U of M Professor Earns Hall of Fame Status

Robert Vince lauded for achievements in medicinal chemistry

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (July 23, 2007) — A University of Minnesota professor is being inducted into the American Chemical Society’s Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame.

Robert Vince, Ph.D., is receiving the honor for exemplary service to the division, the society, and the field of medicinal chemistry through outstanding teaching, research, and service.

Vince, the founder and director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Drug Design and a professor in the College of Pharmacy’s department of medicinal chemistry, will be recognized Aug. 22 at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.

Three scientists are inducted into the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame each year. Its about 10,000 worldwide members make it one of the largest special interest divisions of the American Chemical Society.

“I consider this a special honor for me, because it comes from my peers,” Vince said. “It’s from other scientists who are important.”

Vince has co-authored more than 120 scientific publications and holds 23 patents in the field of medicinal chemistry.  Perhaps his most recognized achievement is creating the anti-HIV drug, Ziagen, which is marketed worldwide to children and adults and nets annual sales exceeding $850 million. Royalties from the drug continue to fund research and fellowships at the University of Minnesota.

Vince holds a B.S. in pharmacy and a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the College of Pharmacy SUNY at Buffalo. He’s been a professor at the University of Minnesota since 1967.

This will not be the first top recognition of Vince’s prolific career. He has been honored for his work by a career development from the NIH, was the 1979 University of Minnesota Scholar of the Year, received a Certificate of Commendation by the Minnesota Governor in 1989 for recognition of achievements as an inventor, was honored for outstanding contributions to research and development by the Minnesota Medical Alley, and was elected as Fellow of the AAAS in 2000.

Last year he was honored by inclusion on the Wall of Discovery, a 253-foot long artistic tribute to the process that leads to the great moments of discovery, erected as part of the newly created Scholars Walk at the University of Minnesota.

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

Contact: Nick Hanson, Academic Health Center, (612) 624-2449, hans2853@umn.edu
Sara Buss, Academic Health Center, (612) 626-7037, buss@umn.edu