Research at the University of Leeds into new drugs has received a major boost with the donation of £250,000 from Philip Kocienski, Professor of Organic Chemistry.
Over the next five years the funding will support research in the Institute of Process Research and Development (IPRD), established in 2008 by the University's transformation fund.
The gift, one of the largest ever received from a member of staff, comes from the Biomolecular Research Fund, a charity established by Professor Kocienski using payments he received for consultancy work.
He said: "Early on I made a policy decision not to take this money for myself. The charity has made a number of smaller gifts over the years, but I really wanted to allow it to accrue. Now I am delighted to be able to support the Institute and its research into the safe, economic, innovative synthesis of new drugs."
Kocienski is a graduate of Brown University and became a lecturer at the University of Leeds in 1979, and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southampton in 1985. He was Regius Professor of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow from 1997 to 2000. In 2000 he returned to Leeds as Professor and Head of the Department of Organic Chemistry and then Head of the School of Chemistry.
His research concerns the development of new synthetic methods and their application to the synthesis of biologically active natural products.
Professor Michael Arthur, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: "Professor Kocienski could have done anything he wished with these funds; his decision to invest in his own University's research excellence is absolutely fantastic, and we can be very pleased and proud at this incredibly generous expression of confidence in our institution."
University Director of Development, Michelle Calvert, said: "We are so grateful to Professor Kocienski for this wonderful gift which will support research that has the potential to transform lives long into the future."
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