Chris Meier

Prof. Chris Meier is a distinguished Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Hamburg, Germany, where he leads the research group AG Meier within the Institute of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN Faculty). With over two decades of academic leadership, he serves as Co-Speaker of Collaborative Research Center 1648 "Emerging Infections" and has held significant roles including Scientific Director of the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and President of the International Society for Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids (IS3NA).

Dr. Meier's educational background includes a Chemistry degree (Dipl. Chem.) from the University of Marburg/Lahn (1982-1987), followed by his doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the same institution (1987-1989). He completed postdoctoral research at the Pasteur Institute in Paris (1990-1991) and habilitated at Goethe University Frankfurt (1996) before his appointment as C4/W3 Professor at the University of Hamburg in 1999.

Professor Meier's research program focuses on nucleoside and nucleotide chemistry, with particular emphasis on pronucleotide development, antisense oligonucleotide chemistry, and stereoselective synthesis of carbocyclic nucleoside analogs. His laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis through synthesis of arylamine-modified oligonucleotides and develops innovative organic synthesis methods based on solid support. The group's work bridges fundamental organic chemistry with biomedical applications, particularly in antiviral and anticancer drug development. Recent publications highlight advancements in TriPPP^ro-technology for nucleoside triphosphate delivery and metabolic labeling applications.

• 2018: Antonín Holý Memorial Award from the International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR)
• 2007: William Prusoff Award from ISAR
• 1995: Adolf-Messer Prize for Interdisciplinary Research
• 1992-1996: Habilitation Scholarship from the German Research Foundation (DFG)
• 1990-1992: Liebig Postdoctoral Fellowship

Professor Meier has successfully mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to establish independent research careers. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with virology and immunology groups across Europe, particularly with institutions in France (Pasteur Institute, University of Aix-Marseille) and Belgium (KU Leuven). The group has secured substantial funding through multiple Collaborative Research Centers (SFBs) and has developed several patented technologies related to pronucleotide delivery systems.

The Meier laboratory operates state-of-the-art organic synthesis facilities within the Institute of Organic Chemistry and maintains close ties with the Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), where they utilize advanced imaging and structural biology techniques to characterize their compounds. The research group actively participates in the International Society for Antiviral Research and contributes to the development of novel antiviral strategies through both basic research and translational applications.