The Faculty of Science has appointed American chemist Jannette Carey and British–Australian astrophysicist Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn as this year's honorary doctors. The appointments recognise their groundbreaking research, significant contributions to education and long-standing collaboration with the faculty.
Jannette Carey, professor of chemistry at Princeton University, USA, is internationally recognised for her work in physical chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on the fundamental chemical principles that govern the function of biological molecules. Her research on the binding of proteins to small molecules and DNA, particularly in relation to cooperativity and gene regulation, has become classic in the field. She has also contributed key insights into the interaction between covalent and non-covalent bonds in proteins, which is of great importance to modern biochemistry, molecular biology and drug development.
Since the mid-1980s, Jannette Carey has had a continuous and in-depth collaboration with Lund University and the Faculty of Science through research visits, joint projects and teaching. She is an active member of the COMMONS Centre of Excellence, including as a member of the centre’s scientific council and as a committed and appreciated lecturer on postgraduate courses. She is also the author of the textbook Ligand-binding Basics.
Highly cited astronomer
Jonathan (Joss) Bland-Hawthorn, Professor of Physics at the University of Sydney, Australia, is one of the world’s leading researchers in galactic astrophysics. He has helped develop research areas such as near-field cosmology and galactic archaeology, which link the motions and chemical composition of stars to the cosmic origins of galaxies. His research has provided crucial insights into galaxy formation, dwarf galaxies and galactic winds. Bland-Hawthorn has published over 830 scientific articles and received numerous international awards.
Bland-Hawthorn has an established and active collaboration with researchers at the Faculty of Science, particularly in the study of galaxy evolution in the early universe. Through regular research visits, advanced doctoral-level teaching and joint projects, he contributes significantly to the faculty’s research and education.
“Through these appointments, we are strengthening our international network and our long-term strategic collaborations in both chemistry and astrophysics,” says Per Persson, Dean of the Faculty of Science.
Image: Ladislav Cséfalvay / Nick Kaiser