A Tribute to Sir Fraser Stoddart

Sir Fraser Stoddart (1942-2024)

Nobel laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart, Board of Trustees Professor at Northwestern University, and dear friend of the IIN, died Dec. 30.

Sir Fraser Stoddart redefined what’s possible in chemistry and nanoscience. A Nobel Prize winner, inspiring mentor, and cherished member of the IIN and NU, his legacy will endure and forever guide us.

IIN faculty member and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University, Omar Farha, wrote a tribute to Sir Fraser which can be found below and on the Department of Chemistry website (link). Sir Fraser’s biography, written in his own words, can be found on the Nobel Foundation website (link).

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sir Fraser Stoddart, a giant in the world of chemistry and a cherished member of our Northwestern community.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and raised in the close-knit village of Carrington, Fraser’s journey from his early schooling in Carrington and Melville College to earning his Bachelor of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Science at the University of Edinburgh set the stage for a lifetime of groundbreaking achievements.

Fraser’s distinguished career is marked by his pioneering contributions to the field of organic chemistry, where he introduced the concept of mechanical bonds. His innovations in molecular recognition, self-assembly processes, and mechanically interlocked syntheses laid the foundation for fields as diverse as nano-electronic devices, molecular switches, and molecular machines.

Among his many accolades, Fraser shared the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Professors Sauvage and Feringa for their development of molecular machines. His work on rotaxanes, where molecular rings are threaded onto axles and manipulated, gave rise to revolutionary innovations such as molecular lifts, muscles, and computer chips.

Throughout his career, Fraser received countless honors, including the Royal Medal, the Davy Medal, the Nagoya Gold Medal in Organic Chemistry, and knighthood as a Knight Bachelor in 2007. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, underscoring his global impact on science.

Seventeen years ago, thanks to the vision of Northwestern President Emeritus Henry Bienen, Fraser joined Northwestern as the Board of Trustees Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for the Chemistry of Integrated Systems. His leadership and scholarship elevated our department’s standing and inspired countless students, researchers, and colleagues.

Beyond his scientific brilliance, Fraser was a steadfast friend and mentor, always generous with his time, wisdom, and encouragement. His contributions to our community went far beyond his accolades, as he supported and elevated each of us through his boundless energy and spirit.

Fraser’s legacy extends globally, including the recent establishment of a state-of-the-art laboratory at Hong Kong University, a testament to his vision and commitment to advancing science worldwide.

As we reflect on his remarkable life and career, let us honor Fraser by continuing to pursue our work with the passion and curiosity that he exemplified every day.

We will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.

With profound sorrow,

Omar K. Farha