Ramin Zibaseresht

What first sparked your interest in science, and in chemistry in particular?

My path into science began in primary school during a chemistry demonstration that transformed colourless solutions into a vivid spectrum. Watching the solutions interact and reveal colours I hadn’t imagined possible felt like witnessing magic grounded in science. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with colour and the reasons behind it—why substances appear red, blue, or green, and how light and matter interact to produce those hues. This curiosity extended beyond the classroom to everyday life: the colours of leaves in different seasons, the tones of fabrics, and even the red of blood, which I observed after falling from my push bike. Each instance underscored that colour is not just decoration but information about composition, structure, and reactions.

As I progressed to high school, I volunteered as my science teacher’s assistant, drawn to the rhythm and discipline of a chemistry lab. I enjoyed setting up glassware, laying out equipment, and preparing materials for experiments. The lab became my sanctuary—a place where questions could be tested, hypotheses could be shaped, and the beauty of chemical phenomena could be observed firsthand. Assisting in the lab reinforced not only my love for chemistry but also the importance of careful observation, meticulous technique, and teamwork in scientific inquiry. This early immersion in laboratory work, combined with a curiosity about colour and light, solidified my decision to pursue chemistry further and explore how fundamental principles can explain the complex phenomena we encounter every day.

As a Professor of Chemistry at the Maritime University of Imam Khomeini, what do you enjoy most about teaching this subject?

1. Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking; guiding students to ask meaningful questions, design experiments, and interpret results rather than just memorizing facts.
2. Connecting theory to real-world impact; showing how electrochemistry, materials science, and analytical techniques underpin maritime technologies—corrosion prevention, energy storage, environmental monitoring, and safe fuel use.
3. Fostering hands-on discovery; creating engaging lab experiences where students uncover fundamental principles through careful observation and iterative problem-solving.
4. Mentoring diverse talents; helping students develop scientific rigor, ethical reasoning, teamwork, and communication skills essential for leadership at sea or in research.
5. Seeing growth and confidence; witnessing students move from uncertainty to independence as they master techniques, analyse data, and present their findings.
6. Collaborating across disciplines; integrating elements of physics, mathematics, and engineering with chemistry to tackle maritime challenges.

What recent research projects have you been working on?

After completing my PhD from the University of Canterbury, where I studied bioinorganic chemistry under the supervision of Professor Richard Hartshorn, I embraced a range of opportunities upon returning to Iran that leveraged my interdisciplinary training. I held an appointment as Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at a medical university in Tehran while continuing my work as an academic at the Maritime University in Nowshahr. This dual role facilitated the creation of a research centre and the recruitment of PhD graduates across intersecting areas of chemistry, medicine, biology and technology. Over time, the laboratory matured into the Biomaterials and Medicinal Chemistry Research Centre, through which I secured substantial national funding for innovative projects. I have also been privileged to receive multiple national research awards in acknowledgement of these contributions.

I have developed and led multidisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, materials science, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and chemical technology, culminating in publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals.

Click here to see some of Ramin’s most recent publications

What was it about UC and studying in New Zealand that drew you here for your PhD?

Before I applied for my PhD at UC, I’d heard that there were many benefits for international PhD students in Aotearoa New Zealand, including the possibility to work while studying, apply for a work visa upon graduation, pay domestic student fees, as well as school and work benefits for your partner and children. Later on, I discovered that New Zealanders are known for their friendly, honest and open nature. On scholarship, you get to know lots of Kiwis, but you also become part of UC’s global community of talented scholars. You get to enjoy a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle in a country with high levels of government transparency and security.

For me, the first and the most important thing that drew my attention to New Zealand was the PhD fee structure. The fees were the lowest amongst all other countries that I looked at, with international students paying domestic fees. UC’s global ranking also played a part in my decision. At the time of my application (2002), the University of Canterbury ranked 100th out of all other universities in the world. Another very important factor that attracted me to UC was the way Professor Richard Hartshorn (as my supervisor) conducted his correspondence, writing emails and explaining very clearly his responses to what I was asking him. He was clear, kind, understanding and spent valuable time to make sure I made the best decision based on my understanding. He was awesome. I still keep in touch with him, and he responds to my emails still as kindly as always.

Looking back, what are some of your fondest memories from your time at UC?

One of the things I enjoyed most about university was the freedom to explore subjects that are truly captivating for me. From an academic perspective, the diversity in course offerings is something that a lot of people love about college. My fondest memories from my time at UC are closely tied to the academic and research culture it fostered. The opportunity to work across disciplines, collaborate with motivated colleagues, and contribute to projects that addressed real scientific challenges was both intellectually rewarding and personally motivating.

Parallel with my academic activities, I served as an international Taekwondo instructor. With the support of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA), I established the University’s first-ever Taekwondo Academy on campus. Through this initiative a dedicated club was formed, allowing me to train students three times per week. This experience was deeply fulfilling, as it enabled me to share my knowledge of Taekwondo within the university community. I am sincerely grateful to the University of Canterbury for providing an environment that supported both my academic pursuits and my continued engagement in sport.

Taking this opportunity, I would also like to emphasise the very important lessons that I learnt during my PhD. These included having flexibility to prioritise life and work, critical thinking, innovation, strategies to develop ideas into practice, listening carefully to new ideas, the importance of being part of your research community, and finding strategies to take opportunities. My previous professors, supervisors and advisors at UC (particularly Professor Richard Hartshorn, Dr Jan Wikaira, Emeritus Professor Ward Robinson, Emeritus Professor Bryce Williamson, and Emeritus Professor Peter Steel), also taught me that developing your critical thinking skills improves your problem-solving skills, boosts your data-driven decision-making ability, and gives you a methodology to tackle complex problems. I learnt that good critical thinkers are comfortable with ambiguity and are willing to challenge their hypotheses in order to come to the best conclusions.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share — any reflections, upcoming projects, or final thoughts?

I would like to share a heartfelt reflection on my time at the University of Canterbury. From the very beginning of my PhD and scholarship applications, I was deeply touched by the kindness, openness, and respect shown by everyone I interacted with at UC. That sense of care only grew stronger upon my arrival in Christchurch, where members of the University’s community welcomed me personally and ensured that my transition to campus was smooth and reassuring.

The warmth with which Professor Richard Hartshorn and his research group received me is something I will always cherish. From the very first days, I felt not like a visitor, but truly at home. Over the course of my 4.5 years as a PhD student, that initial welcome evolved into a profound sense of belonging, and I came to regard the research group as an extended family. The Chemistry Department, as a whole, consistently embodied generosity, intellectual excellence, and genuine humanity, creating an environment that allowed me to grow both as a scientist and as a person.

I am profoundly grateful for everything I learned from the remarkable people of New Zealand, whose kindness and humility left an enduring mark on my life. The University of Canterbury will always hold a special place in my heart, and I sincerely hope to one day return to reconnect with the beautiful land and the wonderful people who made my time there so meaningful.