Duilio Arigoni

Prof. Duilio Arigoni was a Full Professor of Special Organic Chemistry at ETH Zurich, associated with the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry within the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. He held visiting professorships at Cornell University (A.D. White Professor-at-Large from 1980–1987), the University of Cambridge (Alexander Todd Visiting Professor, 1981), and Harvard University (R.B. Woodward Visiting Professor, 1983). His career spanned over four decades, contributing significantly to the academic and scientific success of ETH Zurich.

Arigoni studied chemistry at ETH Zurich and completed his doctoral thesis under Prof. O. Jeger in 1955. His academic journey began at the same institution where he later became a distinguished faculty member.

His research focused on the structural and biosynthetic analysis of organic natural products and the mechanisms of enzymatic reactions, particularly their stereochemical aspects. This work led to groundbreaking insights into how nature generates diverse bioactive compounds, emphasizing innovative approaches to understanding biosynthetic pathways.

Arigoni’s contributions were recognized through prestigious international awards, including:

• Davy Medal of the Royal Society (UK)
• Wolf Prize (Israel)
• Arthur C. Cope Award of the American Chemical Society
• Welch Award of the Robert A. Welch Foundation (USA)

As an educator, Arigoni was renowned for his teaching abilities across multiple languages and his mentorship. Though specific grants are not detailed in the text, his work was supported through his roles at ETH Zurich and visiting positions. He advised numerous students, though their names are not listed here.

Arigoni was a pivotal member of the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry (ETH Zurich), where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research. His work contributed to the laboratory’s international reputation in organic chemistry and biosynthesis. He was also a key figure in establishing ETH Zurich’s Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences as a global leader in the field.