David Leigh is a scientist who designs and synthesises artificial molecular motors and machines from first principles. He has made a number of notable contributions to the field, including the use of light-sensitive molecules to make small droplets of liquid move uphill. David also developed a tiny molecular machine that mirrors the function of the ribosome, the protein factory of our cells.
His pioneering work has significantly improved the future of nanotechnology, opening up a world of possibilities for the development of new materials. These include different types of plastics, novel types of catalysts and pharmaceuticals, for example.
David has received a number of major international awards for his research, including the 2007 Izatt–Christensen Award for Macrocyclic Chemistry, the 2007 EU Descartes Prize and the . He has also received seven Royal Society of Chemistry awards.
Professional position
- Sir Samuel Hall Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester
Subject groups
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Chemistry
Chemistry, organic
Awards
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Bakerian Medal and Lecture
On 'Making the tiniest machines'.
