments, calculations, and innovative ideas.
Rap’s research resulted in six first author papers, one in Nature Astronomy and one in JACS.
The IMM Best Thesis Awards have been presented to the winners at the IMM New Year’s reception on Thursday, January 13, 2025.
Congratulations Daniël and the other winners of the prize!