January 21, 2021

Scripps Research CEO Peter Schultz wins National Academy of Sciences' chemistry award for extraordinary scientific achievements Schultz is recognized for expanding what's possible in drug development by pioneering sophisticated techniques that merge chemistry and biology.

January 21, 2021

LA JOLLA, CA The National Academy of Sciences has honored Scripps Research President and CEO Peter Schultz, PhD, with the 2021 NAS Award in Chemical Sciences for pioneering new approaches in chemical and synthetic biology that address challenges in health, energy and materials science.

The NAS Award in Chemical Sciences is presented annually to an individual whose innovative research in the chemical sciences has contributed to a better understanding of the natural sciences and to the benefit of humanity. The award, sponsored by the Merck Company, is presented with a medal and a $15,000 prize.

Schultz has made many innovative contributions to the interface between chemistry and biology notably the exploitation of molecular diversity in creating of new medicines and materials, and the rational expansion of the genetic code.

Schultz has demonstrated that traditional chemical tools, used together with modern cellular and molecular biology methods, can enable chemists to manipulate cellular machinery in amazing new ways, the National Academy of Sciences said in a statement.

For example, Schultz's work has made it possible to add new building blocks to the genetic code, removing a billion-year constraint on living organisms. This allows scientists to program cells to create valuable medicines, agricultural aids and other high-value products that improve human wellbeing.

He has also harnessed molecular diversity to create new catalysts, medicines and materials first in reprogramming the immune system to make enzyme-like catalysts, and more recently developing and applying large libraries of chemical and biological compounds to find new materials and innovative drugs for aging, cancer and infectious disease.

I'm honored for our work to be recognized by the National Academy of Sciences, Schultz says. I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many terrific coworkers throughout my career.

Coauthor of over 600 scientific publications, Schultz is a founder of nine companies that have applied novel molecular diversity technologies to address multiple challenges in human health and materials science. At Scripps Research, he is working to create a new self-sustaining model for nonprofit biomedical research institutes that not only advances basic research but accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries to innovative new medicines for public health.

Today, the National Academy of Sciences also named annual winners to 19 other categories recognizing major accomplishments in astrophysics, nanoscience, microbiology and more. All award recipients will be honored in a virtual ceremony during the National Academy of Sciences 158th annual meeting this spring.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine provides science, engineering and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.

Chemistry Schultz, Peter

LINK:	https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2021/20210121-schul...
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