Recent Events
In 2023, our Department had the privilege of hosting distinguished lectures and events that showcase the breadth and depth of our academic community.
2023 Oktoberfest
Our Oktoberfest celebration on September 15 welcomed new and returning students. This event provided incoming students with the opportunity to connect with returning members, fostering our Department's community. Oktoberfest marks not only the start of a new academic year but also encourages labs to intermingle, promoting innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research at Northwestern Chemistry.
2023 Malcolm Dole Distinguished Lectures in Physical Chemistry
In September, Professor Mischa Bonn from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, joined us for the 2023 Malcolm Dole Distinguished Lectures in Physical Chemistry. His engaging presentations over three days centered on the groundbreaking development and application of laser-based (ultrafast) spectroscopies, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of natural phenomena, with a particular focus on interfaces—often involving the intricate dynamics of water.
2023 L. Carroll King Memorial Lectures
During October, the Department welcomed John Sibert from the University of Texas at Dallas for the 2023 L. Carroll King Memorial Lectures. This unique series, created to honor King's unwavering commitment to education and innovation in chemistry, hosts chemists recognized not only for their scientific excellence but also for their outstanding contributions to teaching.
Professor Sibert, a former Hoffman group postdoc, was our guest lecturer demonstrating how relationships forged in the Department continue contributing to the field of chemistry education.
2023 Fred Basolo Medal for Outstanding Research in Inorganic Chemistry
The Fred Basolo Medal for Outstanding Research in Inorganic Chemistry Lecture and Award Dinner is a hallmark October event for the Department. This year, Paul Alivisatos, the University of Chicago president, was awarded for his work as a preeminent scientist in the field of inorganic chemistry. His research in nanomaterials that provided key applications of nanocrystals in biological imaging and renewable energy exemplifies the chemistry excellence that the Basolo Award celebrates.
The Department was joined by Fred Basolo's daughter, Peggy, as well as several of the ACS Chicago chapter at the Halim Museum for dinner. This created an inspiring evening to celebrate the visionary work of Fred Basolo and groundbreaking research laid the foundation for our Department to emerge as a global inorganic chemistry leader.
2020 Fred Basolo Medal for Outstanding Research in Inorganic Chemistry
In November, the Department awarded the 2020 Basolo Award Medal to Professor Omar Yaghi from UC, Berkeley, after postponing due to pandemic delays. A leader in the field of Reticular Chemistry, Prof. Yaghi joined the department’s weekly colloquium hour to deliver a captivating presentation on Organic Chemistry and Molecular Weaving in All Dimensions.
During this event, the 2022 Omar Farha Award for Research Leadership was presented to Sarah Petrosko. Created in 2011 to recognize Omar Farha after heroic service in a time of crisis, the Farha Award honors stewardship and collaborative leadership in advancing chemistry research.