Chad Mirkin receives American Chemical Society’s top honor
July 17, 2026
The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, will recognize Chad A. Mirkin with the 2027 Priestley Medal for his research, which has transformed how chemists design, synthesize and apply nanoscale materials.
Northwestern University’s Chad A. Mirkin will receive the 2027 Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society (ACS) in recognition of his landmark research and distinguished service to the field of chemistry. It is the highest honor bestowed by the world’s largest scientific society.
A global leader in supramolecular chemistry, nanoscience and nanotechnology, Mirkin has transformed how chemists design, synthesize and apply nanoscale materials. His work has led to the discovery and development of new classes of nanomaterials, including spherical nucleic acids. These tiny nanostructures have led to life-changing diagnostic tools and therapeutics based on the principles of structural nanomedicine. They also have laid a foundation for new approaches to design and synthesize new forms of nanoscale matter through colloidal crystal engineering with DNA.
“The Priestley Medal is a signature honor for a chemist,” Mirkin said. “The list of past winners is extraordinary, including many of the scientific luminaries of the last century, like Northwestern’s Fred Basolo, who played a key role in convincing me to come to Northwestern. It further validates what we set out to do three decades ago — to transform Northwestern into a scientific powerhouse and make it the world leader in nanoscience. It is an important recognition that also encompasses the efforts of hundreds of students and postdocs and many colleagues, who have significantly contributed to our scientific projects.”