Mar
4
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter Todd Gingrich
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Evanston
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminars
Recent News
Chainmail-like material could be the future of armor
Will Dichtel and researchers from the Dichtel Group have unveiled the first 2D mechanically interlocked polymer. This nanoscale material, resembling chainmail, offers exceptional flexibility and strength. With potential applications in lightweight body armor, this innovation represents a significant breakthrough in durable, high-performance materials.
Green battery discovery turns trash into treasure
Researchers in the Malapit Group have repurposed triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), an industrial waste product, as a storage agent for redox flow batteries. This breakthrough offers a sustainable, metal-free alternative for energy storage, advancing efforts to transition to greener and more scalable energy solutions.
How ‘Conan the Bacterium’ withstands extreme radiation
A groundbreaking study from Brian Hoffman's lab uncovers the antioxidant that enables Deinococcus radiodurans to survive radiation doses 28,000 times higher than lethal levels for humans. This discovery paves the way for developing synthetic antioxidants tailored to human needs, with potential applications in protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation, enhancing preparedness for radiation emergencies, and advancing radiation-inactivated vaccine production.
Announcements & Events
In Memoriam
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Sir Fraser Stoddart (1942-2024)
Recent Honors
Chad Mirkin recipient of the 2025 Willard Gibbs Award
Upcoming Events
Mar
5
2025
Department of Chemistry Seminar: Scott Cushing, Caltech
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Evanston
Chemistry Seminar hosted by James Gaynor For information, please contact jenna.messing@northwestern.edu
Mar
11
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter Julia Kalow
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Evanston
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminars
Community Spotlight
The faculty, students, alumni, and staff who comprise our department are dedicated to outstanding research and scholarship.
Winter Newsletter
It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Sir Fraser Stoddart, a giant in the world of chemistry and a cherished member of our Northwestern community. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Beyond his scientific brilliance, Fraser was an unwavering mentor, a generous colleague, and a steadfast friend. He had a rare gift for engaging with people from all walks of life and at every stage of their careers, always listening with patience and sincerity. I am profoundly grateful for the time he spent talking with me, regardless of the subject.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life dedicated to discovery, mentorship, and the betterment of humankind. While this newsletter highlights many of the department’s accomplishments from the fall, it also reflects on Sir Fraser Stoddart’s lasting impact—his scientific contributions, his mentorship, and the profound influence he had on our community. Let us carry forward his passion for science, his generosity of spirit, and his relentless curiosity.
Our Research
Research at the Department of Chemistry is innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary by nature.
Cutting Edge Science
Watch our videos to learn more about the Chemistry at Northwestern.
Learn more about interdisciplinary training in the Department
Learn more about student leadership in the Department