On May 9, Zhejiang University hosted the Global Lecture Series and Fundamental & Transdisciplinary Master Class at Qiushi Lecture Hall. There, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart and Wolf Prize Winner Makoto Fujita shed light on the forefront of supramolecular science and nanoscience in organic chemistry through their insightful lectures.
DU Jiangfeng, president of Zhejiang University, delivered an opening speech. Emphasizing ZJU's commitment to fundamental research and interdisciplinary collaboration, DU Jiangfeng highlighted the University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with top-tier educational institutions and international bodies. He expressed optimism about the exchange of knowledge with eminent scholars, envisioning a future where young minds are inspired to delve into cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and strive for academic excellence.
The two speakers expounded on the ever-expanding horizon of fundamental interdisciplinary domains and the evolution of supramolecular fields. Sir Fraser Stoddart, a leading figure in the field of organic supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience, is credited for his trend-setting work on mechanically interlocked molecules and molecular machines. He delivered a lecture titled “Artificial Molecular Pumps,” in which he shared the latest research progress in molecular machines and elaborated on the basic principles and examples of “artificial molecular pumps,” vividly illustrating the working principles of mechanical bonds and molecular machines with animated graphics. Looking ahead, he mapped the trajectory of artificial molecular machines to revolutionize the science of tractable monomer sequence polymer synthesis.
Prof. Makoto Fujita, an internationally renowned scientist in the fields of organic chemistry and supramolecular science, captivated the audience with a talk titled “Coordination Self-Assembly: From Origins to the Latest Advances,.” Unfolding a groundbreaking journey through his novel “Crystal Sponge” technique, Fujita showcased how his team surmounted the barriers in the crystallization of certain organic compounds. This innovative process, the world’s first “Crystal Sponge” technique, marked a milestone in the field of coordination self-assembly.
（From ZJU NEWSROOM）