Star Organic Chemist Appointed

23 Jan 2012

The University of Manchester is pleased to announce that Professor David Leigh FRS, one of the world's foremost organic chemists, will be joining the School of Chemistry later in the year.

Professor Leigh is a pioneer in the design and synthesis of artificial molecular motors from first principles and with this appointment, The University of Manchester is a step closer to fulfilling its aim of being a world leader in Organic Chemistry.

In order to support Professor Leigh’s appointment, the University are undertaking a £4.1m state-of-the-art refurbishment of a floor of the Chemistry Building. The new working space will be designed and project managed by architects Pick Everard who will be creating a large, open plan synthetic laboratory complete with fume cupboards, bench space and supporting laboratory areas.

Professor Leigh and his team of thirty, most of whom will be making the move to Manchester from The University of Edinburgh, are interested in developing advanced artificial molecular machine systems. The work they will conduct at The University of Manchester has the potential to fundamentally alter the approach currently taken to molecule and material design.

Explaining the work that he will be undertaking, Professor Leigh said: “Nature uses molecular machines to control every significant biological process, from photosynthesis to the way that muscles move to DNA replication and protein synthesis. Mankind, however, despite our myriad of present-day technologies, currently doesn't use molecular machines for anything at all.

“Biology didn't evolve over three billion years to use molecular machines for everything for no good reason, and when scientists learn how to construct such tiny machines and interface them with each other and the outside world it will potentially change our whole approach to functional molecule and material design.

“Cutting edge science requires state-of-the-art facilities, of course, and we're delighted to be moving to Manchester to join other world class groups and where the University can provide the infrastructure we need for this research.

“We hope to be able to add to the fantastic work already going on in the School of Chemistry, and the whole of physical sciences in Manchester in general, and we look forward to collaborating with many other groups there.”

Professor of Organic Chemistry David Procter explained how this appointment sees Manchester building on its established history in this area.

He said: “Organic Chemistry has a long history in Manchester dating back to the UK's first Professor of Organic Chemistry, Carl Schorlemmer, appointed here in 1874. A procession of pioneers followed.

“Professor Leigh began his academic career at The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 1989 and will make a welcome return to Manchester this year. His arrival in the School of Chemistry will ensure that Manchester remains at the forefront of innovations in Organic Chemistry.”