„I’m a geek obsessed with chemistry,” says Dr. Michael Londesborough

You’ve lived in the Czech Republic since 2002. When did it start feeling like home?

I study the boron hydrides, or boranes—compounds of boron and hydrogen. I’ve been exploring this field since my PhD at the University of Leeds. Most of my time is in the lab, synthesizing molecules that don’t exist in nature and studying their properties.

For the past fifteen years, I’ve focused on how our molecules interact with light. Some are able to convert ultraviolet light into visible light—they fluoresce—and do so extremely efficiently, which can be used in modern technology and devices, such as lasers. Recently, we discovered that exposing these same molecules to extremely intense light energy transforms them into plasma, the fourth state of matter. In essense, our boron hydrides molecules break apart into a “soup” of hot boron ions and protons. Under the right conditions, these protons can fuse with the boron ions, resulting in the production of three alpha particles (helium ions). These particles carry charge and are moving at very great velocities, so if passed through a magnetic field can induce a useful electrical current - a promising path for clean and aneutronic nuclear fusion energy.

Currently, I’m studying which molecules interact most efficiently with light, and thus transform into plasma most effectively, and under which conditions does the ensuing plasma generate the greatest number of alpha particles.

It depends on funding. The greater the number of experiments, the greater the chances of success. Therefore, more resources mean a shorter path. It could happen this year or it could take many more. China currently leads in this field, mainly due to engineering capabilities. My work focuses on the scientific foundations, but engineering skills, like reactor construction, are crucial. Unfortunately, geopolitical tensions hinder international collaboration, slowing progress.

I have a project funded by the Czech Science Foundation with the Institute of Plasma Physics, focusing on plasma properties. I’m also part of the EU Horizon Pathfinder project, bringing together teams from Finland, Germany, and the Czech Republi

Yes, I often advise others and I have worked on the Teaching the Teachers program with school teachers. I always try to share what I’ve learned.

My style was new in the Czech context, but of course, I was influenced by how science is communicated in England. I studied at the University of Leeds, where I had the opportunity to take part in several projects focused on public engagement in science.

Even at university, I was a bit of a “geek.” I loved chemistry and often stayed at the lab late into the night. Leeds had a fantastic chemistry museum, with an incredible collection of compounds and books about chemical experiments. It was there, with a few friends, that we founded the group The Delights of Chemistry and began preparing and inventing all kinds of chemical demonstrations. That’s where it started.

At first, it was just for ourselves, then fellow students. Over time, more schools joined, and eventually anyone interested.

I would say boron chemistry chose me. It was during my final year as an undergraduate at the University of Leeds, when I had to select my own research project for my Bachelor’s degree.

At the time, my favorite subject was atmospheric chemistry. I was fascinated by the chemical processes happening not only in our atmosphere but also on other planets. At that time, we were given a list of possible projects along with the names of the professors leading them. I remember walking down the corridor with the printed list when I spotted “boron chemistry” and Professor John Kennedy’s name. That’s when I realized I was standing right in front of his office door.

The door was slightly ajar, and the professor invited me in. I ended up staying for two hours, and during that time, he completely captivated me with boron chemistry.

Readers might be surprised by the complexity of my field. Scientific papers aren’t easy to read, but I hope mine can be enjoyable. People may not know I’m a perfectionist who cares deeply about details. I make it a priority that my papers are clearly written, reproducible, and professionally presented.

It needs to be a project that is really in you, and that you need to get out. A real passion. Start young, be unique, and present something new. Don’t expect to make a living from it at first. If you do something excellent, it will be recognized. I listen to podcasts and interviews with writers who say that a successful author must already have the book inside them. I think science communication works the same way. It’s like falling in love. You don’t overthink whether it’s right or sensible, you just dive in.

Not at all. I was very shy as a student. But for big events, I love the adrenaline. I go out there and just be myself. When I’m on stage for a big show, I feel closest to who I really am.