Enzo Olivieri
Born in the South of France (Cabriès-1995), Enzo studied chemistry at the University of Aix-Marseille, where he obtained his BSc and MSc degrees in organic chemistry. In 2021, he obtained his PhD in molecular machines and chemical fuels under the supervision of Dr. Adrien Quintard at the University of Aix-Marseille.
In 2022, Enzo joined Dr. Dorian Didier’s group at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich for a short-term (6 months) postdoctoral position, focusing on photocatalysis and upconverting nanoparticles. Later in 2022, he moved to the University of Manchester to work as a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. David Leigh, where his research focused on molecular machines, topology and the application of chemical fuels for endergonic synthesis.
In 2024, Enzo was appointed Lecturer in Organic Chemistry in Prof. David Leigh’s group at the University of Manchester. In 2025, he was awarded an Ambizione fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation (900k CHF over 4 years) and will begin this September his independent career as a “junior PI” at the University of Basel under the mentorship of Prof. Marcel Mayor. His research will focus on developing new catalytic strategies, with a particular emphasis on using chemical fuels as an energy source to drive endergonic reactions.
Contact: enzo.olivieri@unibas.ch
PhD Students
Besa Kadriu
Besa Kadriu is a doctoral researcher in Chemistry at the University of Basel. Born in Germany and raised in North Macedonia, she returned to Germany to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Konstanz, which she completed in April 2022. Following her undergraduate studies, she gained 1.5 years of experience in research and development in the field of surfactant chemistry.
In 2024, Besa moved to Switzerland for her Master’s studies at the University of Bern, where she focused on mechanochemistry and electrochemistry, exploring innovative methods to introduce functional groups into organic molecules. She earned her Master’s degree in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences in July 2025.
Currently, as a PhD candidate at the University of Basel, her research centers on molecular machines and endergonic synthesis. Outside the laboratory, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Contact: besa.kadriu@unibas.ch
Renwei Xiao
Renwei Xiao is a doctoral researcher in Chemistry at the University of Basel. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Materials Chemistry from Guizhou University in 2020 and his Master’s degree in Chemistry from the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in 2024, where he worked under the supervision of Prof. Xumu Zhang. His Master’s research focused on asymmetric hydrogenation, reductive amination, and ligand development.
In 2025, he joined the group of Enzo Olivieri at the University of Basel, where his doctoral research focuses on molecular machines, chemical fuels, and fuels-driven endergonic synthesis.
Contact: renwei.xiao@unibas.ch