Martin Albrecht (chemist)

Martin Albrecht (born 1971) is a German chemist and professor known for his work in organometallic chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, and medicinal chemistry. He is a professor at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

Albrecht's research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel metal complexes, particularly those involving N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). His group explores the application of these complexes in catalytic transformations, including C-H activation, polymerization reactions, and organic synthesis.

A significant area of Albrecht's work involves the development of metal-based anticancer agents. He investigates the use of organometallic compounds, often containing ruthenium or osmium, as potential alternatives to platinum-based chemotherapeutics. These compounds are designed to target cancer cells through unique mechanisms of action, such as interacting with proteins or DNA in ways that differ from traditional drugs.

Albrecht obtained his diploma in chemistry from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the same institution in 2000 under the supervision of Professor Edwin Constable. After postdoctoral work at the University of Oxford with Professor Fraser Armstrong, he started his independent research career at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) in 2002. He moved to the University of Bern in 2009, where he currently holds a professorship.

Albrecht has received several awards and honors for his research, including being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). He has published extensively in leading chemistry journals and is a frequent speaker at international conferences. His contributions to the fields of organometallic chemistry and medicinal chemistry have significantly advanced the understanding of metal-based catalysis and the development of novel therapeutic agents.