Oct
21
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter George Schatz
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Evanston
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminars
Recent News
No-sort plastic recycling is near
Chemists in Tobin Marks' Lab at Northwestern have developed a new nickel-based catalyst that can upcycle mixed plastic waste without pre-sorting. By breaking down common single-use plastics into valuable products, this breakthrough could make recycling more efficient, practical, and economically viable on a large scale.
CRISPR’s efficiency triples with DNA-wrapped nanoparticles
Researchers in Chad Mirkin’s Lab at Northwestern have developed lipid nanoparticle spherical nucleic acids (LNP-SNAs) — a powerful new system to deliver CRISPR tools more safely and effectively into cells. This breakthrough could expand CRISPR’s potential to revolutionize medicine by boosting efficiency and reducing toxicity.
First ‘perovskite camera’ can see inside the human body
Mercouri Kanatzidis' Lab in collaboration with researchers from Soochow University, have developed the first perovskite-based camera for nuclear medicine. This breakthrough detector captures gamma rays with unprecedented precision, enabling faster, clearer, and more affordable scans that could transform how doctors diagnose and treat disease.
Announcements & Events
Faculty Honors
James Gaynor receives 2025 Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering
Recent Awards
Lin Chen receives 2026 E. Bright Wilson Award in Spectroscopy
Upcoming Events
Oct
21
2025
L. Carroll King Lectures 2025: Brent Stockwell, Columbia Universi...
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Evanston
L. Caroll King Lectures: October 21-22, presented by Brent Stockwell, Columbia University Hosted by Xiaoyu Zhang
Oct
22
2025
L. Carroll King Lectures 2025: Brent Stockwell, Columbia Universi...
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Evanston
L. Caroll King Lectures: October 21-22, presented by Brent Stockwell, Columbia University Hosted by Xiaoyu Zhang Details to follow
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