Bruce Merrifield ’43, Ph.D. ’49

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Dr. Bruce Merrifield’s impact on the field of molecular biology is incalculable. In 1984, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of a method for the synthesis of polypeptides. This international recognition came as the result of the technique he developed of solid phase synthesis of proteins from amino acids and then went on to synthesize the first enzyme from amino acids.

Merrifield’s polypeptide procedure revolutionized biochemical and medical research, making it possible to prepare pure polypeptides of limitless variety very quickly and relatively simply. Instruments based on Merrifield’s work can now be found in virtually every biochemistry and basic medical research laboratory in the world. Not only did Merrifield invent solid phase synthesis, but he also demonstrated its power at a critical stage of development of the field of biochemistry. Thus, he has inspired investigators across the world and placed in their hands a tool important to the revolutionary things now being done in the field of molecular biology.

The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Professor of Biochemistry from 1984 until 1992, Merrifield, now professor emeritus, has been at the Rockefeller University since his graduation from UCLA. Widely recognized for his accomplishments, he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, Phi Lambda Upsilon, Alpha Chi Sigma, American Chemical Society, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Institute of Chemists and the American Peptide Society.

Merrifield has received the Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, the Gairdner Award and the Nichols Medal of the American Chemical Society. He has been honored with the Order of San Carlos (Columbia), the American Institutes of Chemists Award, the American Academy of Achievement Award, the Royal Society of Chemistry Medal and the Innovators of Biochemistry Award (Virginia Commonwealth University). The American Peptide Symposium presented him with the Alan E. Pierce Award, and the European Peptide Society recognized his work with the Josef Rudinger Award. From his alma mater, Merrifield has received the Glenn T. Seaborg Medal as well as the UCLA Alumni Association Award of Distinction and Award in Professional Achievement.

Seen through the prism of research in molecular biology, Merrifield is one of the most important people to graduate from UCLA. He serves as an inspiration to generations of students who base their lives on the best UCLA has to offer.