Robert H. Grubbs was a two-time University of Florida chemistry graduate, a Nobel laureate and the Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry at Caltech. (Lance Hayashida/Caltech)
UF Mourns the Passing of Robert H. Grubbs, Nobel-Winning Alumnus
Robert H. Grubbs, a chemist and Nobel laureate who earned two degrees from the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at 79 years old. His passing was announced in a statement by Caltech, where he had been a professor since 1978.
Grubbs was among three co-winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005 for his groundbreaking work in metathesis, a chemical reaction involved in assembling and synthesizing organic substances. He discovered a class of stable catalysts for facilitating the reaction, allowing chemists to produce new, custom molecules that improve a wide range of products in industries such as pharmaceuticals and plastics.
“Professor Bob Grubbs was an incredibly accomplished graduate of UF, our college and the Department of Chemistry,” said David E. Richardson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of chemistry. “Bob was an ambassador for the chemical sciences and a friend to scientists in every corner of the world.”
One of two UF alumni to win a Nobel Prize, Grubbs earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in chemistry at the university, in 1963 and 1965, respectively. His master’s thesis advisor was the late UF professor of chemistry Merle Battiste. Grubbs went on to earn his PhD in chemistry at Columbia University.
In 2006, the University of Florida awarded Grubbs an honorary doctorate of science in recognition of his accomplishments as a scholar, researcher and mentor. He was further honored by the university with a permanent installation celebrating his contributions to science in the atrium of the Chemistry/Chemical Biology Building, which opened its doors in 2017.
Lisa McElwee-White, UF chemistry professor and chair, noted that Grubbs stayed engaged with the Department of Chemistry after his graduation. “Bob was many things: Caltech professor, Nobel laureate, entrepreneur, terrific human being — and he was also one of us,” she said.
The many honors Grubbs received throughout his career also include induction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015 and membership in both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.
The University of Florida, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Chemistry mourn Grubbs’ passing and extend condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
