Question: Does it make a big change running simulations to find out more about the things yoh would usually be making in the lab?

Emma Daniels answered on 8 Jun 2020:

Fab question! As my lab is closed at the moment, I’m running many more simulations than I normally can, and I’m getting to run some for the first time! Simulating things using computer models is very different to making them in the lab, and at first I found it quite challenging and I had to change the way I was thinking about things and learn new coding languages! I’m still getting the hang of it but I’ve already got some interesting results about the theoretical structure and behavior of my compounds! Often chemists use simulation results like these to direct their research. This can mean wasting less time/chemicals in the lab! Great for the environment. I’m hoping I can do this too, when I get back to the lab!