Associate Professor Koh Ming Joo from the NUS Department of Chemistry was one of two winners of the Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work (2024). This is the first time this award is given to a Singaporean researcher. He was recognised for his research in sustainable catalysis and radical chemistry.
Photo credit: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
The Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Awards were established in 2004 with the aim of contributing to the sustainable development of chemistry and the chemical industry by recognising researchers who have made outstanding achievements in catalysis science.
“I feel honoured to join the prestigious list of awardees. This award is a strong recognition of our work in catalysis science in the past six years, and I would like to dedicate it to my current and former co-workers. Their hard work, creativity and dedication made this possible,” said Assoc Prof Koh.
In Associate Professor Koh Ming Joo’s relatively short six years with NUS Department of Chemistry, he has made significant breakthroughs in the field of sustainable chemical synthesis. He was recently selected as one of two winners of the Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award for Creative Work (2024), the first time this award is given to a Singaporean researcher.
Assoc Prof Koh is recognised for his research in sustainable catalysis and radical chemistry. His work has led to the discovery of cheaper, energy-efficient catalysts and reagents that significantly enhance chemical synthesis efficiency. His work has the potential to revolutionise the way important chemicals are prepared and to make a difference in many areas including agriculture, therapeutics and biotechnology.