Nobel Laureate and Edinburgh Uni alumnus dies at 82

An Edinburgh University alumnus who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016 has died at the age of 82.

Born in a small farming community near Edinburgh, Sir Fraser completed a BSc in Chemistry in 1964, going on to complete a PhD two years later.

Sir Fraser Stoddart won the award alongside Jean-Pierre Sauavage and Bernard L. Feringa for the “design and synthesis of molecular machines”.

Their breakthrough laid the foundation for a new field of chemistry and nanotechnology, with potential applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to the development of more efficient energy systems.

Their work on this technology took over 30 years to complete.

After graduating from Edinburgh he went on to work in academia at Queen’s University, Ontario and later became a professor at Northwestern University.

Professor Jason Love, Head of the School of Chemistry, told Edinburgh Live: “We will always remember Sir Fraser fondly for his groundbreaking research, his friendship and his invaluable contributions to the School of Chemistry community, which has made a huge difference to the many students who he has supported over the years.

“His incredible achievements as one of the world’s greatest chemists will continue to inspire our students, staff and alumni.”

A spokesperson for the university added: “Throughout his career, Sir Fraser maintained a lifelong connection to his former Edinburgh home and place of study at the University of Edinburgh School of Chemistry.

“In 2013, Sir Fraser supported the establishment of the Fraser and Norma Stoddart PhD Prize. This prestigious prize has honoured PhD students who demonstrated outstanding research accomplishments and contributed widely to the life of students within the School of Chemistry.

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“Prize winners have gone on to make a difference in a wide variety of areas after graduation, such as crystallography, sustainable technologies, regulatory affairs, pharmaceutical manufacturing, heritage science and teaching.”

Sir Fraser was awarded an honorary degree from the university in 2023 to recognise his “inspirational world-leading work” throughout his career and was named alumnus of the year in 2005 before being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.