iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Well outside my comfort zone 😅 I’m quite shy on📷. Yet, I did it to share the science with the public. I spoke a little slower than usual for a mostly Catalan/Spanish audience. Glad to be part of European Researchers’ Night 2026. #LaNitdelaRecerca26🌙 youtu.be/Vt99v3QQ0aA?...

youtu.be

Why Are We Still Burning Things to Make Chemicals?

YouTube video by La Nit de la Recerca

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Last week was pretty eventful at the 77th International Society of Electrochemistry meeting, Sydney🇦🇺. New science, good conversations, new connections, and a talk from me somewhere in the middle of it all. Also managed to find some whales,crocs,reefs, cockatoos & kangaroos. 🐋🦘 A good week overall.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Some things you never know how many times you’ll get to witness in a lifetime. 🌘 Glad a total solar eclipse was one of them yesterday. From Barcelona.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Doing science has taught me that we establish rigorous protocols to minimize bias before trusting results and building arguments. I just wish we applied the same rigor to ourselves on how we assign credibility and how we treat certain people. That's part of being scientific too.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

A CO2 laser can do more than carbonize polymers. Take a look at our latest work demonstrating how laser integration offers furnace-free route to in-situ synthesize mixed Mn oxides and embed them within a conductive carbon matrix for durable Zn-air battery air cathodes. pubs.rsc.org/ta/article/d...

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

There is something profoundly human about knowing life is precious and still finding it unbearably heavy some days.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Shameless academic flex 😅 Our Small Methods article on scalable electrochemical exfoliation of MoS2 has been now recognized as a Wiley Top Viewed Article. Not top cited yet, but happy that it's widely read. I'll take it. Article link: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Wrapped a Scientific Project Management course @bist.eu that covered everything from structuring milestones to mapping risks in research projects. Good science also needs clarity, communication, and needs to value people skills as much as experiments. Grateful for discussions and the great group.✨

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

What I love most about science is that it’s correctable, though slow. Mistakes, bold claims, anything that later turns out to be wrong, can be tested, challenged or improved.That’s not a weakness, but strength.It isn’t about being right the first time,but about a step closer to the truth, together.

Editorial in RSC Chemistry world about Self-correcting science

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Quiet Sunday 🌱 Completed the IOP Peer Review Excellence certification. Because peer review is a responsibility worth training for. And last week, I was grateful to be nominated as an Emerging Leader 2025 by the IOP Nanotechnology editorial board, @ioppublishing.bsky.social Small things that matter.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Marked my first @rsc.org mentoring session. It was truly rewarding to exchange ideas and share my experiences to help make someone’s journey a little smoother, while also learning from their perspective. Looking forward to this exciting two-way learning journey. #RSCMentoring #Mentorshipmatters

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Asking to share a copy of your grant proposal is a big ask; but not a problem. The issue is reaching out with no subject line, no context, and barely an effort to reconnect, especially if they already know you. Thoughtful, respectful communication can go a long way. #Academia

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Last week I had the pleasure to be invited to speak at a special session on EU research projects at #ICTIS2025 in sunny Granada 🇪🇸. I shared insights on how to electrify and decarbonize chemical industries & transportation fuels. Thankful for the warm welcome and this lovely local gift. 🫒

A bottle of Olive Oil, Santa Maria, Local produce

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Proudly sharing that our @nanoesc.bsky.social @icn2.bsky.social is now Green Lab certified by My Green Lab! 💚. We’re cutting our footprint from compiling orders to choosing vendors with sustainable practices and many more. Sustainable chemistry,done sustainably.

My Green Lab green certificate received by NanoESC group, ICN2

A NanoESC group member receiving the certificate on team's behalf.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Was casually talking to someone today. I was saying that I like to stay informed — not just my research field or events or things to do in Barcelona, but I am keen about understanding the society, traditions, language, politics, history and such of the place where I live. 🧵

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

No pills and pain, No war with your own body, And sleep that comes like a kind friend, not a negotiation. If you have these, you’re richer than you think. Some of us are silently learning that the hard way. #random_musings

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Have had visited Auschwitz last Sunday. What haunted me most was how many stayed silent when the holocaust happened. This latest Chemistry World piece by @philipcball.bsky.social shows how science was complicit during Nazi power. Repeating that silence will show we’ve learned nothing from history.

A Chemistry World op piece on a long history of anticipatory obedience in science

Pile of cans of Zyklon B used in gas chambers during holocaust

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

In labs filled with experiments and data, I wonder if anyone cares the quiet ones? The ones who stay late, not for praise, but for purpose.The ones with no silver tales but only the silence of perseverance. In science, we chase brilliance; but without compassion, all we build is distance. #musings

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

Check out the new MSCA supervision guidelines! It's been revised to reflect real feedback & best practices to strengthen support, inclusion & supervision quality for MSCA researchers. Quality supervision shouldn't be a matter of luck! 🔗 marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/about-msca/m...

