Rugby School Welcomes Professor Peter Sadler FRS for Lecture on Metals in Medicine

Rugby School’s Chemistry Department was delighted to host Professor Peter Sadler FRS, a world-leading researcher in the field of metals in medicine. Professor Sadler, whose pioneering work since the 1970s has shaped modern chemotherapy, arthritis treatments and MRI imaging reagents, delivered a compelling lecture to senior Chemistry students.

He outlined key developments in metal-based drugs, from early gold-containing arthritis medicines to the design and understanding of platinum anticancer therapies. Students also heard about his recent breakthroughs, including light-activated platinum and ruthenium drugs that precisely target cancer cells, and catalytic organometallic medicines that exploit mitochondrial vulnerabilities in tumours.

A memorable highlight came when Professor Sadler discussed the periodic table- and then recreated it from memory, illustrating the power of conceptual structure in chemistry. His visit offered students rare insight into cutting-edge medicinal research and the future of metal-based therapies.

Professor Sadler is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Warwick and Mok Hing Yiu Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong.