Nobel Prize laureate David MacMillan receives honorary doctorate
David MacMillan is one of the most successful researchers of our time in the field of catalysis and molecular chemistry. Together with his colleague Benjamin List, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2021 for his work on asymmetric organocatalysis, which makes it possible to produce only one of two mirror-image variants of a molecule. Currently a professor at Princeton University (USA), MacMillan is also a pioneer of photocatalysis with visible light. In recognition of his outstanding research in this field, the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Münster will be awarding David MacMillan an honorary doctorate. If you are interested in attending the ceremony on 11 June (Tuesday) at 3 pm in the “Aula im Schloss”, please register in advance no later than 26 May at https://indico.uni-muenster.de/event/2675/. To understand the subject matter, some basic knowledge of chemistry is beneficial.
In photocatalysis, visible light is used as an energy source for chemical reactions. The method generally produces a much cleaner reaction resulting in fewer waste products. David MacMillan's pioneering work in this field has inspired numerous researchers around the world. A number of research groups at the University of Münster are also investigating applications for visible light, e.g. to improve the sustainability of processes, manufacture new products and influence processes with the aid of light.