CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scott E. Denmark, a professor of chemistry at the University of Illinois, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest professional honors a scientist can receive. Denmark is one of 84 new members and 21 foreign associates recognized for distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.
Denmark’s research encompasses the invention, stereochemical study and mechanistic understanding of new synthetic reactions, as well as their application to the synthesis of complex molecular structures. He is the recipient of many awards, is an American Chemical Society Fellow and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017. He is currently the editor-in-chief and president of the series Organic Reactions, created at Illinois in 1942.
Denmark earned a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975 and a doctorate of technical sciences in chemistry from the ETH Zurich in 1980. He joined the Illinois faculty in 1980, and was named the Reynold C. Fuson Professor of Chemistry in 1991.
“For artist and scientists, the highest honor is the recognition of their work by people they respect and admire,” Denmark said. “At the University of Illinois, I have been blessed with generations of outstanding, dedicated coworkers, to whom I offer my heartfelt thanks and whose efforts are being celebrated today.”
To reach Scott Denmark, call 217-333-0066; sdenmark@illinois.edu.
