"Chemistry for the Future Solvay Prize"

The “Chemistry for the Future Solvay Prize”, a bi-annual EUR 300,000 prize created by the Belgium based Solvay Group, is awarded to Professor Peter G. Schultz, professor at the Scripps Research Institute in California, and Director of the California Institute for Biomedical Research.

The formal statement of the jury chaired by Hakan Wennerström, Professor at the University of Lund, motivates the decision as follows: "For Professor Schultz’s multiple scientific contributions at the interface between chemistry and biology, in particular for the exploitation of molecular diversity and the rational expansion of the genetic code of the living organisms.”

Professor Schultz’s ground breaking work is impacting many scientific fields, including biotechnology and medicine. It also has important implications for regenerative medicine, and the treatment of infectious disease, autoimmune disease and cancer. Professor Schultz is known for his pro-activity, publishing during the course of his career over 500 papers and training over 300 co-workers. In addition, he has set up ten different pioneering technology companies and biomedical research institutes to ensure the positive impact of his scientific research on society.

“I am obviously delighted to win the Solvay Prize”, said Professor Schultz. “It is a wonderful recognition for all of the hard work of a terrific group of present and past co-workers. I am very much looking forward to travelling to Belgium on 4 December for the award ceremony.”

The Chemistry for the Future Solvay Prize rewards a major scientific discovery that could shape tomorrow's chemistry and help human progress. The EUR 300,000 Prize will be awarded every two years. It was announced on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the creation of the chemical company Solvay by Ernest Solvay, and to perpetuate the founder’s commitment as a strong supporter of scientific research. It is intended to endorse basic research and underline the essential role of chemistry as a science and an industry to help solve some of the most pressing issues the world is facing. The prize will be given to Professor Peter G. Schultz during an award ceremony at the Palais des Académies in Brussels, Belgium, on 4 December 2013.