Alumni Focus: Vilmos (Will) Class of 2022
25th September 26
Originally from Hungary, Vilmos “Will” joined Abbey College Manchester to study A Levels, embarking on a journey that would take him from developing a newfound passion for science to studying at two of the world’s leading universities.
Today, Will is a PhD candidate in Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, but his love for the subject was not always obvious.
“Before coming to Abbey College, I wasn’t particularly good at the Sciences at school, but more importantly I didn’t enjoy or find it interesting.”
It was during his time at Abbey College Manchester that his approach to learning changed completely. Rather than relying on memorisation, Will began to focus on understanding the fundamental theories behind scientific concepts and applying them to solve problems independently.
“I think it was at Abbey that I was first able to work out the answer to problems by myself, by properly understanding a given theory or concept rather than trying to memorise connections and relationships. I found that I actually really enjoyed trying to understand concepts and the connections between them as deeply as possible, and then using them to solve new problems with the most efficient or simple strategy.”
This curiosity was nurtured by the college’s academic environment and expert teaching staff. Studying Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, Will was encouraged to explore the links between subjects and pursue questions beyond the limits of the curriculum.
“I was so lucky to have brilliant teachers across Maths, Chemistry and Physics which meant I was able to realise subtle connections between these heavily intertwined subjects and to talk to them about my interests, even when these went slightly beyond the curriculum.”
After successfully completing his A Levels, Will progressed to the University of Oxford, where he studied for an Integrated Master’s degree in Theoretical Chemistry.
“Oxford was a truly challenging but very rewarding four years.”
His academic journey has since continued at the University of Cambridge, where he is now conducting doctoral research with Professor David Wales FRS in the field of energy landscape theory. His work focuses on the theory and computer modelling of condensed phases, including liquids and solids.
The intellectual curiosity that first developed at Abbey College Manchester remains central to his work today.
“Understanding concepts and the connections between them, and then using them to solve new problems, is still the thing I enjoy most about doing research in Chemistry.”
Looking back on his time at Abbey, Will also remembers the benefits of studying in the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.“Manchester is a wonderful place to live, with so many fun things to do, and I feel very lucky to have gone to a school in such a brilliant location right in the city centre. Manchester has so many great restaurants, pubs and concert venues. It’s a vibrant city without feeling overwhelming.”
When asked what advice he would give current students, Will’s answer reflects the perseverance that has shaped his own success:
“Don’t give up on a subject or topic, even at university, just because it seems very difficult at first. You may find that you come to enjoy it later on.”
From arriving at Abbey College Manchester as an A Level student from Hungary to conducting world-leading research at Cambridge, Will’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination and a willingness to embrace academic challenges.
