The joy of discovery
Prof. dr. Ben Feringa is professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Groningen. In 1999, he discovered the ‘molecular motor’; light-driven rotating molecules which can deliver drugs to locations in the body that were previously unreachable, by transporting themselves through the blood stream. For this work he received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry last October.
In this presentation, the focus is on his journey in the world of molecular switches and motors, the process of discovery and my personal experiences through my scientific career. In particular, he will address how fundamental questions, the process of inquiry and molecular beauty have guided Ben on this journey. Exploring across the current frontiers of chemical sciences there is vast uncharted territory to experience the joy of discovery; where wonder and admiration merge in an adventure with nature and his own personal space odyssey.
We are incredibly honored to welcome Ben at our PhD Day. Visit his keynote session to learn more about the joy of discovery!
Ben’s staff profile
Ben’s Nobel Lecture: “The Art of Building Small, from molecular switches to motors”