"Other departments may have two or three of these pillars, but Northwestern has all four working together — and that’s what makes our department exceptional." - Omar Farha

At the State of the Department address on September 12, Department Chair Omar Farha reflected on a year of exceptional growth and achievement — and shared his vision for the foundations that will continue to guide Northwestern Chemistry’s success.

Farha introduced the department’s four pillars — Students, Staff, Shared Facilities, and Senior PIs (S4) — as the essential elements that sustain and strengthen the department’s excellence.

These highlights from the 2024–25 academic year illustrate the impact of the S4 pillars in action, showcasing how collaboration, innovation, and dedication are driving the department forward.

Pillar 1: Students

NU Chemistry Students Are Advancing Discovery Through Learning and Research

Students and postdoctoral scholars remain central to Northwestern Chemistry’s research mission.

• 269 students and 156 postdocscontributed to advancing faculty research across diverse areas of chemistry.
• Undergraduate engagement continues to grow, with majors nearly doubling— from 24 in 2025 to a projected 41 in 2027.

Pillar 2: Staff

The Staff in Our Department Sustain Excellence at Every Level

Staff are integral to ensuring the department operates effectively and efficiently.

• 44 staff memberssupport research, teaching, and operations across programs and facilities.
• Their outstanding contributions were recognized this year with the 2025 Mentor Awardand the Dean’s Excellence Award from Weinberg College.

Pillar 3: Shared Facilities

IMSERC a core facility of Northwestern Chemistry: Expanding Research Capabilities

Shared facilities remain a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration within the department.

• Since 2021, IMSERC usage and capabilities have doubled, supporting more than $1.2 millionin annual research projects.
• New instrumentation — including the Rigaku/JEOL microED/3DEDand 600 MHz DNP NMR — enhances capabilities for both Northwestern researchers and external collaborators.

Pillar 4: Senior PIs

Our Senior PIs are Leading with Global Impact

Northwestern Chemistry faculty continue to earn distinction for their contributions to the field.

• 14 faculty memberswere named to Clarivate’s 2024 Highly Cited Researchers™ list, recognizing their significant global influence.
• Faculty achievements at the national and international levels reflect the department’s continued leadership in advancing chemical science.