Purdue chemist honored for improving lives, creating jobs

Fred Regnier

Fred Regnier, Purdue University's John H. Law Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was honored for translating ideas into commercial products that make a difference in everyday life and create jobs for Indiana. He will receive the award, sponsored by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Wednesday (Feb. 8) to recognize his 40 patents, many now licensed by Indiana companies. Patents and technologies spawned in Regnier's lab have created more than 700 jobs and generated more than $2 million in royalties for Purdue.

"Among the many Purdue faculty who have used their research to make a direct impact on our quality of life, Fred Regnier is a renowned pioneer," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "His research on chromatography is directly responsible for the development of many life-saving biopharmaceuticals. The entire world has benefited from his vision and expertise."

This is the third year Purdue University has presented the award. Previous recipients include R. Graham Cooks, Purdue's Henry Bohn Hass Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in the College of Science; and Leslie Geddes, Purdue University's Showalter Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Bioengineering.

"The recipients of this award are legendary in their respective disciplines," said Victor L. Lechtenberg, vice provost for engagement. "They are held in the highest esteem by their peers throughout the world."

Regnier will present a lecture on his research at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8 in Stewart Center, Room 306. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Regnier, an expert in analytical chemistry and biochemistry, has contributed a number of innovations to industrial science. He says his early work on a technique for separating chemicals called chromatography is most representative of his scientific success. By the early 1970s, when Regnier learned of the idea, chemists had realized that by filtering a composite fluid through a tall tube filled with tiny particles, they could separate the fluid out into its component substances.

"Lab chromatography actually has nothing to do with colors, though the name seems to imply it does," Regnier said. "Years ago, scientists came up with the notion when they saw different colored layers of clay deep in the earth, which you can often see as you drive a roadway that has been carved from a hillside. T