Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work
at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are
created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA!
Abstract
I’m Phil Baran and I teach Organic Chemistry at the Scripps Research
Institute. I also head the Baran Laboratory, a vibrant and passionate
team of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars vigorously trying to
uncover Chemistry’s many hidden secrets in the pursuit of useful
reactions that can simplify the way molecules are created in the lab. In
a nutshell, we like to pursue problems whose solution can have a rapid
impact in areas that are important to modern society such as the
invention of new pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or materials. Our
general philosophy to making complex molecules in the laboratory has
been summarized in multiple locations but suffice it to say we are
aiming for syntheses that are as close to “ideal” as possible. With
regards to inventing methodologies we like to focus on tangible and
practical ways of forging bonds that are meaningful to as many folks as
possible. In that regard, we are most enthusiastic about solving
specific unmet needs in reactivity that have a high likelihood of being
“translational”. Finally, we like to collaborate as much as possible
with industry as the fastest return on tax payer money happens when
fundamental science and real-world problems come face to face. To learn
more about our research, check out our Blog, Open Flask
(http://openflask.blogspot.comhttp://openflask.blogspot.com/), our
website (http://www.scripps.edu/baran/html/home.html), or follow us on
Twitter (@baranlabreads). When I was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship
(aka “genius grant”) in 2013, they said that I my research “is not
only enhancing our ability to make fundamental structures for a broad
range of medicines and materials, but is also strengthening the
intellectual foundations of organic chemistry.”
https://www.macfound.org/fellows/884/ I was on earlier today, Monday,
February 13, to answer your questions, and will pop in intermittently
later to answer some more, if you’d like to go ahead and keep asking. So
ask me anything!