Ben Feringa

Prof. Ben Feringa, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2016), is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Groningen, leading groundbreaking research at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry. As a pioneer in molecular machines, he is celebrated for inventing the first light-driven molecular motor (1999) and advancing nanotechnology with applications in drug delivery, biomedical systems, and sustainable chemistry.

• Born: 1951 (Barger-Compascuum, Netherlands)
• PhD: University of Groningen (1978)
• Awards: Nobel Prize (2016), Spinoza Prize (2004), Cope Scholar Award (2014), Solvay Prize (2015)

His research spans organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and light-driven molecular systems, with recent work focusing on bio-integrated motors, visible/near-infrared activation, and green chemistry. Publications highlight 100+ PhD students mentored and collaborations across 18 countries.

Key article trends include photoclick reactions, redox-switchable systems, and multi-state molecular motors, reflecting his emphasis on controllable nanoscale dynamics. Awards underscore his global impact, from the Spinoza Prize to the Tetrahedron Prize. Media coverage (e.g., The New York Times, BBC) highlights his role in transforming science fiction concepts into real-world nanomachines with potential in medicine and energy.