From Curiosity to Innovation: A Scientist’s Journey into High-Throughput Experimentation at Asymchem
Exploring Science through Curiosity and Purpose
For many scientists, the journey begins with a simple question: why?
For Kane Bastick, curiosity has always been a driving force. From a young age, “why” was a favorite word, reflecting a natural desire to understand how the world works. This curiosity later developed into a passion for science and a commitment to using scientific knowledge to create meaningful impact.
Growing up with a personal connection to healthcare challenges, Kane developed an early motivation to explore science as a way to better understand diseases and contribute to improving people’s lives. This motivation led to studying Natural Sciences at Durham University, where chemistry and biology intersected. During this period, a deeper fascination emerged: the complexity and creativity of organic chemistry.
The intricate mechanisms behind chemical transformations felt like solving scientific puzzles. This passion inspired further research through a PhD in Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, focusing on catalysis. Along the way, scientific exploration brought opportunities to collaborate internationally, including research experiences in Germany and Canada, before eventually joining Asymchem.
A Day in the World of High-Throughput Experimentation
At Asymchem, no two days are the same.
Working in high-throughput experimentation (HTE) means constantly combining scientific creativity with advanced technologies. A typical day may involve designing experimental screens, collaborating with automation specialists to optimize robotic workflows, analyzing experimental results, or discussing project strategies with global teams.
HTE enables scientists to explore chemical possibilities with unprecedented speed and precision. By integrating automation, data generation, and scientific expertise, researchers can rapidly evaluate reaction conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.
Beyond laboratory work, collaboration plays a central role. Whether communicating results with clients, working with cross-functional teams, or joining global retrosynthesis discussions, each interaction contributes to solving complex chemistry challenges.
Turning Data into Knowledge and Innovation
One of the most rewarding aspects of HTE is its ability to transform large amounts of experimental data into meaningful scientific understanding.
Having completed a PhD without the support of modern automation technologies, Kane gained a deep appreciation for the power of HTE in industry. Today, the ability to generate rich datasets from thousands of experiments within a short timeframe opens new possibilities for understanding chemical behavior and solving fundamental challenges.
However, the true value of HTE is not simply generating more data—it is converting data into knowledge.
Through careful analysis and scientific interpretation, HTE can reveal new reaction insights, identify key factors influencing performance, and guide more efficient process development strategies. The journey from a small-scale reaction screen to a validated process demonstrates the importance of collaboration across disciplines.
Seeing experimental results move from initial screening, through process chemistry validation and analytical understanding, and eventually toward pilot-scale implementation is one of the most meaningful experiences for a scientist.
Connecting Science, Technology, and Real-World Impact
At Asymchem, innovation is driven by the combination of scientific expertise, advanced technologies, and collaborative problem-solving.
High-throughput experimentation represents a new approach to process development—one where automation accelerates discovery, data strengthens decision-making, and scientific insight drives progress.
For scientists like Kane, the excitement lies not only in discovering new chemistry, but also in seeing that knowledge translated into practical solutions that support the development of better medicines.
From a childhood curiosity about science to contributing to next-generation pharmaceutical innovation, this journey reflects the power of asking questions, embracing technology, and continuously exploring what is possible.
