Prof. Morten Meldal

Morten Meldal is a Danish chemist and Nobel laureate recognized for his ground-breaking contributions to the field of click chemistry. Born in 1954, Meldal pursued his passion for chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark, earning his Ph.D. in 1983. His research focused on the synthesis of peptides and other organic compounds, laying the foundation for his future discoveries.
Meldal’s most notable achievement lies in his development of the CuAAC (copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition) reaction, a cornerstone of click chemistry. This efficient and versatile reaction revolutionized the field of organic synthesis, enabling the rapid and selective formation of complex molecules. Meldal’s work, conducted independently of American chemist K. Barry Sharpless, opened new avenues for drug discovery, materials science, and biological imaging.

In 2022, Meldal’s contributions to click chemistry were honoured with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, shared with Kari Barry Sharpless and American chemist Carolyn R. Bertozzi. This prestigious award recognized the profound impact of click chemistry on various scientific disciplines and its potential to transform human health and technology.

Meldal’s legacy extends beyond his research accomplishments. He has served as a professor of chemistry at the University of Copenhagen since 1996, inspiring and mentoring generations of scientists. His dedication to teaching and research has earned him numerous accolades, including the Vincent du Vigneaud Award (American Peptide Society), Ralph F. Hirschmann Award (American Chemical Society), Niels Bjerrum Gold Medal in Chemistry (Denmark), The Leonidas Zervas Award (European Peptide Society) etc.

Morten Meldal stands as a pioneer in the field of click chemistry, his work revolutionizing the way scientists construct molecules. His contributions have paved the way for ground-breaking advancements in medicine, materials science, and beyond, solidifying his place among the most influential chemists of our time.