A Career in Biocatalysis: Kurt Faber

Kurt Faber, a synthetic organic chemist by training, stronglyinfluenced thefield of biocatalysis throughout the course of his four-decadecareer (from the late 1980s to the early 2020s). The evolution of his careerhas gone hand in hand with the development of biocatalysis into a matureand versatile discipline originally deep-rooted in organic chemistry thatquickly integrated techniques from molecular biology. His work has providednumerous grounds for recognizing natural catalysts as essential tools inorganic synthesis, complementing the more chemical approaches. Animportant aspect of Kurt Faber's career encompasses teaching, mentoring,and encouraging the development of younger scientists worldwide. His book,Biotransformations in Organic Chemistry, now in its seventh edition, hasbecome a recognized tool for training generations of chemists andbiotechnologists and remains a reference worldwide. At Biotrans 2021, the15th International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Biotransformations (originally scheduled to be held in Graz, Austria, andeventually held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Kurt Faber received the Biotrans senior award in recognition of hisinnovative contributions to thefield. In this Account, we would like to acknowledge his contributions to thefield of biocatalysis,highlighting both the growing importance of this discipline in many (industrial) sectors and the profound changes that haveoccurred in recent decades, while reflecting on some of Kurt Faber's most important discoveries and his legacy to this field

Automated summary

Kurt Faber, a synthetic organic chemist, has made significant contributions to the field of biocatalysis. His work has recognized the importance of natural catalysts in organic synthesis and has provided a solid foundation for this discipline. He has also been involved in teaching and mentoring young scientists, and his book "Biotransformations in Organic Chemistry" has become a renowned resource for chemists and biotechnologists. In recognition of his innovative contributions, he received the Biotrans senior award at the Biotrans 2021 symposium.