Stephen J. Lippard

Stephen J. Lippard CHF-Heritage-Day-2017-047

Stephen J. Lippard is a prominent American chemist known for his significant contributions to the field of bioinorganic chemistry. He is particularly recognized for his research on the role of metal ions in biological systems and the development of metal-based drugs.

Early Life and Education

Stephen J. Lippard was born on October 12, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed his undergraduate studies at Haverford College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1962. He then pursued his graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1965 under the supervision of F. Albert Cotton.

Academic Career

After completing his Ph.D., Lippard began his academic career as an assistant professor at Columbia University in 1966. He was promoted to associate professor in 1970 and full professor in 1972. In 1983, he joined the faculty at MIT, where he has held various prestigious positions, including the Arthur Amos Noyes Professor of Chemistry.

Research Contributions

Lippard's research has significantly advanced the understanding of bioinorganic chemistry. His work on cisplatin, a platinum-based anticancer drug, has been particularly influential. He elucidated the mechanism by which cisplatin interacts with DNA, leading to its effectiveness in treating various forms of cancer. This research has paved the way for the development of new metal-based drugs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

In addition to his work on cisplatin, Lippard has made important contributions to the study of metalloenzymes, metal ion transport and storage in biological systems, and the design of metal-based sensors for detecting biological molecules.

Awards and Honors

Stephen J. Lippard has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to chemistry, including:

• The National Medal of Science (2004)
• The Priestley Medal (2014)
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences
• Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Personal Life

Lippard is married and has two children. He continues to be active in research and mentoring young scientists.

Selected Publications

Lippard has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and books. Some of his notable publications include:

• Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry (with Jeremy M. Berg)
• Chemical Reviews articles on cisplatin and metalloenzymes

See Also

• Bioinorganic chemistry
• Cisplatin
• Metalloenzyme
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology