Chemistry imitating life

Oeiras, 10.10.2016

This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage (France), Fraser Stoddart (USA) and Bernard Feringa (the Netherlands), "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines".

The awardees have developed molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added - a tiny lift, artificial muscles and miniscule motors.

As stated by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences when announcing the award, “2016's Nobel Laureates in Chemistry have taken molecular systems out of equilibrium's stalemate and into energy-filled states in which their movements can be controlled. In terms of development, the molecular motor is at the same stage as the electric motor was in the 1830s, when scientists displayed various spinning cranks and wheels, unaware that they would lead to washing machines, fans and food processors. Molecular machines will most likely be used in the development of things such as new materials, sensors and energy storage systems.” 

The prize amount of 8 million Swedish krona (831.410,70 euros) will be shared equally between the Laureates.

ITQB NOVA is honored that Professor Gunnar von Heijne, member of the Scientific Advisory Board of ITQB NOVA’s MOSTMICRO research unit, is one of the scientists of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry who chose this year’s awardees.

The Chemistry Nobel Prize 2016 in Portuguese Media by ITQB NOVA members

Cláudio M. Soares & Joana Lobo Antunes wrote - Opinião: A química imitou com sucesso a vida, Público, 5.10.2016 

Carlos C. Romão commented on - Prémio Nobel da Química para a criação das máquinas mais pequenas do mundo, Observador, 5.10.2016