EFMC Awards

EFMC Awards 2025 - Call for Nominations

The "EFMC-WuXi AppTec Award for Excellence in Chemical Biology" will recognise outstanding research in the field of chemical biology as defined by EFMC in The Chemical Biology-Medicinal Chemistry Continuum: EFMC’s Vision1ChemBioChem 2021, 22, 2823– 2825.

Applicants should have a track record of significant research achievements in chemical biology during the last 10 years in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions. 

The Award shall be open to any scientist whose age does not exceed 50 years on January 1st of the year during which the Award is to be presented, and whose accomplishment has not yet been honoured by other EFMC awards. In accordance with the EFMC core values of equal opportunities and inclusiveness; Maternity leaves, as well as leaves taken for health or private reasons are considered upon making the final selection. 

Nominations should consist of:

  • a letter (max. two pages) proposing the candidate
  • a brief biographical sketch with a list of selected publications
  • two supporting letters

Self-nominations are also accepted. 

The Award will be presented at the 2nd EFMC International Symposium on Chemoical Biology (EFMC-ISCB 2025) to be held in Basel, Switerland on January 29-31, 2025.

Deadline for submission: June 30, 2024 | Awardee will be announced in the course of September 2024!

Dr Laurent Meijer (Perha Pharmaceuticals, France)

For his unparalleled achievements in the discovery and development of kinase inhibitors derived from natural sources, both within his academic and biotech endeavors. His groundbreaking work in discovering and developing pharmacological inhibitors has not only advanced fundamental research on protein kinases but also holds promise for addressing various diseases, from cancers to neurological disorders. Dr. Meijer's commitment to innovation and collaboration makes him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award, and his contributions continue to inspire medicinal chemists across Europe and beyond.

Prof. Stuart Conway (University of California, United States) 

For his pioneering contribution in medicinal chemistry and epigenetics that has reshaped our understanding of disease treatment. Stuart's groundbreaking research on bromodomain inhibitors has paved the way for new cancer therapies, while his efforts in parasitology offer hope for neglected tropical diseases. Beyond his scientific achievements, Stuart's advocacy for diversity and inclusion in academia sets a powerful example for us all. Today, we honor not only his scientific brilliance but also his commitment to building a more equitable future.

Prof. Véronique Gouverneur (University of Oxford, United Kingdom) 

For her ground-breaking contributions to the field of fluorine (19F and 18F) chemistry for applications in medicine and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging. With over 45 fluorination reactions invented, including groundbreaking methods for 18F-radiolabeling, her contributions have bridged the gap between theory and practice, driving forward crucial technologies for the benefit of society. Prof. Gouverneur's exceptional leadership, coupled with her unwavering commitment to mentorship and training, cements her legacy as a transformative figure in the scientific community. She is truly deserving of recognition as one of the foremost organic chemists globally.

All 3 awards consist of a diploma, € 7.500 and an invitation to give a headline presentation at the EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry.

The 2024 Awards will be presented at the XXVIII EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC-ISMC 2024), scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy on September 1-5, 2024. 

Previous Laureates

Nauta Pharmacochemistry Award for Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology

  • 2020Prof. Adriaan Ijzerman, Leiden University, The Netherlands
  • 2018: Prof. Christa Müller, University of Bonn, Germany
  • 2016: Prof. François Diederich, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
  • 2014: Dr Paul Leeson, GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom
  • 2012: Prof. Alexander Levitzki, THe Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
  • 2010: Prof. Camille George Wermuth, University Louis Pasteur Strasbourg and Prestwick Chemicals

UCB-Ehrlich Award for Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry

  • 2020: Dr Malin Lemurell, AstraZeneca, Sweden
  • 2018: Prof. Adam Nelson, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
  • 2016: Prof. Paul J. Hergenrother, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
  • 2014: Prof. Craig Crews, Yale University, Department of Chemistry, New Haven, USA
  • 2012: Dr Krzysztof Józwiak, Department of Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
  • 2010: Dr Anthony Wood, Pfizer Global Research and Development, United Kingdom

Prous Institute-Overton and Meyer Award for New Technologies in Drug Discovery

  • 2020Prof. Gisbert Schneider, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
  • 2018: Prof. Benjamin Cravatt – Scripps Research Institute, United States
  • 2016: Prof. Jan Steyaert, VIB & VU Brussels, Belgium
  • 2014: Prof. György Ferenczy and Prof. György Keseru, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
  • 2012: Dr Harren Jhoti, Astex Pharmaceuticals, United Kingdom
  • 2010: Prof. Klaus Müller, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

EFMC-WuXi AppTec Award for Excellence in Chemical Biology

  • 2023: Prof. Gonçalo Bernardes, University of Cambridge, UK & IMM Lisboa, Portugal