Jacques H. van Boom (1937-2004)

Subject Fields
(Bio-Organic) Chemistry 
 
Born
Simpelveld, The Netherlands
 
Famous for
The 'van Boom's phosphotriester modification' which made it possible to synthesise DNA fragments both on a large scale and in an automated, solid support fashion.  Discoveries included the first single atom structure of a defined DNA duplex and a new type of duplex DNA (Z-DNA). 
 
Researcher in Leiden
1970-2004
 
Today in Leiden
The Leiden Institute of Chemistry boasts more than 60 PhD and numerous post-doc students supervised by Boom. He has also brought greater national and international prominence to the Institute, being one of the most influential Dutch scientists of the last 25 years.