Professor Kálmán J. Szabó awarded the 2017 Ulla and Stig Holmquist Prize

Award citation:

Professor Kálmán J. Szabó is awarded the prize for his skill in synthesising organometallic compounds, which for example can contain Boron or Silicon and can be used for producing different types of bioactive compounds. Szabó combines skilled use of theoretic methods and modelling such as quantum mechanics with experiments to highlight and understand reaction paths. This has formed the foundations for his development of the chemistry surrounding pincer complexes, where certain types of metals can form strong bonds to organic molecules and function as catalysts. Lately, Szabó has developed new catalytic methods for trifluoromethylations and fluorations. The resulting fluorine compounds may become important in PET scanning of different tumours.

About the prize:

The Ulla and Stig Holmquist Science Prize in Organic Chemistry is awarded annually to a researcher who has primarily worked in Sweden and conducted ground-breaking research in the field. The prize sum is roughly SEK 2 million. Nominations for the prize have been reviewed by the Vice-Dean for Research of the Faculty of Science and Technology in consultation with the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The nominations have also been reviewed by external scientific experts. The final decision is made by the Vice-Chancellor and the prize will be awarded at the Winter Conferment Ceremony.

Find out more about the Ulla and Stig Holmquist Science Prize in Organic Chemistry.