The 2025 Alan Roy Katritzky Scholarship Recipient is Märt Maasikas

According to Peeter Burk, former dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Katritzky Scholarship is the best way to honor the memory of the esteemed professor in Tartu. “I encourage the younger generation of chemists to explore the still unsolved mysteries in the field of chemistry,” he said.

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This year, the prestigious 2025 Alan Roy Katritzky Scholarship was awarded to Märt Maasikas. We spoke with Märt about his academic journey, research work, and what this recognition means to him personally.

Tell us about your academic journey. What inspired you to study chemistry?

My interest in chemistry began early in middle school—partly through media, video games, and YouTube. I was fascinated by videos where amateur chemists conducted experiments in their sheds and demonstrated how everyday substances behave. I also enjoyed the “crafting” systems in video games, where you could combine different items to create something new. Additionally, I had an excellent chemistry teacher in middle school, a University of Tartu graduate, who sparked a genuine interest in science in me.

What has been your greatest achievement or breakthrough in chemistry so far?

I consider completing my bachelor’s thesis and the discoveries made during that process to be my greatest achievement. I learned that science is not a linear process—sometimes everything works, sometimes nothing does, and that’s perfectly normal. Even the best plans may fail, but persistence and dedication help overcome those challenges. Science progresses in small steps, and it’s important not to give up but to keep going, even if it means being a bit stubborn.

How did you feel when you found out you had received the Alan Roy Katritzky Scholarship?

It was a very pleasant surprise—I was hiking over the weekend when I got the news. Funny enough, my experience was similar to this year’s Nobel Prize winner in medicine, who also found out about their award after returning from a hike.

What does receiving this scholarship mean to you personally and professionally?

It means a great deal to me. I’m currently in Switzerland, using the country’s advanced scientific infrastructure to conduct measurements for my master’s thesis. Living here is very expensive, so the scholarship is incredibly valuable. It allows me to fully focus on the content of my research rather than worrying about everyday expenses.

Which field of chemistry interests you the most? Are you currently working on any projects or research initiatives?

I’m most interested in biochemistry—especially how chemical processes function in living organisms. I’m focused on developing intracellular biosensors aimed at simplifying the study of drug targets and the development of new medications. Right now, I’m in Switzerland trying to apply these sensors in an in vivo context—hoping they can be used in future neuroscience research, such as studying brain diseases and neuroplasticity.

What are your long-term goals as a chemist? (if any) Do you plan to collaborate with other researchers or institutions in the future?

The future is still open for me. I have big ambitions, but I don’t want to make any firm promises. I’ll likely continue with doctoral studies and ideally work further on neuroscience and biochemistry topics. I’m excited about collaborating with both Estonian and international researchers.

What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of chemistry?

I enjoy playing guitar, hiking, and spending time in nature. I’m generally interested in all natural sciences and feel that my brain constantly craves new information. Besides the hard sciences, I also read and think a lot about social sciences and literature. I believe people should be aware of topics beyond their narrow field of expertise.

What advice would you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps?

Be curious and look at the world with fresh eyes. Don’t assume you already know everything—science begins with questions. Be ready to learn and work hard, but do it because you’re genuinely interested.

The scholarship, established in memory of University of Tartu honorary doctor Professor Alan Roy Katritzky, is aimed at first-year master’s students in chemistry to promote chemistry studies and research. It is funded by Professor Katritzky’s 25,000-dollar bequest to the University of Tartu.

Interview by Romet Peedumäe