The Marcus Wallenberg Foundation announced today that it is awarding the annual Marcus Wallenberg Prize to Professor Wout Boerjan of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The organization lauds Professor Boerjan's pioneering research because of his insights into the biosynthesis of lignin, the most abundant source of natural aromatics in the biosphere. The prize was also awarded to Professor John Ralph of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) for his research on the structure of lignin.
The Marcus Wallenberg Prize is the highest award in the field of wood research. The award is presented each year to scientists who make significant contributions to knowledge and technical developments within scientific fields important to forestry and the forest industry. This year, for the very first time, the award goes to a Flemish researcher, Professor Wout Boerjan of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology.
The role of lignin
Specifically, Wout Boerjan's lab focuses on building the biological building blocks of lignin, a wood component important for wood's strength and resistance to microbial decay. In the production of paper, lignin must be separated from cellulose. In his research, Professor Boerjan uses mass spectrometry to study key enzymes in lignin biosynthesis and identify their genes. These genes can then be modified in trees to make the wood more processable into pulp.
The chemical structure of lignin also makes it an interesting material for scientists and chemists in developing new bio-based applications. To successfully separate and use lignin, it is necessary to understand its structure, chemical structure, and functionality as a basis for developing chemicals and materials.
Professor Wout Boerjan, VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, said, "I am honored that my group's research, which aims to contribute to a more sustainable economy, has been recognized with this award."
The Marcus Wallenberg Prize will be presented by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden at an official ceremony this November.
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