J. Fraser Stoddart, a renowned Scottish-born scientist known for his pioneering work in molecular machines, passed away on December 30 in Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 82. His daughter, Alison Margaret Stoddart, reported that he died of cardiac arrest while visiting family.
Dr. Stoddart was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016, sharing the honor with Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Bernard L. Feringa for their groundbreaking work in constructing molecules with physical bonds. This innovation allowed for the creation of nanomachines, with the simplest forms, known as catenanes, being interlocking molecules first synthesized by Dr. Sauvage in 1983.
In 1991, Dr. Stoddart advanced the field further by developing rotaxanes, which consist of ring molecules that slide along a dumbbell-shaped structure. He later demonstrated how to create molecular switches and platforms capable of minute movements, contributing to the development of various molecular machines.
Despite their limited practical applications to date, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has likened the potential of molecular motors to that of electric motors in the 1830s, suggesting future applications could include tiny robots for medical purposes, such as targeting cancer cells.
In addition to his research, Dr. Stoddart co-founded H2MOF in 2021, a company focused on hydrogen storage and transportation, utilizing molecular materials to make hydrogen a more viable clean energy source. He also launched a skin-care brand, Noble Panacea, in 2019, based on his research into porous organic nano vessels.
Born on May 24, 1942, in Edinburgh, Dr. Stoddart grew up in a farming family and developed an early interest in mechanics and science. He attended Edinburgh University, where he earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry. He later worked at various prestigious institutions, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University, where a research institute was established in his honor.
Throughout his career, Dr. Stoddart received numerous accolades, including the Albert Einstein World Award of Science in 2007 and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006. He was also known for mentoring over 400 students from around the world, promoting a collaborative approach to research.
Dr. Stoddart is survived by his two daughters, four grandsons, and a granddaughter. His contributions to science and education have left a lasting impact on the field of chemistry.