Tributes paid to Nobel Prize winning University of Sheffield lecturer

Tributes have been paid to a Nobel Prize winning chemist and former University of Sheffield lecturer, who has died aged 82.

Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart – who worked at the University of Sheffield between 1970 and 1990 – died on 30th December 2024.

He was part of a trio awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016 for their innovative work on molecule-sized machines – which has been “fundamental” in the development of nanotechnology.

The university’s vice-chancellor Koen Lambert paid tribute to Stoddart, calling him “a dedicated colleague, mentor and friend to many in the University of Sheffield community throughout his career”.

“He leaves a remarkable legacy as a distinguished Nobel laureate in Chemistry whose countless achievements continue to inspire the next generation of scientists in Sheffield and around the world.

“We are grateful for his support of our University over many years, and are so proud of all his accomplishments.”

Professor John Derrick, Head of the Faculty of Science at the University of Sheffield, added: “Sir Fraser Stoddart’s exceptional contribution to science is a source of great pride to us here at the University of Sheffield. His groundbreaking research in supramolecular chemistry has not only advanced our understanding of the molecular world but has also inspired generations of scientists.

“He spent more than 20 years as a renowned scholar and dedicated mentor at the University of Sheffield and we are deeply saddened by his passing. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.”

A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Stoddart joined the University of Sheffield in 1970 as a Research Fellow – later becoming a lecturer and Associate Professor of Chemistry.

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After two decades in the city, he went on to work at the University of Birmingham, Illinois-based Northwestern University, and most recently as Chair Professor in Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong.

The University of Sheffield awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science to him in 2008, and a year after he had received a knighthood in the 2007 New Year Honours.

Featured image from University of Sheffield