Fifty­-five years between chemistry and biology

The text discusses the development of bioorganic chemistry at the University of Tartu, highlighting the intersection of chemistry and biology in scientific breakthroughs. The author emphasizes the importance of adopting research methods and theoretical considerations from neighboring fields to achieve deep understanding and efficient design of bioactive substances. The fusion of chemistry and biology research disciplines led to changes in the university's curriculum, with the addition of bioorganic chemistry as a subject. The establishment of the Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and the Chair of Bioorganic Chemistry further solidified the field's presence at the university. The text also mentions the founding of the Laboratory of Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis, which played a significant role in studying enzyme kinetics and structure-activity relationships. The introduction of kinetic methods to study the interaction of bioactive compounds with cell receptors allowed for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms and drug specificity. The implementation of bioorganic chemistry into curricula facilitated research cooperation with other laboratories, both in Estonia and abroad. The author expresses gratitude to former PhD students and colleagues who contributed to the development of research and innovation in Estonia.