Dr. Josep Cornellà receives the 2026 Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award

The award honors researchers for exceptional creativity and dedication in the fields of Organic Synthesis and Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry

Dr. Josep Cornellà, director at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award in Organic Synthesis. Established by the publishers of the Tetrahedron journals (Elsevier), the award honors researchers for exceptional creativity and dedication in the fields of Organic Synthesis and Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry. As part of the award, the laureates will be featured in a special issue of the Tetrahedron journals.

Cornellà’s research focuses on the discovery and implementation of bismuth redox catalysis as a conceptual alternative to canonical transition metal catalysis. His group has demonstrated the unique potential of this element in organic synthesis, opening sustainable pathways beyond traditional approaches.

The Tetrahedron family of journals is a leading platform for organic chemists worldwide. With a long tradition of publishing excellence, the journals provide expert peer review, dedicated editorial support, and the option to publish open access.

The Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award was established in 2005 and is presented annually to two outstanding early-career scientists. For 2026, the award in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry goes to Professor Jun Wang (Rutgers University). Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious distinctions for young researchers in chemistry, the award has recognized many scientists who have since shaped major advances in the field.