Stuttgart, April 2026 – Thieme and the editors of SYNTHESIS, SYNLETT, SYNFACTS, and Science of Synthesis together with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) award Song Lin (Cornell University, USA) with the 2026 Thieme–IUPAC Prize in recognition of his pioneering work in electrochemical methods that are advancing organic synthesis and enabling more sustainable chemical processes.
Lin’s research focuses on the development of electrochemical and catalytic strategies for organic synthesis. His work has opened new pathways for forming chemical bonds under mild conditions and reduced reliance on hazardous reagents. By designing practical tools and methodologies, he has helped make electrochemical synthesis more accessible for both academic and industrial applications.
“In the short 10 years since initiating his independent program, Song Lin’s astonishing scientific output has proved him to be one of the most creative, innovative, and cross-disciplinary organic chemists of his generation. It will be very interesting to see the exciting directions Lin will take his program, and there is little doubt he will define the cutting edge of the field of reaction chemistry,” said Professor Erick Carreira, Chairman of the selection committee.
Song Lin studied at Peking University (China) and received his PhD from Harvard University under Professor Eric Jacobsen. After postdoctoral research with Professor Chris Chang at the University of California, Berkeley, he joined Cornell University in 2016, where he was promoted to Full Professor in 2023.
The Thieme–IUPAC Prize is awarded every two years to a scientist – within the first 15 years of an independent career – whose research has had a major impact on synthetic organic chemistry. Lin is the 17th recipient of the award which includes a prize of €5,000. The award ceremony will take place on July 7, 2026, at the 24th International Conference on Organic Synthesis (ICOS-24) in Lodz, Poland, where Lin will deliver the Thieme–IUPAC lecture.
About the Thieme–IUPAC Prize
The Thieme–IUPAC Prize is awarded based on scientific merit for independent research dealing with synthesis in the broadest context of organic chemistry, including organometallic chemistry, medicinal and biological chemistry, designed molecules, and materials. It is presented every two years at the IUPAC International Conference on Organic Synthesis (IUPAC–ICOS) to a scientist within the first 15 years of their independent career whose research has had a major impact on synthetic organic chemistry.