Wits Professor of organic chemistry, Charles de Koning, recently won the South African Chemistry Institute’s (SACI) gold medal – the organisation’s top award. He was also inducted as a Fellow of SACI.
For De Koning, however, the award came as a bit of a surprise since he wasn’t online during the announcement. As with most events this year, the SACI AGM and prizegiving took place virtually. “I had been on calls all day and decided to go cycling after work. When at some point I checked my phone, I saw that I had multiple missed calls,” said De Koning about the moment that he had found out that he had won the institute’s top prize.
The SACI only awards a single gold medal per year and De Koning has been involved with SACI since 1992 when he returned to South Africa after completing two post-doctoral stints abroad. He is said to have served as treasurer for the SACI Gauteng branch and organised several conferences. The gold medal itself though is only one part of the award. He will also deliver the gold medal plenary lecture at the next SACI symposium, and receive a cash prize.
De Koning’s research focuses on organic synthesis, organic chemistry using simple building blocks. By combining these building blocks, and developing new synthetic methods, new compounds can be assembled that have unique properties. In particular, he has built up a research profile of 136 peer-evaluated publications, and six book chapters throughout his career, and is interested in the application of these new resources to human health and medicine.
His interest in organic chemistry may have roots in his childhood when he enjoyed playing with Lego. “Back in the day there were no kits to build cars or spaceships, you just got the box of Lego pieces and made what was in your imagination,” he said.
This interest in building blocks as a child, combined with a passion for organic synthesis during his undergraduate degree led to his successful career in ‘molecular engineering’ through organic chemistry. Intrigued by the concept, De Koning went on to pursue a master’s and PhD on the subject, subsequently travelling from Boston to Hawaii before landing back in South Africa.
