Medicinal chemistry researcher receives fellowship

LAWRENCE — Barbara Timmermann, University of Kansas Distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, has been named a 2014 Fellow of the American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP), a distinction awarded to fewer than 5 percent of this professional organization’s members.

According to the ASP, they selected Timmermann in recognition of her lifelong accomplishments in the natural products sciences and her contributions to the society and the discipline of natural products chemistry. As a fellow, she will support and promote the discipline of natural products chemistry by example as well as by proactive efforts.

Timmermann served as president of the ASP from 2011 to 2012. The international group has more than 1,100 active members who work together to promote all aspects of natural product sciences. To be recognized as an ASP fellow, she said, is particularly meaningful.

“It is a great honor to join the other ASP fellows who represent the best of the best in evidence-based science and who serve as advocates for the ASP and natural products field.  This group has an important role as an advisory body to the ASP in scientific and professional matters of importance, not only to the society but also to all aspects of natural products research,” Timmermann said. “I am pleased for the opportunity to contribute with the knowledge I have acquired in my lifelong career in search of biologically active molecules from plant biodiversity for the benefit of human health."

Timmermann joined the KU School of Pharmacy faculty as a distinguished professor and served as chair of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry from 2005 to 2012. She is the director of the NIH-funded Center for Cancer Experimental Therapeutics. Since coming to KU, she has brought in more than $20 million in research funding.

School of Pharmacy Dean Ken Audus said Timmermann’s reputation as a world leader in the field of pharmacognosy brings much-welcomed international attention.

“Barbara has traveled the world to speak at various events and to present her research,” Audus said. “That should be a source of pride not only for her, but also for the School of Pharmacy, the University, and the state of Kansas.”