Guillaume De Bo

Guillaume De Bo is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Manchester, leading the Organic Chemistry Group. He holds a prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2016–2023) and received an ERC Consolidator Grant (2022). His research focuses on harnessing mechanical force to control molecular reactivity for applications in synthetic chemistry, materials, and biology.

De Bo earned an MSc (2004) and PhD (2009) from the University of Louvain. His work emphasizes mechanophores—molecules embedded in polymers to activate reactions under strain. Key contributions include developing rotaxane-based systems for controlled release, mechanochromic materials, and force-driven retro-Diels-Alder reactions. He has organized conferences like the RSC Organic Division North West Regional Meeting (2020) and the Leigh Group 30th Anniversary Symposium (2019).

His research interests span mechanochemistry, polymer design, and molecular machines. Notable awards include the 2021 Macro Group UK Young Research Medal and Bob Hay Lectureship. His lab explores sustainable applications aligning with UN SDGs, particularly through innovative material design and energy-efficient chemical transformations.