Jury report for prof. dr. B.L. (Ben) Feringa

Professor of synthetic organic chemistry at University of Groningen

Professor Feringa receives the NWO Spinoza prize 2004 for, amongst other things, his work on molecular motors and extremely selective catalysts.

Ben Feringa (Barger-Compascuum, 18 May 1951) has been professor of synthetic organic chemistry at University of Groningen since 1988. He graduated with a distinction from Groningen in 1974 and he obtained his doctorate there in 1978. After his Ph.D. he worked for Shell Research. In 1984 he returned to Groningen where he became a professor in 1988. In 2003, Feringa won the prestigious Körber European Science Award and he was appointed as 'Jacobus van 't Hoff' professor in molecular sciences. He was the first person to twice receive a so-called NWO Chemical Sciences Top Subsidy for excellent research groups. Feringa has contributed to more than 300 publications and 16 patents, and recently became a foreign member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Feringa is a chemist who designs and synthesises complex molecules. These molecules can, for example, be used as switches, motors or catalysts. Feringa is the inventor of the first molecular motor to be powered by light. In 1999 his group acquired worldwide fame with the molecule that behaves as a sort of propeller under the influence of light.

In the field of catalysts, Feringa is the leading authority in enantioselective catalysis. He makes catalysts which are so accurate that they differentiate between a molecule and its optical isomer. This unique characteristic is extremely important for the development of new medicines. For example, one form of a molecule might be fatal, whereas the optical isomer is lifesaving.

Within Dutch chemistry, Feringa is one of the most creative and authoritative researchers. With his chemical expertise he successfully cooperates with technologists, physicists, biologists and biochemists from universities and research institutes as well as commercial enterprises.

In a nutshell, Feringa is an excellent researcher of international standing and has a considerable charisma that extends far beyond university chemistry. He is an inspiring and innovative leader. His scientific ideas and his infectious enthusiasm form a source of inspiration for young researchers. The NWO Spinoza prize will undoubtedly contribute to ensuring that we hear a lot more from Feringa and his group of talented young researchers in the future.

Further information for the press available from:

prof. dr. B.L. (Ben) Feringa (Organic and Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, University of Groningen)

t: +31 (0)50 363 42 78 / 35, feringa@chem.rug.nl

http://www.chem.rug.nl/feringa

This jury report served as the basis for the speech given by Prof C.T. Verrips at the announcement ceremony for the NWO Spinoza prizes 2004 on 7 June.