Madison Reporter

University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry professor John Ralph, alongside collaborator Wout Boerjan from Ghent University in Belgium, has been awarded the forestry industry's top prize for their research on lignin, a key component of plant cell walls. The Marcus Wallenberg Foundation honored Ralph and Boerjan with the 2024 Marcus Wallenberg Prize for their groundbreaking work in understanding the molecular structure of lignin.

The award, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for forestry," recognizes scientific achievements that contribute to advancements in forestry and the forest products industry. According to the prize committee member Paul Dupree, Ralph and Boerjan's research has provided a conceptual framework for lignin biosynthesis and demonstrated the potential for new applications of lignin and its constituents.

Ralph, who works at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at UW–Madison's Wisconsin Energy Institute, utilizes advanced nuclear magnetic resonance methods to study lignin structure, subunits, and composition. Boerjan, on the other hand, employs a systems biology approach to identify key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis.

Expressing his gratitude for the award, Ralph credited his mentees and collaborators worldwide for their contributions to developing analytical methods and enhancing plant processes knowledge. He stated, "All have been passionate about science and research aimed at improving biomass for a more sustainable and climate-friendly economy."

The King of Sweden is set to present the prestigious prize to Ralph and Boerjan in November at a ceremony in Stockholm. Notably, Ralph becomes the third member of the UW–Madison community to receive this esteemed forestry award, following Joseph Buongiorno in 2023 and T. Kent Kirk in 1985. Established in 1981, the Marcus Wallenberg Prize is named after Swedish industrialist Marcus Wallenberg Jr., in recognition of his service to the forestry industry.

The groundbreaking research by Ralph and Boerjan not only contributes to the understanding of lignin but also opens up new possibilities for utilizing this abundant natural resource in sustainable energy and product innovations.