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Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards

三井化学 触媒科学賞
三井化学 触媒科学賞

2024 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards
Catalysis Science Contributing to Sustainable Society

2024
Winners have been determined!

For contribution to chemistry and chemical industries not only sustainable development but also realization of sustainable society, Mitsui Chemicals established the Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards in 2004. The awards consist of the Catalysis Science Award and the Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work, which recognize outstanding achievements in the field of catalysis science. To date, the awards have been conferred on 30 researchers within Japan and overseas. 

Winner of the 2024 Mitsui chemicals Catalysis Science Award  

Guangbin Dong

Weldon G. Brown Professor of Chemistry University of Chicago

"Revolutionary development of the catalytic carbon-carbon bond activation, the palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis and carbonyl functionalization methods, enabling streamlined and efficient organic synthesis"

Dr. Guangbin Dong has established an original and creative research program in the development of new catalytic methods for the activation and subsequent functionalization of inert chemical bonds. In particular, his work on catalytic C–C bond activation, palladium (Pd)/norbornene cooperative catalysis, and atom-efficient carbonyl functionalization has had a significant impact on synthetic chemistry. These innovative research achievements have contributed to the development of green chemistry processes and have the potential to make a significant impact in fields such as pharmaceutical and natural product synthesis, leading to this award.

Winners of the 2024 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work  

Keary M. Engle

Professor The Scripps Research Institute

"Discovery of selective, predictable, and modular alkene functionalization methods and the development of widely used organometallic precatalysts"

Using unique catalysis based on nickel (Ni) and palladium (Pd), Dr. Keary M. Engle has achieved innovative functionalization of unactivated alkenes, including 1,2- difunctionalization, C(alkenyl)-H functionalization and conjunctive crosscoupling. These highly controlled reactions are facilitated by specially designed directing groups or, in some cases, even in their absence. Many of the novel Ni(0) precatalysts developed by his group have been commercialized and are now widely used in various catalytic applications. These significant contributions to the field of catalysis science make him a deserving recipient of the Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work in 2024.

Ming Joo Koh

Associate Professor National University of Singapore

"Developing base metal catalysis and radical chemistry for sustainable organic synthesis"

Dr. Ming Joo Koh has developed directing group-free selective cross-coupling and functionalization reactions of alkenes catalyzed by complexes of earth abundant metals such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Furthermore, he has also expanded his research into C-glycosylation using Fe- and Ni-catalysts and has succeeded in synthesizing a variety of unique sugar derivatives. Further developments are expected in future. 

Award ceremony and commemorative lectures by the winners

Mitsui Chemicals will be holding “Catalysis Science Forum”, where the awardees will deliver commemorative lectures that will be followed by the award ceremony. The forum will take place as a part of the “14th CSJ Chemistry Festa 2024” held by the Chemical Society of Japan.

1.Date: October 24, 2024  

2.Venue: Tower Hall Funabori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan 

Contact us

Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award Office