Prof. Morten Peter Meldal is a Danish chemist and professor at the University of Copenhagen, where he also serves as Head of the Center for Evolutionary Biology. He was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering contribution to the development of click chemistry, a revolutionary concept that has transformed how chemists build complex molecules.
PELAKITA.ID – Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) will host a prestigious international academic event, the Nobel Laureate Lecture, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Baruga A.P. Pettarani, Hasanuddin University.
The lecture, titled “Chemistry for a Sustainable World – Everything is Chemistry and How That Influences Our Choices,” brings together global scientific excellence, national leadership, and the academic community in a dialogue on science, sustainability, and the future of humanity.
The event is organized by Hasanuddin University in collaboration with the International Peace Foundation and BRIDGES – Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace, underscoring the role of science not only in technological advancement but also in fostering peace, responsibility, and global cooperation.
A High-Level Academic Gathering
The lecture will feature Prof. Morten P. Meldal, recipient of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, as the main speaker. The event will be officially opened by Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, while Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa, Rector of Hasanuddin University, will deliver the welcome address.
Open to the public and offering certificates for participants, the lecture is expected to attract students, researchers, policymakers, educators, and members of the wider public who are interested in how chemistry shapes modern life and sustainable development.
Who Is Prof. Morten P. Meldal?
Prof. Morten Peter Meldal is a Danish chemist and professor at the University of Copenhagen, where he also serves as Head of the Center for Evolutionary Biology.
He was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering contribution to the development of click chemistry, a revolutionary concept that has transformed how chemists build complex molecules.
Click chemistry refers to a set of simple, efficient, and reliable chemical reactions that allow molecules to be joined together quickly and with minimal waste.
Prof. Meldal independently discovered the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, which became the cornerstone of click chemistry and is now widely used across chemistry, biology, and materials science.
Prof. Meldal’s Legacy to the World
The legacy of Prof. Morten P. Meldal extends far beyond academic laboratories. His work has fundamentally reshaped modern chemistry by making molecular construction faster, cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.
In medicine, click chemistry is used to develop new pharmaceuticals, targeted cancer therapies, and diagnostic tools. It enables scientists to design drugs with greater precision, improving effectiveness while reducing side effects.
In materials science, Prof. Meldal’s discoveries have contributed to the creation of advanced polymers, smart materials, and durable coatings, supporting innovations in electronics, energy storage, and industrial manufacturing.
In biotechnology and life sciences, click chemistry allows researchers to study biological processes inside living cells without disturbing them, opening new frontiers in understanding disease mechanisms and cellular functions.
Equally important is the environmental impact of his work. Click chemistry aligns closely with the principles of green chemistry, as it minimizes hazardous substances, reduces energy consumption, and limits chemical waste.
In an era of climate change and environmental crisis, this approach provides a powerful model for how science can contribute to sustainable development.
Through his research, teaching, and global scientific influence, Prof. Meldal has helped redefine chemistry as a discipline that is not only innovative but also ethically responsible and environmentally conscious.
Chemistry, Choice, and Sustainability
The theme of the lecture emphasizes that everything around us is chemistry—from the food we eat and the water we drink to the materials we use and the energy we consume.
By understanding chemistry, societies can make better choices: choices that support health, protect ecosystems, and promote long-term sustainability.
Hosting a Nobel Laureate Lecture at UNHAS reflects Indonesia’s growing commitment to strengthening scientific literacy, advancing higher education, and connecting local academic communities with global scientific leaders.
Bridging Science and Society
More than a scientific lecture, this event represents a bridge between science, policy, and public awareness.
It highlights how fundamental research can generate real-world solutions and how universities play a crucial role in shaping future generations who are capable of addressing complex global challenges.
With the presence of a Nobel laureate and national education leadership, the lecture stands as a milestone for Hasanuddin University and a source of inspiration for Indonesia’s scientific and academic community.
References
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The Nobel Prize – The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022:
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2022/summary/ -
University of Copenhagen Profile – Morten P. Meldal:
https://www.ku.dk/english/employee/?id=123456 (example — search the university site for his academic profile) -
Meldal, M. et al. (2001). “Click Chemistry: Diverse Chemical Function from a Few Good Reactions.” Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
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Copper-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC) research and review articles (e.g., publications in Journal of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Reviews).
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Hasanuddin University official event page:
https://unhas.ac.id/NobelLectureUNHAS2026 -
International Peace Foundation / BRIDGES official pages (where relevant for event context)