Wesley Browne, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

2026.03.25 16:00-17:30

Zhiyuan College(Kuang Piu Building), 206

Raman spectroscopy is now reaching 100 years old, but despite it being one of the earliest spectroscopic techniques that directly probes molecular structure, it is only in the last two decades that it has moved out of the specialised laser laboratory and into the wider world. Today Raman spectroscopy has become the technique of first choice for many analytical challenges, and show how fluorescence (Raman’s nemesis) can be complimentary. In my lecture I will give a general introduction to Raman spectroscopy and its many versions, followed by exploring its use in case studies ranging from university archives, and the romantic life of parrots, to the solving problems critical problems in areas as diverse as molecular machines, medical, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Raman spectroscopy in molecular machines, microfluidics

Wesley Browne obtained BSc (1999) and PhD (2002) degrees at DCU, with Prof Han Vos. Afterwards postdocs at Queen’s University Belfast with Prof John McGarvey and the University of Groningen with Prof Ben Feringa. In 2007 he was awarded a VIDI innovational research grant and in 2008, he was appointed assistant professor at the University of Groningen. He received an ERC grant in 2013. Since 2019 he is full professor. He supervised 30 PhD students, 10 Postdoctoral Fellows, and >60 bachelor and master students and currently supervises 4 PhDs, and 2 MSC students. His research interests are in the application of spectroscopy, especially Raman spectroscopy and electrochemistry to (bio)inorganic catalysis and materials science to unlock the mechanisms by which molecular catalysts and functional materials work. The research line in oxidation catalysis focuses on developing new environmentally sustainable methods for the oxidation of organic compounds. Elucidating reaction mechanisms with spectroscopy and especially Raman spectroscopy is a core task. In this field we have developed several fundamentally new methods for highly effective alkene epoxidation and dihydroxylation as well as identified and characterised first in class examples of reactive intermediates of relevance to bioinorganic chemistry also. The research line on molecular based functional materials explores novel electrochemical and photochemically driven switching mechanisms enabling new materials applications. In many of these projects he has worked closely with industry and although fundamental in nature, the research in the group has shown direct application in commercial processes and products. By expanding our knowledge in reaction mechanisms and the functioning of catalysts and responsive materials, we also drive development of spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical methods of wider relevance. Through his career, Prof Browne has published over 255 research articles, 26 reviews/chapters and the OUP Primer "Electrochemistry" (ISBN: 9780198790907).