Google Doodle honours Australia's only Nobel Prize winner in chemistry

Google's new Doodle may look like a bunch of items you'd find in your high school science class, but all those cartoon beakers are in celebration of Sir John Cornforth, Australia's only Nobel Prize-winner in chemistry.

Cornforth died just four years ago, just one year after his wife, scientist Rita Cornforth, passed away. The Doodle celebrates what would have been his 100th birthday.

Cornforth gained his Nobel Prize in 1975 for his work on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalysed reactions — not the easiest work to break down in layman's terms, but suffice to say rather important in the world of drug discovery.

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!

The degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) was conferred upon Sir John Warcup Cornforth at a ceremony held in the Great Hall on Nov. 2, 1977.Credit: University of sydneySEE ALSO:Google honors 'Mr. Trololo' Eduard Khil with his own lovely doodle video

According to his alma mater, the University of Sydney, Cornforth went deaf early in life, using textbooks instead of lectures and relying on fellow researcher and University of Sydney chemistry alumnus Rita for assistance with lip reading and sign language. The university now awards the Rita and John Cornforth Medal for Ph. D achievement.

---

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

• iRobot Roomba Essential Vac Q011 Robot Vacuum Cleaner—$159.99(List Price $249.99)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet—$142.49(List Price $219.99)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen With MagSafe USB-C Charging Case—$168.99(List Price $249.00)

• Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker With 6-Months Membership—$99.95(List Price $159.95)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm, Midnight, S/M, Sports Band)—$279.99(List Price $399.00)

---

Rita and Sir John Cornforth.Credit: University of sydney

“The Cornforths made a remarkable contribution to the world," says University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence. "It was perhaps Sir John’s determination to consult primary sources, and celebrate science as an ongoing endeavour, that made his work so precise and compelling.”

Google's other recent Australian Doodles include an Australia Day special on Jan. 26, featuring World Heritage Site the Great Barrier Reef, and a Doodle to celebrate iconic Aboriginal Australian artist Albert (Elea) Namatjira’s 115th birthday on Jul. 28.

TopicsGoogle