Generales

By Redacción UdeA Noticias 

Morten Meldal, winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, visited the Universidad de Antioquia, where he engaged with students, professors, and researchers from both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Danish chemist and University of Copenhagen professor toured the University Research Headquarters (SIU), the Extension building, and the Faculty of Medicine. His visit was part of the Nobel Prize Inspiration Initiative, supported by the Nobel Foundation and AstraZeneca.  

Professor Morten Meldal presented his lecture, “Molecular Click Adventures: A Nobel Journey of Discoveries,” in the main auditorium of the University Research Headquarters (SIU). Photo: UdeA Communications Office / Alejandra Uribe F.  

On a morning in October 2022, Morten Meldal answered the phone, expecting yet another unsolicited business offer. Prepared to decline, he responded with little interest. Instead, a voice from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences delivered unexpected news—he had won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They asked him to keep it a secret for the next hour. “It was the craziest hour of my life,” he recalled.   

Professor Morten Meldal opened his lecture, Molecular Click Adventures: A Nobel Journey of Discoveries, with this amusing anecdote, captivating a packed auditorium. It started a day at the Universidad de Antioquia, where he engaged with students, professors, and researchers from undergraduate and graduate programs.  

“Chemistry is everything! Whether you feel hungry or fall in love, molecules in your brain interact with receptors. Chemistry shapes everything around us. We are reshaping the world in unprecedented ways through it,” said the Nobel laureate, highlighting the importance of teaching chemistry to young people.   

Morten Meldal, Carolyn R. Bertozzi, and K. Barry Sharpless received the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering work in click and bioorthogonal chemistry. Their breakthroughs led to more efficient and precise chemical reactions, transforming advances in medicine and biotechnology.  

Morten Meldal’s visit was part of the Nobel Prize Inspiration Initiative (NPII), a global program in partnership with AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish biopharmaceutical company. This initiative connects Nobel laureates with the academic and scientific community, fostering the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on the future of science. The tour included UdeA, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad de los Andes, and Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá. AstraZeneca leads the program with support from the Embassy of Sweden. 

Click chemistry   

Click chemistry has driven the development of more effective drugs, advanced diagnostic tools, and innovative materials across multiple industries. Morten Meldal’s groundbreaking research and dedication to science have made a lasting social impact. He shared his expertise with undergraduate students, young researchers, and members of UdeA’s research seedbeds, which bring together around 3,371 students and 1,300 faculty, graduates, and external collaborators. 

Throughout the day, in discussions with the Nobel laureate, the researcher underscored the impact of his discovery on fields like biology and medicine. He credited his lifelong passion for chemistry and his firm determination to follow this path as the driving forces behind his success.   

“Chemistry is the foundation of everything. Biology, for example, is just a branch of chemistry. Understanding molecular interactions drives discoveries across many fields. There are two fundamental sciences: chemistry, which defines everything, and physics, which encompasses everything,” said Morten Meldal. 

The Nobel laureate compared his research to an artistic practice, emphasizing that understanding chemistry requires imagination. He likened his creative process to that of a painter or composer. Training the brain is like exercising a muscle—it consumes plenty of energy. “Training the brain is like strengthening a muscle—it requires energy,” Meldal said. 

Inspiring future scientists and innovators 

At the Universidad de Antioquia, where high-level research is a daily pursuit, connecting the academic and scientific community with professionals like Nobel Laureate Morten Meldal is invaluable. A member and advisor to several Danish and international scientific societies, Meldal co-founded and chairs the Society for Combinatorial Sciences, has contributed to over 330 articles, and holds 30 patents. 

 During his visit to the School of Medicine, the Nobel laureate engaged in discussions with students. Photo: UdeA Communications Office / Alejandra Uribe F.  

Claudia Marcela Vélez, UdeA’s Vice-Rector for Research, underscored the importance of the visit. “It was an opportunity to inspire our students, broaden their perspective, and connect them with those who have reached the highest distinction in science,” she said.   

The director pointed out that at many universities worldwide, students frequently see Nobel Prize winners in classrooms, cafeterias, and other campus spaces. “This reinforces the idea that a Nobel Prize is attainable—that achieving it is within human reach. As scholars, we share that potential. That’s why we believe Professor Morten’s visit to UdeA can be a powerful source of inspiration for our students,” he said. 

Marcela Fernández, country president of AstraZeneca’s Andean Cluster, described the visit as a unique opportunity to inspire Colombia’s future scientists. “At AstraZeneca, we believe knowledge and innovation have the power to transform lives. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to scientific progress and nurturing local talent,” she said.  

The Nobel laureate urged researchers to rethink challenges when encountering obstacles in their work. “Forget the setbacks and focus on the possibilities. Keep your minds open!” he said.