Nobel laureate appointed as honorary professor at HUST

Professor Benjamin List, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2021, was appointed as an honorary professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) on Oct 16, with President You Zheng presenting him with the appointment letter.

List, a member of the German Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, specializes in organic catalysis and synthesis. His groundbreaking work in the field of asymmetric organic catalysis led to him winning the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with American chemist David MacMillan.

Officials from HUST and faculty representatives attend the appointment letter presentation ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account of Huazhong University of Science and Technology]

You welcomed List and praised his pioneering work and outstanding contributions in the field of organic small molecule asymmetric catalysis. He briefly introduced the university and highlighted its longstanding cooperation with over 30 German universities and research institutions in talent training and collaborative research.

You expressed anticipation for future collaborations between HUST and List in chemistry discipline development, innovative talent cultivation, and high-level scientific research, aiming to achieve more significant outcomes and contribute further to the advancement of the chemistry discipline.

Benjamin List delivers a special lecture titled "Organic Asymmetric Catalysis", which is attended by nearly 400 faculty and students. [Photo/WeChat account of Huazhong University of Science and Technology]

List expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended HUST's academic achievements. He said he felt honored to serve as an honorary professor at HUST. Drawing from his experiences in China, he praised the country's economic and technological advancements and recognized the resilience and courage of Chinese researchers in tackling various scientific challenges.

He said he looked forward to continuing the strong friendship with HUST and collaborating on student and faculty exchanges, scientific research, and talent cultivation to further promote mutual development.