Revolutionizing chemistry and nano-technology with molecular machines
Sir Fraser Stoddart (1942-2024), born in Edinburgh, Scotland, was an innovator in molecular chemistry and nanoscience, earning the nickname “molecular Meccano.” Stoddart began his education locally, then earned a B.Sc, Ph.D, and D.Sc at the University of Edinburgh. In his postdoctoral work, he taught and conducted research at Queen’s University, Birmingham, UCLA, Northwestern, UNSW, and the University of Hong Kong. Through his studies, Stoddart devoted his career to organic chemistry, specializing in molecular nanoscience, where he manipulated matter at the molecular and nanoscale level to create new technology (1).
Stoddart’s research focused on molecular mechanical machines, which convert chemical energy into mechanical movements through cycles of chemical reactions (2). He made advancements in molecular recognition, in which molecules bind in covalent bonds; self-assembly processes, where particles organize themselves; and mechanically interlocked syntheses, where molecules join together without covalent bonds. His work on rotaxanes, molecular rings threaded onto shafts, helped influence future creations such as nano-electronic devices and molecular switches, which allow molecules to change states from external stimuli (3). These discoveries benefited many industries such as pharmaceuticals, from targeted drug delivery to construction, improving material science due to the precise control they had at the molecular level (1).
Fraser received many distinctions for his contributions to science. In 2016, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Professors Sauvage and Feringa, “for their design and production of molecular machines” (2). He was also knighted in 2007 by Queen Elizabeth II for his scientific achievements and contributions (4). However, Stoddart’s legacy extends beyond just these honors. He published 1,000 journal articles in supramolecular chemistry and molecular nanotechnology while also mentoring over 400 graduate and postdoctoral researchers (1). Hong Kong University dedicated a laboratory in Fraser’s honor to commemorate his energy, spirit, wisdom, encouragement, and dedication to science (3). In all regards, Fraser Stoddart will be acknowledged as a trailblazer of chemistry and nanotechnology (1).
Sources:
- (2025, January 16). In Memoriam: Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart. UNSW Sydney. Retrieved from https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2025/01/in-memoriam-professor-sir-fraser-stoddart
- Nobel Prize Academy (2016, October 5) The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016. Nobel Prize. Retrieved from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2016/summary/
- Farha, Omar. (n, d). Sir Fraser Stoddart (1942-2024). Chemistry Northwestern. Retrieved from https://chemistry.northwestern.edu/people/in-memoriam/sir-fraser-stoddart.html
- Marcus, Jennifer (2007, January 4) UCLA’s J. Fraser Stoddart Adds Knight Bachelor to His List of Honors. Web Archive. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20190218202130/http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/UCLA-s-J-Fraser-Stoddart-Adds-7598