Chemistry and society

Dr. Haldor Topsoe’s award was motivated by his involvement in society. Dr. Haldor Topsoe has used his knowledge of catalysis, fertilizer and energy to address some of the global challenges such as overpopulation, scarcity of resources and protection of the environment. His active participation in various advisory boards and contact to state leaders around the world has played an important role in technology transfer in a number of countries.

The medal is named after two of the US’ earliest chemical entrepreneurs, John Winthrop Jr. and John Sears. The medal is awarded by The Chemists’ Club in cooperation with The Chemical Heritage Foundation.

Together with Nobel prize winners

During the ceremony Dr. Haldor Topsoe was in fine company: Paul Berg, professor emeritus at Stanford University, and Walter Gilbert, professor emeritus at Harvard University, were awarded the American Institute of Chemists’ gold medal. Paul Berg and Walter Gilbert received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1980 together with Frederick Sanger. Yuan T. Lee, president emeritus at Academia Sinica in Taiwan also received a medal – the 2008 Othmer Gold Medal. Like Paul Berg and Walter Gilbert Yuan T. Lee has received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986 together with John C. Polanyi.


Dr. Haldor Topsoe (nr. two from left), Walter Gilbert, Jerry M. Sudarsky (winner of the Richard J. Bolte Sr. Award for Supporting Industries) and Yuan T. Lee after the ceremony.

Contact

For further information, please contact head of public relations Anders Juel Rasmussen, +45 4527 2617 or communications and web manager Christina Odgaard, +45 4527 2043.