Northwestern Professor Chad Mirkin awarded G.M. Kosolapoff Award for outstanding scientific achievement

Chad Mirkin, George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University, was presented the G.M. Kosolapoff Award for outstanding scientific achievement for his work on vaccine design and his other advances in the science industry. The award is presented annually by the Auburn University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in conjunction with the Auburn Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Mirkin is the George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry in Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences and director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology.

One of his most significant contributions to the scientific community, which warranted his reception of the G.M. Kosolapoff Award, is the invention of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), globular forms of DNA with the ability to actively enter cells for targeted treatment delivery. SNAs are game-changers for vaccine and treatment development and could be the key to helping eradicate rare cancers, such as prostate cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.

“It’s an honor to join this remarkable group of awardees and share the latest research on how we can use advances in nanotechnology to design better, more effective vaccines. I’m grateful to the ACS Auburn Section and the Auburn Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for this award.” said Professor Chad Mirkin.

To learn more about Mirkin and his scientific accomplishments, see the Northwestern Now article Chad Mirkin to receive G.M. Kosolapoff Award.