Neil Kelleher Named 2023 Recipient of Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award

The Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry award, which is given out annually by the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and Pittcon, recognizes a scientist for significant contributions to the field of analytical chemistry by introducing new techniques or instruments to the field or allowing analytical chemistry to develop in major ways through one’s work. The 2023 recipient was Neil Kelleher.

Kelleher is the Walter and Mary E. Glass Professor of Molecular Biosciences and Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and a professor of medicine (hematology and oncology) in the Feinberg School of Medicine, both at Northwestern University. Along with his 60-person team, Kelleher focuses on top-down proteomics, natural products discovery, and cancer biology. He has consistently pushed for the growth and application of high-performance mass spectrometry in these fields. An internationally recognized scholar, leader, mentor, and teacher in modern proteomics and biological mass spectrometry, he has invented powerful new methods to analyze and understand how human cells work at the molecular level.

Kelleher has been recognized with numerous other awards, including the ASMS Biemann Medal and the Allen Distinguished Investigator Award.

Kelleher’s work spans over 400 publications with over 38,000 citations, 12 patents, and three entrepreneurial spin-offs. He also directs the National Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics at Northwestern University. Here, domestic and international researchers gain access to unique top-down proteoform characterization. This, along with Kelleher’s other efforts, have fueled many vital research projects, and, in the words of the award committee, “redefined the boundaries of what’s possible in modern proteomics and measurement science as they are applied to chemistry, biology, and clinical and translational research.”

Kelleher received the award in an award symposium hosted by Pittcon’s Brian Strohmeier. In addition to Kelleher, session speakers included Jonathan Sweedler of the University of Illinois, Gloria Sheynkman of the University of Virginia, Lloyd Smith of Virginia University, and Luca Fornelli of the University of Oklahoma.

The award symposium took place on Sunday, March 19, starting at 1:30 pm, with Pittcon itself being held from March 18–22.