As this is the “2011: International Year of Chemistry” it is opportune to reflect onthe impact that the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has had on the pharmaceuticaland contract manufacturing industries. Between 1901 and 2010 the NobelPrize in Chemistry has been awarded 102 times to 160 Nobel Laureates for achievementsin a diverse range of chemistry, from polymers to biological chemistry, structuraland surface Chemistry, to quantum mechanics. This editorial will focus on thoseNobel Prizes that have had the biggest impact in the manufacture of pharmaceuticalsand fine chemicals. ...