Robert H. Grubbs is an American chemist known for his work in the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the development of metathesis reactions. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005 for his contributions to the advancement of catalysis, which has significant applications in the production of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. Grubbs was born on February 27, 1942, in Possum Trot, Kentucky. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University and has held academic positions at various institutions, including the California Institute of Technology. His research has greatly influenced both academic and industrial chemistry.