For his work contributing to the field of heterocyclic chemistry, Professor Ryan Shenvi, PhD, has been awarded the 2024 A.R. Katritzky Junior Award by the International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry (ISHC). The award honors up-and-coming members of the heterocyclic chemistry community whose work has expanded the field of study.

Heterocyclic chemistry deals with ring-like molecules that contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and other elements, including their synthesis, properties, and applications. Shenvi has made significant discoveries in chemical synthesis and catalysis with impacts on medicine, agriculture and areas of materials science. His lab explores complex metabolites to understand and improve their biological properties.

Last year, Shenvi’s group published simultaneous papers in Nature and Science that reported syntheses and biological targets of psychoactive heterocyclic compounds from the traditional medicine of Papua New Guinea. Recently, he authored a series of papers in JACS and Science that demonstrated cost-effective methods for producing quaternary carbon molecules, which are critical for drug development.

Named after Alan Katritzky for his many contributions to heterocyclic chemistry, the A.R. Katritzky Junior Award includes a $1,000 honorarium and plaque. Award winners are invited to present an award lecture at the 29th ISHC Congress, which will be held from July 21 to 26 in Aveiro, Portugal.