Innovative Minds and Inclusive Science:

Introduction

This symposium is dedicated to Prof Annie Powell on the occasion of her 65th Birthday and aims to honour her scientific achievements through presentations by long-standing collaborators and friends. Since Annie has always had a very international group and was always open for international collaboration this symposium will feature guests from all around the globe. To make it accessible to everyone it is organised as a hybrid meeting.

A career in science is challenging for anyone, especially when facing issues related to gender and ethnicity. Those who know Annie recognize her strong commitment to equality and diversity. This dedication is evident in her research group, which includes members from a wide range of religious, ethnic, and gender backgrounds. Therefore, it is her wish that part of this meeting will be dedicated to discussion of diversity in academic and scientific endeavours.

A major starting point for the extensive use of 4f ions in molecular magnetism was the discovery of a Dy3 triangle in Annie’s group which shows a toroidal moment and is the archetype of Single Molecule Toroics (SMTs). Since then the field of 4f chemistry has become a paradigm for future technologies based on these elements as reflected in a DFG funded Collaborative Research Centre called “4f for Future” which brings together 18 groups focused on advancing both scientific research and gender equality in this field.