Ben L. Feringa

Ben L. Feringa is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Groningen, holding the Jacobus H. van 't Hoff Distinguished Professorship of Molecular Sciences. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering, where he leads the Synthetic Organic Chemistry research group. Feringa has been a full professor at the University of Groningen since 1988, after working as a research scientist for Shell.

Professor Feringa obtained his PhD at the University of Groningen under the supervision of Professor Hans Wynberg. His academic journey includes positions as a research chemist at Shell Laboratories in Amsterdam and the Shell Biosciences Centre in the UK before returning to academia.

Feringa's research program focuses on synthetic organic chemistry with particular emphasis on molecular nanoscience, asymmetric catalysis, and biohybrid systems. His work is inspired by nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion, and catalysis. A major breakthrough was the discovery of the first light-driven unidirectional molecular rotary motor in 1999, which contributed significantly to his Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016. His research spans four main areas: Molecular Nanoscience (focusing on molecular switches and motors), Synthesis and Catalysis (developing new asymmetric catalytic methods), Biohybrid Systems (including photopharmacology), and Sustainable Chemistry (green synthesis methods). The research has strong multidisciplinary character, bridging chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science.

Analysis of Feringa's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a continued focus on molecular motors and switches, with increasing applications in biological systems and sustainable chemistry. His work shows progression from fundamental molecular design to practical applications in drug delivery, medical imaging, and sustainable materials. The research increasingly involves interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with biologists and materials scientists, demonstrating the growing impact of molecular nanotechnology across scientific disciplines.

• Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2016)
• Spinoza Award (2004)
• Tetrahedron Prize (2016)
• August Wilhelm von Hofmann Medal (2016)
• Commandeur in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw (2016)
• Prelog Gold Medal (2005)
• Chirality Medal (2009)
• Humboldt Award (2012)

Professor Feringa has supervised numerous students and researchers throughout his career, with 178 supervised works documented. His research has been supported by major funding agencies including the European Research Council (ERC), the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC), and collaborations with industry partners such as AkzoNobel, Nouryon, Shell, and BASF. He serves as program director of the Groningen hub of ARC CBBC, focusing on homogeneous catalysis, organic synthesis, materials, and coatings.

Feringa leads the Center for Systems Chemistry at the University of Groningen, which includes multiple research teams working across the four subprograms: Molecular Nanoscience, Synthesis and Catalysis, Biohybrid Systems, and Sustainable Chemistry. His group maintains strong collaborations with the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, and UMCG (University Medical Center Groningen), creating a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.