Cambrex Honors Dr. Song Lin with 2025 Snapdragon Prize for Chemistry Innovation
Cambrex Honors Dr. Song Lin with 2025 Snapdragon Prize for Innovation in Chemistry Technology
On February 19, 2026, Cambrex, a top global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), proudly announced Dr. Song Lin as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Snapdragon Prize for Innovation in Chemistry Technology. Dr. Lin, a Tisch University Professor specializing in chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell University, has made significant contributions to electrosynthetic chemistry, paving the way for innovative pharmaceutical development.
The Snapdragon Prize, which comes with a $50,000 unrestricted fund for Dr. Lin's lab, aims to recognize outstanding academic researchers in synthetic chemistry whose work demonstrates the capacity to drive advancements in pharmaceutical discovery. Dr. Lin’s research focuses on developing sustainable electrochemical methods that are vital for synthesizing complex organic molecules, particularly chiral compounds essential for pharmaceutical advancements.
Dr. Lin’s pioneering work has garnered him numerous accolades, including being a 2025 finalist for the Blavatnik National Awards and the 2023 recipient of the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award. His impressive track record also includes recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate in 2025 and a Green Chemistry Challenge Award winner in 2022. These honors highlight his profound impact on the scientific community and his dedication to innovation.
In a statement regarding the award, Matthew Bio, Chief Scientific Officer at Cambrex, emphasized the importance of innovation in pharmaceutical science: "Professor Lin's groundbreaking contributions in electrosynthetic chemistry embody the essence of the Snapdragon Prize. We are committed to supporting transformational research that will shape the future of drug discovery and manufacturing."
The Snapdragon Prize is a relatively new annual award initiated in 2024 by Snapdragon Chemistry, with the aim of recognizing leaders in the field whose research shows great potential for influencing pharmaceutical manufacturing and discovery. The inaugural prize went to Todd Hyster from Princeton University. This award highlights Cambrex’s dedication to scientific excellence and commitment to supporting the next generation of breakthroughs in pharmaceutical science.
Cambrex itself has been a key player in the pharmaceutical development scene for over 45 years, providing comprehensive services from drug substance development to manufacturing. The organization serves a diverse clientele across North America and Europe, offering expertise in various specialized drug substance technologies. The company is home to a team of 2,000 professionals, dedicated to advancing drug development processes through innovative solutions such as continuous flow and controlled substances.
The accolade bestowed upon Dr. Lin not only recognizes his individual accomplishments but also signifies a broader commitment to enhancing the pharmaceutical sector’s efficiency and sustainability. Cambrex’s ongoing support of transformative research through initiatives like the Snapdragon Prize reflects the organization’s vision to lead sustainable advancements in drug development, fostering a new era of innovation in the healthcare industry.
This prestigious acknowledgment serves as an inspiration to researchers worldwide, showcasing the vital role of innovative chemistry in the ongoing quest to improve drug discovery and manufacturing processes. As the field of pharmaceutical science continues to evolve, figures like Dr. Song Lin represent the forefront of what is possible through dedication, research excellence, and a commitment to sustainable practices.