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Dr. Tak Mak
RSC Fellow, Academy of Sciences
Affiliation: University of Toronto
Dr. Tak Mak has earned international recognition for his success in isolating a molecular clone for the antigen receptor on T-lymphocytes. This discovery solved an enigma that had puzzled immunologists for two decades and opened avenues to the understanding of how the immune system rejects foreign cells, including those infected with viruses or transformed into malignancy. He has exploited his findings brilliantly with a series of papers delineating the molecular biology of normal lymphocytes and their malignant counterparts. His work has been acknowledged by Canadian and International awards. He is widely recognized as a leader in the field of molecular immunology.
Tak-Hang Chan
RSC Fellow, Academy of Sciences
Affiliation: McGill University
Keywords: Green chemistry, organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry
Tak-Hang Chan has pioneered in the development of new organic reactions and new synthetic methodologies. His imaginative use of organosilicon compounds has led to convenient syntheses of plant growth regulators, carbohydrates, and spruce budworm pheromones and insect anti-feedants. He has introduced reagents containing fluorine, tin, sulfur, selenium, indium, and many other elements into organic chemistry and made many otherwise difficult reactions possible. Recently he has discovered how to carry out some organometallic reactions in water, instead of using anhydrous solvents. Such reactions are likely to have a strong impact in organic synthesis. His work is making a host of strained and otherwise inaccessible molecules available by synthesis, and is being discovered and utilized by a world-wide community of chemists.