Bäckvall Jan-Erling

Jan-Erling Bäckvall is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Stockholm University (since 1997) and concurrently holds a Professorship at Uppsala University (since 1986). Elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 2006, he specializes in dynamic kinetic resolution, biomimetic oxidation, and organo-metallic transformations. His research integrates directed evolution techniques with synthetic organic chemistry.

• Education: Ph.D. from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm (1975).

His work focuses on asymmetric catalysis and bio-inspired chemical processes. He has pioneered methods in enantioselective synthesis using transition metal complexes and enzyme mimicry.

Notable awards include the Arrhenius Medal (1986), Celsius Medal in Gold (2002), and ERC Advanced Grant (2010). He has held distinguished lectureships globally, including at Purdue, Illinois, and Groningen.

Grants include Swedish Research Council funding (2001, 2003) and the Holmquist Prize (2005). His academic leadership roles include membership in the Nobel Chemistry Committee and multiple national/international academies.