Joseph P. Smith Named 2024 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy by Spectroscopy Magazine

Courtesy of Joseph P. Smith.

Joseph P. Smith, Director of Process R&D Enabling Technologies at Merck has been awarded the 2024 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of molecular spectroscopy in the pharmaceutical industry.

The award celebrates early-career scientists who have made notable strides in vibrational or electronic spectroscopy, including fields such as Raman, infrared, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Smith’s innovative research in spectroscopy, biocatalysis, protein engineering, and advanced data analysis has greatly influenced pharmaceutical process development, particularly in the areas of biologics and vaccines.

Smith, currently in the Data Rich Experimentation group within Process Research & Development at Merck, has been instrumental in the development of data-driven tools and methodologies that support pharmaceutical process optimization. Since joining Merck in 2017, he has authored 53 peer-reviewed articles and received over 1,240 citations for his work, earning an h-index of 15. Smith's leadership has driven the integration of machine learning, chemometrics, spectroscopy, and imaging into process analytical technology (PAT). He has also been recognized for his dedication to mentorship and outreach, actively supporting early-career scientists and students with disabilities in STEM fields. His career achievements include numerous awards, such as the Bruce Kowalski Award and the Glenn Skinner Memorial Award, further highlighting his impact on the field of molecular spectroscopy.

Smith will be presented with the award during the 2024 SciX conference in Raleigh, North Carolina during a plenary lecture on October 22. Smith’s lecture will focus on developing the next generation of spectroscopy enabling technologies for pharmaceuticals and beyond.