ASEF Young Minds: Science Talk by Gregor Puhar – Building Biological Molecules in a Chemistry Lab

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the new season of the ASEF Young Minds series opened with a lecture by Gregor Puhar, researcher in Early Development at Lek | Sandoz and ASEF Fellow Generation 2024. The event, titled “Building Biological Molecules in the Chemistry Lab,” was organized by ASEF in collaboration with the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium – St. Stanislav Institute in Ljubljana.

A former student of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium, Gregor returned to his alma mater to share his research journey and inspire the next generation of young minds. After graduation, he continued his studies at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During his studies, he gained international experience at Umeå University (Sweden), the University of Chemistry and Technology (Prague), and the University of Illinois (United States), where he conducted research as an ASEF Fellow under the mentorship of Prof. David Šarlah.

Today, Gregor works as a Researcher in Early Pharmaceutical Development at Lek | Sandoz, focusing on biosimilar drug development and organic synthesis.

During the lecture, Gregor presented his ASEF research experience in the Šarlah Research Group at the University of Illinois, providing insight into the total synthesis of natural products, the development of new synthetic methods, and applications in medicinal chemistry. He also introduced students to the ASEF Fellowship application process, discussed his laboratory work and retrosynthetic analysis, and shared stories from his student life and travels in the United States.

The lecture sparked great interest among students, who were eager to learn more about research, studying abroad, and the ASEF Fellowship Program. After the talk, many stayed for the informal discussion and networking session with Gregor.

ASEF extends sincere thanks to the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium and the St. Stanislav Institute for their warm hospitality, outstanding collaboration, and support in organizing the event.

We hope that Gregor’s lecture inspired some students to embark on similar journeys — whether into the world of research, science, or their own personal challenges and discoveries.

This project is supported by the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth and the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad.