Boundless Elements: Dr. Karen de la Vega-Hernández on Science and Radical Innovation

Originally from Cuba, Dr. Karen de la Vega-Hernández moved to Vienna, Austria, with an Ernst Mach Fellowship to work under the guidance of Prof. Vittorio Pace in organometallic chemistry. She then moved to Paris, France, to pursue her Ph.D. in organometallic and radical chemistry at Sorbonne University, under the mentorship of Dr. Alejandro Perez-Luna and Prof. Franck Ferreira.

In 2022, Karen was awarded a COFUND I2:ICIQ Impulsion Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ). There, she worked with the research groups of Prof. Pablo Ballester and Prof. Marcos G. Suero, advancing research in supramolecular catalysis and physical organic chemistry.

Her fellowship also included a research placement at the University of Cambridge, where she collaborated with Prof. Robert Phipps on groundbreaking work in photocatalysis and asymmetric synthesis.

In 2024, Karen began her Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICIQ in Prof. Suero’s group. Her current research focuses on the late-stage functionalization of drug molecules, aiming to drive innovation in pharmaceutical development and molecular design.

Read the full interview for a thoughtful look at a career of discovery and the future of chemistry.

In Conversation with Dr. Karen de la Vega-Hernández

How do you see radical chemistry shaping the next decade of synthetic methodologies?

Radical chemistry is no longer about reactivity we tolerate, it’s becoming reactivity we design. Once constrained by harsh conditions and poor control, it’s now being reshaped by modern photochemistry and electrochemistry, which allow us to generate and guide radical intermediates under remarkably mild conditions, with levels of chemo-, regio-, and even stereocontrol that were previously out of reach. These advances don’t just revive classic transformations; they open new disconnections, streamline late-stage modifications, and unlock orthogonal reactivity that complements polar logic. In the decade ahead, radical chemistry will move from the periphery to the center of synthetic planning, influencing not just what we can make, but how we think about making it.

How do you envision your current work contributing to more sustainable or efficient drug discovery pipelines?

My current work focuses on developing new tools for the late-stage functionalization of drug molecules, an approach that enables chemists to modify complex structures without rebuilding them from scratch. In Suero’s group, we’ve developed a novel atomic carbon reagent that functions as a modular “assembly point” for building stereocenters within complex molecules. This is particularly relevant given that over two-thirds of prescription drugs contain at least one stereocenter, which plays a critical role in biological activity and selectivity. Our strategy enables the stepwise installation of multiple substituents through a single carbon atom, streamlining analog synthesis and expanding structural diversity.

In parallel, I’m conducting mechanistic studies to better understand the behavior of key reactive intermediates, a crucial step toward broadening the scope and reliability of these transformations. By combining innovative reactivity with fundamental insight, our goal is to build a late-stage diversification platform that not only accelerates hit-to-lead optimization, but also reduces synthetic waste and resource use. Ultimately, this work aims to bridge basic research with practical application, supporting more efficient and sustainable drug discovery pipelines.

Were there any unexpected challenges or breakthrough moments in your doctoral research?

One of the most formative challenges came when we thought we had reached the limits of our methodology. We had successfully developed the radical germylzincation of a wide range of α-heteroatom-substituted alkynes. But when we turned to more conventional, less reactive alkynes, radical hydrogermylation became the dominant pathway. It wasn’t unexpected—this side reaction is well known, and we had encountered it and managed it before—but no matter how many conditions I tested, it remained the only outcome with these substrates. We began to accept it as a natural limitation of the system. However, during the first two years of my Ph.D., I had run many mechanistic experiments to understand how these two radical pathways behaved under different conditions using ynamides. One morning, while reviewing old data, something just clicked. The pieces had been there; I just hadn’t seen the full picture. That shift in perspective helped me recognize key patterns, which took me back to the lab to try a crucial experiment. Eventually, we developed a selective and efficient germylzincation protocol for internal conventional alkynes, a class of substrates we had initially thought was out of reach. It wasn’t a sudden breakthrough, but the result of long-term persistence and careful observation.

Another moment I look back on fondly came when we were trying to identify a puzzling compound I had isolated after column chromatography on silica gel. We had the bold suggestion that it might be a divinylzinc complex, something that seemed unlikely, given how sensitive these species usually are. I remember Alejandro saying, “Get crystals. I’m sure you can do it.” I had my doubts, to say the least. But his confidence really stayed with me. I gave it a try, and I still remember the moment we were both staring into the cold flask as crystals began to form. That moment reminded me that sometimes, what moves a project forward isn’t certainty, it’s trust.

Based on your experiences, what advice would you offer to early-career researchers navigating similar paths?

Not every path is linear, and it doesn’t have to be. Things won’t always go as planned: experiments fail, timelines shift, careers stall and restart. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Good ideas take time. Progress isn’t always visible right away.

You don’t need a flawless trajectory; just honest, thoughtful work. Find people who challenge you and support you—that can make all the difference. And if you come from an underrepresented background, remember: your perspective is a strength, not a limitation.

Stay open to movement across disciplines, countries, and ideas. A meaningful career doesn’t have to follow a formula. Protect your curiosity. Make space for joy in discovery. And let your story be your own, especially when it doesn’t fit the template.

Were there specific programs, mentors, or community ties that helped you navigate the early stages of your career in a new environment?

Absolutely. Navigating new environments—whether academic systems, research cultures, or countries—has been a defining part of my career, and I’ve been fortunate to have key people and programs guide me through it.

Prof. Vittorio Pace, along with an Ernst Mach Fellowship at the University of Vienna, gave me my first opportunity in Europe. That experience launched my scientific path in organic chemistry and helped me adapt to a new academic culture. Later, during my Ph.D. in France, I had the strong support of Dr. Alejandro Perez-Luna and Prof. Franck Ferreira. I’m especially grateful to Alejandro, who played (and still does) a central role in my scientific career.

Each move—from Cuba to Austria, France, Spain, and the UK—required adjustment, and my postdoctoral training continued that process. In the labs of Prof. Pablo Ballester, Prof. Marcos Suero, and Prof. Robert Phipps, I gained not only scientific insight but also models of leadership and collaboration. Each of them, knowingly or not, taught me lessons I hope to carry into my own mentoring style one day.

European programs like the COFUND I2: ICIQ Impulsion Fellowship and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship have been more than just funding; they’ve offered structure, networks, and flexibility that made it easier to grow in new contexts.

Finally, I’m grateful to the international academic communities I’ve found in every group. Small acts of solidarity and empathy—someone helping you settle in, explaining how things work, or simply making you feel welcome—have made all the difference. And of course, none of it would have been possible without the steady encouragement of my family.