The new academic year kicked off on 2 September 2024 with the Opening Academic Year. This year’s theme was ‘Reasons for Hope’. Bas was interviewed as part of the panel and spoke as the Director of AIMMS about how we are committed to making a positive impact on life and the environment by accelerating breakthroughs in molecular science. He also highlighted our initiatives to unite a new generation of thinkers to address complex societal challenges, including organizing hackathons.