GTU Hosts Prof. Morten Meldal for Nobel Talks

Prof. Morten Meldal, who was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with Carolyn Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless, meets with young researchers and students as part of the “Nobel Talks” organized at Gebze Technical University (GTU), where he shares inspiring insights from his scientific journey.

The Gebze Technical University (GTU) Congress and Cultural Center hosted one of the most distinguished figures in the scientific world on April 10, 2026. Danish scientist Prof. Morten Meldal, recipient of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, shared his contributions to the discovery and development of the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, which enables molecules to bond rapidly and reliably, along with his scientific vision, with GTU academics and students. Organized in collaboration with Gebze Technical University and the Chemists Society, the program attracted significant interest from students, academics, representatives of civil society organizations, citizens, senior officials, and the press, with more than a thousand attendees.

A Day Filled With Science

The event began with an opening speech by GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan, who emphasized that this gathering was a “day to be remembered for the rest our lives", crowning the university’s global achievements in the fields of fundamental sciences and chemistry. Erhan Atici, a Board Member of the Chemists Society stated in his remarks that chemistry is a discipline shaping the future of humanity, adding: “Where there is science, there is a future; investing in chemistry means investing in the future of humanity.”

Meldal: “Chemistry Is Everything”

Prof. Meldal began his speech by humorously describing the moment he found out that he had won the Nobel Prize, emphasizing that “Chemistry is everything.” He highlighted that all processes in the universe are governed by molecular architecture. Meldal also shared how the experiments he conducted on his family’s farm during his childhood in Denmark shaped his interest in chemistry, noting that life is formed through the combination of a limited number of atoms.

Click Chemistry and a Revolution in Healthcare

Detailing how his career journey, which began in the 1990s, evolved in the 2000s into the CuAAC reaction, one of the cornerstones of click chemistry, Meldal explained that this method offers significant applications in research targeting diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. He emphasized the limitless potential of click chemistry, from drug development to materials science, thanks to its ability to connect molecules much like Lego pieces.

A New Approach to Education

Highlighting the importance of creativity in inspiring future generations to embrace science, Morten Peter Meldal stressed that chemistry must be taught through visualization from an early age. He also referred to the “Molego” approach, in which molecules can be assembled like Lego pieces. Meldal noted that success is not limited to technical knowledge but is complemented by empathy and strong communication skills, addressing young participants by stating that they represent the future of scientific excellence.

The Nobel Prize and Science Communication

During a conversation on science communication with Prof. Elif Damla Arısan, Meldal answered questions from the audience. He stated that the Nobel Prize establishes a strong bridge between academia and society, enabling science to reach broader audiences. Emphasizing the critical role of chemistry in addressing global warming and sustainability challenges, Meldal encouraged young people to “do the right thing.”

Expressing his admiration for the atmosphere at GTU, Prof. Meldal remarked: “It is a very beautiful, very green, yet highly active university. There is a wonderful spirit for science and tremendous capacity here. In particular, there is excellent infrastructure to foster students’ curiosity for research.”

A Scientific Legacy for the Future

At the end of the program, GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar presented Prof. Meldal with a specially designed plaque bearing the GTU logo in appreciation of his participation. A group photograph was taken with the participation of faculty deans, academics, and students. Following the program held at the congress center, Prof. Meldal met with undergraduate and graduate students as well as young researchers for a more intimate scientific discussion at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at GTU. This gathering represented a significant reflection of GTU’s vision to bring internationally renowned scientists together with its students.

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