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

Day1 at #MCAAConf2025 left me hopeful & reflective. CoARA's push to recognize contributions beyond metrics in research assessment is long overdue. As an ECR, chasing shifting expectations is weary. What's recognized today may change tomorrow. However, it's much better than a dysfunctional system.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Snippets of Day 2 #MCAAConf2025 satellite sessions at Krakow 🇵🇱 . Lots of insightful discussions on mentorship, accountability & research careers. Right mentorship does matter, whistleblowing is vital but need to play by the rules🤙🏼& MCSA fellows need continued career support! Great networking too!

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

I had great respect for the Max Planck Institutes, but the DW reports and YT video expose otherwise. A dark reality of power imbalances humiliating young researchers. Yelling and sexism are usuals, and complaints go ignored. Prestige should not be traded against abuse. www.dw.com/en/abuse-eli...

dw.com

Uncovered: Abuse at top German science institution – DW – 03/13/2025

The Max Planck Society is Germany's preeminent research organization, boasting 31 Nobel laureates. But insufficient oversight leaves international scientists exposed to abuse and the whims of the inst...

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Fostering science means talented women leading, innovating, and supporting it at every level, as a team. Glad to be in this #IWD feature by ICN2, highlighting the many roles women play in shaping research and beyond. Visibility matters, but so does action. Let’s keep pushing for it. #WomenInScience

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Scientists are protesting vs Musk govt's research fund cuts, attack on STEM diversity & setting aside evidence-based policy. The irony? The outrage trended on Musk’s own X. The paradox? Those posts make him richer. Algorithms don’t care, but scientists do, because science matters. #StandUpForScience

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Slava Ukraini!✊🏾 Demilitarize. Decolonize. Decarbonize.

A human castell performance in Barcelona during the demonstration marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Demonstration in Barcelona marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

A timely read for anyone who wants to make sense of current and past world affairs. The book focuses on how mountains, rivers and climate are connected to power dynamics of nations, and why the power centers such as the US, Russia, China, EU etc. act the way they do! A book written by a journalist.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Incredible news! Having spent 2.5 years as postdoc @uwaterloo.ca, I can definitely vouch for the excellence in research, innovation, learning environment and focus on skill development that it fosters. Glad to see it recognized now globally!♥️ #UWaterlooProud

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

On #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience, I reflect on how science education shaped my path—an opportunity still denied to many. From Afghanistan to regions where educating women is taboo, girls fight for a right that should never be questioned. I choose to stand with them.

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

This piece truly resonated with me. Strong mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about allyship—believing in your potential and bringing out the best in you. If we want more women in science, we must invest in mentorship at every stage.To those who have mentored🌱 me, both men & women—thank you!

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Cooking isn't just a basic life skill, but a form of therapy. The simple joy of preparing a meal from scratch can be incredibly soothing. Be it a comforting homemade dish when you're away from home or a slow weekend cooking, it is a nice way to unwind while taking care of yourself. #chemistwhocooks

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Reviewers often receive templated thank you emails, but rarely, one truly makes you feel seen. Reviewing is about giving back—supporting authors and advancing research. Constructive feedback ensures quality and it’s rewarding when effort is appreciated. Gestures like this remind us why we do it :)

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

After~5 transformative years in Canada's snowy❄️ winters,Tim’s ☕ runs and an amazing research👩‍🔬👨‍🔬 community @uofwaterloo.bsky.social & @ucalgary.bsky.social that shaped me further as a researcher, it’s time to say goodbye. I will start my position as a Marie Curie Fellow at ICN2 Barcelona🇪🇸 from 2025.

Pictures of university of Waterloo and Calgary, Canada

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Welcome to the Dept. of Chemistry, #UWaterloo: Winter Edition. Prerequisite: Frostbite 101. Lab attire includes parkas and thermal gloves. Reactions may take longer due to subzero kinetics. #Winterloo

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Today’s postdoc rollercoaster: 3 meetings (including one with company), XRD-ing 2 samples, CV-ing 2 more, solution-processing an intercalated 2D material, writing a riveting (cough cough) monthly report, and placing lab orders. Isn't it 5 PM yet? #PostdocLife #Multitasking #SendHelpAndSnacks

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Post a picture you took (no description) to bring zen to the timeline

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

Creating troll videos using the viral haka dance in New Zealand Parliament seems to be the latest creepy trend. The real issue? Not recognizing its cultural significance and disregarding something deeply important. #Haka #NewZealand #TrollCulture

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

A prof once said I could be a potential 'diversity hire'—perhaps with good intentions, but I don’t understand why I’m expected to prove so much. Shouldn't the focus be on making people understand why diversity matters beyond accommodation/ checking boxes or why some are so privileged over others?

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Manila Ozhukil Valappil @manilaov.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Just lurking in the #Bluesky universe from Xverse🫢 Expecting a feed with a mix of posts that might inspire, along with dives into things like science, materials, electrochemistry #chemsky (yep, I’m that nerd), academia,current affairs, culture, arts, and memes!

media.tenor.com

a cartoon owl is standing in the grass and says here i come

ALT: a cartoon owl is standing in the grass and says here i come

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